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Experts raise awareness of rabbit GDV
Vets are being encouraged to use CT for the rapid diagnosis and targeted treatment of GDV.
Vets are being encouraged to use CT for rapid diagnosis.

Veterinary surgeons are being reminded about the potential for delayed or misdiagnosis of acute abdominal conditions in rabbits, such as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV).

The reminder from VetCT and Exotics Vet Support comes after a recent case in a seven-year-old rabbit that was presented for anorexia and had not passed faeces for more than 12 hours. 

Dr Dean Felkler, founder and CEO of Exotic Vet Support, said: “A full diagnostic investigation was performed. From the radiographs, it is difficult to appreciate the GDV. However, on the CT scan, reported by VetCT, it was very obvious when compared to the normal stomach orientation.”

After initial stabilisation, the rabbit had surgery for an incisional gastropexy to reorientate the stomach. Within 24 hours of surgery, the rabbit had recovered well and was eating and passing faeces. 

In light of this, vets are being encouraged to use CT for the rapid diagnosis and targeted treatment of GDV to improve outcomes. CT is being increasingly recognised for early, accurate diagnosis of pathology in rabbits, including conditions such as GDV, appendicitis and rhinitis.

Dr David Reese, director of VetCT Australia and exotics expert commented: “We are able to identify several life-threatening pathologies much more accurately with CT than radiographs. This is vital for early correction of acute surgical abdominal conditions to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.”

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.