Síndrome gastrointestinal em coelho (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Gastrointestinal syndrome in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

ABSTRACT

Background: The term “rabbit gastrointestinal syndrome” (RGIS) refers to a decrease in peristaltic movements, which insome cases can progress to absolute inactivity of the digestive apparatus. This condition is mostly secondary to others thatpromote changes in gastrointestinal motility, such as dehydration, fiber deficiency, excess carbohydrates in diets, stress,and acute or chronic painful processes. Clinical manifestations are mostly nonspecific. Thus, a case of RGIS resultingfrom environmental change in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is reported.Case A 4-month-old male domestic rabbit weighing 0.962 kg was referred to a university veterinary hospital. The patient had a history of absence of defecation and anorexia for the past two days. The owner reported that the patient wasapathetic but became aggressive when manipulated. The changes started after a move of residence. On physical evaluation, an increase in abdominal volume and a painful response to touch on the abdomen were observed. Complementaryexaminations were performed, such as a blood count and an ultrasound study. The blood tests showed no alterations,but the ultrasound evaluation showed the presence of free abdominal fluid, dilated intestinal loops due to fluid content,reduced gastrointestinal motility, and a hyperechoic structure associated with acoustic shading in the small intestine, allfindings suggestive of obstruction. Given the failure of clinical management, the patient was referred for an exploratorylaparotomy procedure followed by enterotomy. The obstruction point was located near the ileocecal junction. After surgery,analgesics, antibiotics, fluid therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, intestinal motility inducers, and probiotics were prescribed.One week after the surgical procedure, the patient showed improvement in the clinical condition, with normal appetite,defecation, and docility...