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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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Zoetis launches equine quality of life survey

News Story 1
 Zoetis UK has called on horse owners to complete a short online survey about their horse's behaviours.

The survey comes as the company collaborates with VetMetrica to develop a tool to measure health-related quality of life in horses. The tool is expected to be particularly useful for horses living with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or laminitis.

It will take approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey, which explores the relevance and clarity of each behaviour.

The survey can be found here. 

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News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.