Description
Rabbit Clinical Pathology by John Chitty. Rabbits frequently present with non-specific signs of illness and so clinical pathology is often indicated as part of the investigation of the sick rabbit. This talk will illustrate the tests available and the difficulties sin interpreting test results in rabbits. It will also discuss sample taking and handling which are of critical importance in obtaining good results, yet can be tricky in rabbits. The use of in-house tests versus external labs will be compared. Haematology and plasma biochemistry will comprise the major part of the talk. The use of blood glucose measurements in the assessment of pain (especially in gut stasis cases) will be included. The difficulties in diagnosing liver and kidney disease will be discussed. However, faecal and urinary changes (including both gross and microscopic changes) will be included along with the use of bacteriology and cytology. Serology of major infectious diseases will be discussed - including E cuniculi, an infection common in rabbits yet very hard to diagnose accurately in the live animal. PCR testing will also be discussed. John Chitty is RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine. Qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1990 and gained RCVS Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2000. He is Co-Director of a small animal/ exotics practice in Andover, Hampshire with a 100% avian/ exotics/ small mammal caseload- referral and first opinion, consultant to five zoological collections, a commercial laboratory and the Great Bustard Reintroduction project. He is also Co-editor of two texts on avian medicine, one on rabbit surgery and co-author of a textbook of tortoise medicine. John is author of various book chapters and papers on a range of species. He is Chairman of European Association of Avian Veterinarians and on editorial board of the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, Junior Vice-President of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association.