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Study reports ante-mortem and post-mortem findings of rabbits with RHDV2
RHDV2 is currently spreading in areas of the world that were free from it until recently.

Researchers analyse case histories, macroscopic findings and histopathology results.

A new study reporting the clinical features of ante-mortem and post-mortem findings of rabbits with RHDV2 has been published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP).

In the study, vets were encouraged to submit case histories and the results of post-mortem examinations of pet rabbits that had died suddenly. Samples taken during the post-mortem were sent for histopathological examination.

Study co-author Frances Harcourt-Brown, said: “Case histories, macroscopic findings and histopathology results were available from 300 rabbits that died suddenly. Of these, 185 (62%) died from RHD and showed characteristic histopathological features of RHD including apoptosis and variable lytic and coagulative hepatocellular necrosis, with the varying distribution.

"Interestingly, macroscopic evidence of disease was not present in all cases – for example, gross liver abnormalities were only reported in 30 per cent of cases, despite all cases showing hepatocellular necrosis on microscopic examination."

She added: “Rapid death and death of other rabbits in the household were common features of RHD. Histopathology was also useful in yielding valuable information about other causes of death in the rabbits that did not die from RHD.”

Nicola Di Girolamo, editor of JSAP concluded: “This is a terrible disease that is currently spreading in areas of the world that were free from it until recently. Having more evidence on the type of clinical presentations and lesions that should be expected with this disease in rabbit patients is going to be of tremendous value for clinicians.

“Given that there is not always macroscopic evidence of RHD, histopathology is key for the diagnosis of RHD in pet rabbits.”

The study, “RHDV2 epidemic in UK pet rabbits. Part 1: clinical features, gross post-mortem and histopathological findings” can be found in the July issue of the JSAP which is free for BSAVA members. It can also be read online at onlinelibrary.wiley.com

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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.