Gastric dilatation and volvulus in a domestic rabbit

Abstract

Background

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is a well-documented, life-threatening condition in dogs and guinea pigs; however, it is rarely reported in rabbits.

Case description

A 3-year-old female spayed rabbit presented with a recent history of decreased appetite, no drinking, and being quiet and reluctant to move. On physical examination, the rabbit demonstrated discomfort during abdominal palpation. Whole-body CT scan revealed a GDV with the stomach rotated around the mesenteric axis. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, and the stomach was found to be rotated 180 degrees clockwise (from a caudal view). The stomach was de-rotated and an incisional gastropexy was performed. The rabbit was discharged 3 days postoperatively. At recheck examination 14 days postoperatively the rabbit was reportedly doing well with normal appetite, defecation, and energy levels. However, six days later the rabbit acutely died at home, and necropsy was declined by the owner.

Conclusions and case relevance

This publication is the first reported case of GDV in a rabbit, in the peer-reviewed literature. GDV should be included as a differential diagnosis in sick rabbits presented with nonspecific signs of lethargy and reduced food intake, as demonstrated by this case. While these clinical signs are common in many rabbit conditions, overlooking GDV as a possibility could have severe consequences given its potentially fatal nature.