Clinical diagnosis and outcome of cervicofacial cellulitis in pyrexic rabbits: six cases (2014-2021)

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the signalment, history, exam findings, diagnostics, treatment and outcome of rabbits diagnosed with pyrexia and concurrent cervicofacial cellulitis.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective evaluation of medical records of rabbits diagnosed with cervicofacial cellulitis and pyrexia based on physical exam, contrast-enhanced CT, clinicopathology and microbiology findings.

Results

Six out of 1588 rabbits met the study inclusion criteria. Rabbits presented with a median age of 6 years (range, 8 months to 8 years) with a presenting complaint of anorexia or hyporexia. All rabbits had a rectal temperature >40.2°C (104.4°F). Physical exam and contrast-enhanced CT revealed unilateral submandibular and ipsilateral cervical diffuse soft tissue swelling in five of six rabbits. No antemortem evidence of periodontal or dental disease was found on physical exam or CT. Leucopenia was present in five of six rabbits. A left shift with marked toxic changes was present in all four rabbits, for which blood smears were reviewed. Bacterial cultures of the aspirated subcutaneous soft tissue swelling cultured Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, Granulicatella adiacens, Streptococcus species, Haemophilus species and Bacteroides species. Treatment was pursued in five rabbits, where all rabbits received supportive care and four of five rabbits received systemic antibiotics. One rabbit was euthanased following a diagnosis of cervicofacial cellulitis. Three out of five rabbits continued to decline clinically despite medical management, and thus, euthanasia was pursued within 24 hours of starting treatment. Two rabbits responded to initial treatment and developed subsequent multi-focal abscessation. One rabbit was euthanased due to client cost constraints, and one rabbit died shortly after achieving clinical resolution of cervicofacial cellulitis.

Clinical Significance

Cervicofacial cellulitis should be considered a differential diagnosis in pyrexic rabbits with facial or cervical swelling with medical and surgical management pursued for therapy.