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Giant rabbits susceptible to unusual fracture
"It is important that vets and owners are aware of the apparent increased risk of fractures." - Professor Dylan Clements.

The underlying reason for this is unclear, researchers say. 

Researchers and veterinary surgeons at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that giant breed rabbits are at risk of an unusual, but recoverable, type of fracture.


This discovery was made when four male neutered continental giant rabbits aged between 10 and 30 months were presented at the Dick Vet with femoral condylar fractures, all of which developed without a traumatic injury being observed. 

The fracture occurs at the end of the thigh bone, where it forms the knee joint with the lower leg, and the underlying cause of this unusual fracture affecting this breed is unclear. 

The study, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (behind a paywall), details four cases presented to the practice, in which stabilisation was achieved with screw fixation in all four rabbits, with additional fixation in three of the cases. 

Of the four rabbits presented, three recovered normal limb function, whilst one developed a femoral fracture as a consequence of the surgical intervention, and was treated with an amputation. 

The results of the study suggest that giant rabbits' predisposition to the fracture could be weakness in the bones, or that the fractures are caused by stress.

Professor Dylan Clements, professor of small animal orthopaedics, commented: “This is a very uncommon fracture, yet we saw it only in a less common breed of rabbit. 

“It is important that vets and owners are aware of the apparent increased risk of fractures of this sort in Continental Giant breed rabbits.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.