A case report of stomach rupture suspected due to gastrointestinal dilation in a female New Zealand White rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus
Abstract
New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit is a monogastric herbivore with special anatomy and physiology of digestion system that allows efficient nutrient extraction from a high-fiber diet. However, the lacking of fiber may cause gastrointestinal disturbance in the rabbit. Gastrointestinal dilation or obstruction also known as bloat is an acute, life threatening and the most common problem to occur in the rabbit. It is usually caused by complete or partial obstruction of the intestine or obstruction with the presence of abscesses or tumors in the gastrointestinal lumen. This paper reviews a case report of sudden death and gastric dilation of a ten-months-old female NZW rabbit without any abnormalities observed prior to death. Post mortem finding revealed complete stomach ruptured with digested contents dispersed into the thoracic cavity via ruptured diaphragm and haemothorax in the thoracic cavity. Complete history and clinical findings and evaluation with radiography are the best way to diagnose if gastrointestinal dilation can be noticed early, leading to appropriate treatment and therefore pose higher chances for the rabbit to survive.
