Dietary supplementation of potassium sorbate, hydrated sodium calcium almuniosilicate and methionine enhances growth, antioxidant status and immunity in growing rabbits exposed to aflatoxin B1 in the diet.

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with some feed additives (potassium sorbate; Sor, hydrated sodium calcium almuniosilicate; Hsc and L-methionine; L-M) against aflatoxin B1 (AF) toxicity in rabbits. A total of 72 growing rabbits (5-week-old) were distributed into six equal groups (4 replicates with 3 rabbits each). The experimental groups are as follows: control group, AF group (supplemented with AF 0.3 mg/kg diet), AF + Sor group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + Sor 2 g/kg diet), AF + Hsc group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + Hsc 5 g/kg diet), AF + L-M group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + L-M 8 g/kg diet) and AF + Mix group (AF 0.3 mg/kg diet + 2 Sor + 5 Hsc + 8 L-M g/kg diet). Live body weight and weight gain at 13 weeks of age were significantly reduced by AF. Feed intake at 13 weeks of age was decreased in AF, AF + Hsc and AF + Mix compared to the control. AF, AF + Hsc and AF + Mix showed the lowest total antioxidant capacity compared to the control. The highest level of reactive oxygen species and 8-Hydroxy-2-desoxyguanosine was observed in AF group. Using of other supplements with AF increased immunoglobulinM than AF alone. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Sor, L-M, Hsc or their mixture was effective in reducing the adverse effects of AF on performance, antioxidant and immune status of rabbits with more better improvement obtained by Sor or L-M separately.

[Blood gas analysis in rabbits during a completely antagonizable anesthesia with special focus on oxygen management]. / Blutgasanalyse beim Kaninchen während einer vollständig antagonisierbaren Anästhesie unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Sauerstoffmanagements.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences of different oxygen supplementation methods on arterial blood gas analysis during an injectable anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 29 rabbits with dental diseases (tooth elongation) were sampled before, during and after coronal reduction. Oxygen was provided either via the flow-by method or with a nasal oxygen tube; the control group breathed room air. RESULTS: All patients receiving oxygen developed respiratory acidosis that intensified during the course of anesthesia. Furthermore, these groups experienced reduced respiratory rates intraoperatively, nevertheless they showed elevated oxygen parameters (hyperoxemia) in the arterial blood gas analysis. No significant differences could be demonstrated between the 2 oxygen providing methods. In the control group, pH remained stable, the oxygen parameters however decreased to less than 80 mmHg (hypoxemia). CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no clinical consequences of hypoxemia or hyperoxemia, moderate oxygen support during an injectable anesthesia is recommended due to the development of hypoxemia. A balance between oxygen supply and oversupply needs to be established to aid in avoiding oxygen toxicity.

The effect of subchronic oral exposure to zearalenone on hematologic and biochemical analytes, and the blood redox status of adult rabbit bucks.

BACKGROUND: Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycoestrogen with a ubiquitous presence in animal feeds, which also has hematotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and immunotoxic properties. However, there is a paucity of literature that discusses the effects of ZEN on rabbits. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a prolonged, low-level (50 µg ZEN/kg body weight) exposure on the clinicopathologic and redox status analytes of rabbit bucks. METHODS: Ten adult bucks were included in the study. Each underwent a 7-week control period, followed by a 7-week exposure period. Water or ZEN solutions were daily administered orally (0.5 mL) during the control and exposure periods, respectively. Blood samples were collected weekly for Complete Blood Counts, serum biochemical analyte and reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) measurements. Data were analyzed using a mixed model, and the level of significance was set at a P of <0.05. RESULTS: During the ZEN exposure period, significant increases were noted in the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volumes (MPVs), as well as in the white blood cell, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. Significant increases were observed in aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin, whereas urea, creatinine, glucose, total calcium, sodium, and potassium concentrations were significantly decreased. The ROM concentrations did not differ significantly between the control and ZEN exposure periods. CONCLUSIONS: Under the present experimental conditions, ZEN affected some of the clinicopathologic analytes of adult rabbit bucks; these changes were mostly indicative of mild hepatocellular damage and dysfunction, inflammatory and/or allergic responses, and renal tubular damage. A ZEN dose of 50 µg/kg body weight did not seem to affect the blood redox status of bucks, as evaluated by the ROM concentrations.

Dietary fish oil and flaxseed for rabbit does: fatty acids distribution and Δ6-desaturase enzyme expression of different tissues.

Standard feeds are imbalanced in term of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio, with a low proportion of the latter. The reproductive system appears to be strongly affected by administration of n-3 PUFA, and ingredients rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA; i.e. vegetable sources) or EPA and DHA acids (i.e. fish oil) can be included in animal diets to balance PUFA intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with flaxseed (ALA) or fish oil (EPA and DHA) on PUFA metabolism in rabbit does. A total of 60 New Zealand White female rabbits were assigned to three experimental groups: control group, FLAX group fed 10% extruded flaxseed and FISH group fed 3% fish oil. Blood, milk, liver and ovaries were collected from the does to assess the lipid composition; furthermore, FADS2 gene expression was assessed in liver and ovary tissues. Reproductive performance of does was also recorded. The fertility rate and number of weaned rabbits improved with n-3 dietary supplementation: does at first parity showed the lowest reproductive results, but the administration of n-3 reduced the gap between primiparous and multiparous does. Feed consumption and milk production were not affected by the feeding regime. The fatty acid composition of milk, plasma, liver and ovaries were widely influenced by diet, showing higher concentrations of n-3 long-chain PUFA (LCP) in does fed with n-3 enriched diets. FISH diet resulted in the highest n-3 LCP enrichment, whereas in the FLAX group, this increase was lower. Blood and milk showed low levels of LCP, whereas liver and ovaries were the main sites of n-3 LCP synthesis and accumulation. Accordingly, although the liver is the main metabolic centre for LCP synthesis, ovaries also have a prominent role in LCP generation. FADS2 expression in liver and ovary tissue was downregulated by FISH administration. In conclusion, the enrichment of diets with n-3 PUFA could be an effective strategy for improving the reproductive performance of does.

Autologous and homologous skin grafts treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP): experimental study in rabbits / Enxertos cutâneos autólogos e homólogos tratados com plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP): estudo experimental em coelhos

The aim of the present study was to compare tissue repair of skin defects in rabbits submitted to autologous and homologous grafts treated or not with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). We selected nine rabbits and constituted four groups, designated as G1, in which were performed autologous graft treated with PRP; G2, autologous graft only; G3, homologous graft treated with PRP; and G4, homologous graft only. Macroscopic and histomorphometric evaluation was realized. The histomorphometric evaluation was performed by Hematoxylin/Eosin and Masson´s Trichrome staining with quantification of collagen fibers, macrophages, fibroblasts and vessels. The autologous graft treated with PRP showed positive influence on the early stage of the tissue repair process at the macroscopic evaluation, characterized by rosy color and cosmetic appearance. At the histomorphometric evaluation, there was no statistical difference in the number of macrophages and fibroblasts between the treated grafts or not with the PRP, as well as the quantification of vessels and collagen fibers. It can be concluded that PRP promotes a positive influence on the initial phase or "take" of the graft.(AU)

Objetiva-se com o presente estudo comparar a reparação tecidual de defeitos cutâneos em coelhos, submetidos a enxertos autólogos e homólogos, tratados ou não com plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP). Para isso, foram selecionados nove coelhos e constituídos quatro grupos experimentais, designados como G1, no qual foi realizado enxerto autólogo tratado com PRP; G2, enxerto autólogo; G3, enxerto homólogo tratado com PRP; e G4, enxerto homólogo. Foram realizadas avaliações macroscópica e histomorfométrica, por meio das colorações de Hematoxilina/Eosina e Tricômio de Masson, incluindo quantificação de fibras colágenas, contagem de macrófagos, fibroblastos e vasos. O uso do enxerto autólogo com PRP influenciou positivamente na fase inicial do processo de reparação tecidual à avaliação macroscópica, caracterizada por coloração rósea e de aspecto cosmético. À avaliação histomorfométrica, não houve diferença estatística quanto ao número de macrófagos e fibroblastos entre os enxertos tratados ou não com o PRP, bem como quanto às contagens de vasos e a quantificação das fibras colágenas. Conclui-se que o PRP sob a promoveu influência positiva na fase inicial ou de "pega" do enxerto autólogo.(AU)

Effects of boldenone undecylenate on growth performance, maintenance behaviour, reproductive hormones and carcass traits of growing rabbits.

The present study was done to evaluate the effect of boldenone undecylenate (BOL) on growth performance, maintenance behaviour, reproductive hormones and carcass traits of male rabbits. Sixty apparently healthy New Zealand White male rabbits, 5 weeks of age, were allotted to 3 equal groups. Each group was subdivided into 5 replicates, where the first group is control. The second group (B1) comprised rabbits that received 2 intramuscular injections of BOL (5 mg/kg) with 3 week intervals (9 and 12 weeks of age), while the third group (B2) included rabbits that received 3 intramuscular injections of BOL (5 mg/kg) with 2 week intervals (8, 10 and 12 weeks of age). The end of the trial was after 4 weeks from the last injection (16 weeks of age). The results revealed that the treated groups had a significant increase in total body weight, daily gain and feed efficiency, with a significant decrease in feed conversion ratio (FCR). Ingestive, locomotion and grooming behaviors were significantly higher in treated groups. Lateral pasture and exploratory behaviors were significantly higher in the control group. Administration of BOL resulted in a significant increase in dressing % and a significant decrease in testes %. Groups treated with BOL had a significantly (P<0.05) decreased serum testosterone level, simultaneously with a significantly increased estradiol level. The results indicate that BOL improves performance and carcass traits. Furthermore, there are hormonal-behavioral correlations through enhancement of ingestive and locomotion behaviors of treated animals.

Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic rabbits of Northeastern Brazil.

The present study aimed to conduct a serosurvey of toxoplasmosis in domestic rabbits of Northeastern Brazil. Blood samples and tissue fragments (brain, heart and diaphragm) were collected from 150 and 54 rabbits from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, respectively. The serum samples were subjected to serological analysis (Modified Agglutination Test - MAT) and the tissue samples were assessed by PCR and histopathological analysis. Data collected through questionnaires were subjected to analysis of risk factors. According to the MAT and the PCR results, 6.7% (10/150; CI 3.2%-11.9%) of the rabbits were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies and 9.25% (5/54) of the tissue fragments were positive for T. gondii DNA, respectively. Lesions associated with T. gondii infection, mainly characterized by granuloma, mononuclear cell infiltrates, degeneration areas and necrosis in brain and heart, were detected in the histopathological analysis. The risk factors associated with T. gondii infection identified in the present study were homemade food (odds ratio = 39.00) and contact between cats and rabbits (odds ratio = 52.00). This is the first report of toxoplasmosis in rabbits of Northeastern Brazil. The management problems identified in the present study must be corrected to reduce the frequency of positive animals in herds of rabbits.

Method to obtain platelet-rich plasma from rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus ) / Método de obtenção de plasma rico em plaquetas de coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a product easy and inxpesnsive, and stands out to for its growth factors in tissue repair. To obtain PRP, centrifugation of whole blood is made with specific time and gravitational forces. Thus, the present work aimed to study a method of double centrifugation to obtain PRP in order to evaluate the effective increase of platelet concentration in the final product, the preparation of PRP gel, and to optimize preparation time of the final sample. Fifteen female White New Zealand rabbits underwent blood sampling for the preparation of PRP. Samples were separated in two sterile tubes containing sodium citrate. Tubes were submitted to the double centrifugation protocol, with lid closed and 1600 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 10 minutes, resulting in the separation of red blood cells, plasma with platelets and leucocytes. After were opened and plasma was pipetted and transferred into another sterile tube. Plasma was centrifuged again at 2000rpm for 10 minutes; as a result it was split into two parts: on the top, consisting of platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and at the bottom of the platelet button. Part of the PPP was discarded so that only 1ml remained in the tube along with the platelet button. This material was gently agitated to promote platelets resuspension and activated when added 0.3ml of calcium gluconate, resulting in PRP gel. Double centrifugation protocol was able to make platelet concentration 3 times higher in relation to the initial blood sample. The volume of calcium gluconate used for platelet activation was 0.3ml, and was sufficient to coagulate the sample. Coagulation time ranged from 8 to 20 minutes, with an average of 17.6 minutes. Therefore, time of blood centrifugation until to obtain PRP gel took only 40 minutes...

O plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) é um produto de fácil obtenção a baixo custo, destacando-se pelos seus fatores de crescimento na reparação tecidual. Para obtenção do PRP, a centrifugação do sangue total é realizada com tempos e forças gravitacionais específicas. Assim, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar o método da dupla centrifugação para obtenção do PRP, a fim de avaliar a eficácia de aumento da concentração de plaquetas no produto final, a preparação de gel de PRP e otimizar o tempo de preparação da amostra final. Quinze coelhos Nova Zelândia Branco, fêmeas, foram submetidos à coleta de sangue para a preparação de PRP. As amostras foram separadas em dois tubos estéreis contendo citrato de sódio. Os tubos foram submetidos ao protoloco de dupla centrifugação, com a tampa fechada a 1600 revoluções por minuto (rpm) durante 10 minutos, resultando na separação dos glóbulos vermelhos, plaquetas e plasma contendo os leucócitos. Na sequência, foram destapados para pipetar o plasma e transferí-lo para outro tubo de estéril. O plasma foi novamente centrifugado a 2000pm durante 10 minutos, resultando em duas partes: a parte superior, que consistia em plasma pobre em plaquetas (PPP) e a parte inferior do botão de plaquetas. Parte PPP foi descartado de modo que apenas 1ml de PPP permaneceu no frasco juntamente com o botão de plaquetas. Este material foi agitado suavemente para promover a ressuspensão das plaquetas, o que resultou na produção de PRP. O protocolo de centrifugação dupla foi capaz de promover a concentração de plaquetas 3 vezes maior em relação à amostra de sangue inicial. O volume de gluconato de cálcio utilizado para a ativação das plaquetas foi de 0,3ml, e foi suficiente para coagular a amostra, e o tempo de coagulação variou de 8 a 20 minutos, com uma média de 17,6 minutos. O tempo da centrifugação do sangue até a obtenção do PRP gel levou apenas 40 minutos...

Alleviative effect of some phytochemicals on cyadox-induced oxidative damage in rabbit erythrocytes.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of cyadox (CYA), cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and resveratrol (RES) on rabbit isolated erythrocytes in two experiments. Experiment 1 evaluated the effects of different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100) µg/mI of CYA and pM of both CIN and RES separately on isolated erythrocytes in order to make the concentration response curve. Results indicated that CYA caused a significant depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) content compared to control at 40 µg/ml and the depletion increased by increasing the concentration. On the other hand, both RES and CIN showed a highly significant elevation of GSH content at 40 µM being more effective by increasing concentrations. Experiment 2 investigated the potential benefits of using CIN and RES separately or in combination on CYA induced alterations in isolated rabbit erythrocytes (the used concentrations were based on the results of experiment 1). Results revealed that exposure to CYA caused a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) and total protein (TP) contents, CYA also elevated extracellular hemoglobin (Hb) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), increased the malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PrC) contents with increasing caspase3 and caspase8 activities suggesting CYA pro-oxidant effect. Both CIN and RES were able to inverse these hazardous effects of CYA. However, CIN was more effective than RES, and their combination showed a positive synergistic effect in protecting cells against oxidative injury caused by CYA.

Antibodies to ovine herpesvirus 2 glycoproteins decrease virus infectivity and prevent malignant catarrhal fever in rabbits.

Ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) is the etiological agent of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF), a fatal lymphoproliferative disease of many species in the order Artiodactyla. Development of a vaccine is critical to prevent mortality. Because OvHV-2 has not been cultured in vitro, SA-MCF research is hindered by the lack of in vitro tools to study viral constituents and specific host immune responses. As an alternative, in this study the neutralizing activity of antibodies against OvHV-2 glycoproteins gB and gH/gL was evaluated in vivo using rabbits. OvHV-2-specific antibodies were developed in rabbits by immunization using biolistic delivery of plasmids expressing the genes of interest. A lethal dose of OvHV-2 was incubated with the antisera and then nebulized into rabbits. Virus neutralization was assessed by measuring infection parameters associated with the virus infectious dose. Anti-gB or anti-gH/gL antibodies alone blocked infection in five out of six rabbits (83%), while a combination of anti-gB and anti-gH/gL antibodies protected all six rabbits (100%) from infection. These results indicate that antibodies to OvHV-2 gB and gH/gL are capable of neutralizing virions, and consequently, reduce virus infectivity and prevent SA-MCF in rabbits. Thus, OvHV-2 gB and gH/gL are suitable targets to be tested in a SA-MCF vaccine aimed at stimulating neutralizing antibody responses.

Effects of FSH extracted from in vitro cultured anterior pituitary cells of male buffalo calves on body and testes weight, serum FSH and total cholesterol and hematological variables in male rabbits.

In this study, anterior pituitary glands were collected from 12 young male buffalo calves after slaughter, cultured with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and estrogen stimulus and the extract obtained. Adult male rabbits (n = 15) were divided into three equal groups. Rabbits of Group A served as control; those of Groups B and C were given extract containing 4 and 8 mIU of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), respectively twice daily for 3 weeks. Body weight of rabbits was recorded before and after treatment; blood samples were collected after treatment and analyzed for hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), platelet counts, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), while serum samples were analyzed for FSH and total cholesterol. Then, all rabbits were slaughtered, and weight of paired testes was recorded. Results showed that the values for weight gain, RBC count, WBC count, PCV and MCH did not differ among rabbits of three groups. Blood Hb was greater (P < 0.05) in rabbits of Group B than Group C. Testis weight, serum FSH, total cholesterol and blood platelets count were greater in rabbits of Groups B and C, while MCV was less in rabbits of Group C, compared to the control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in vitro cultured cells of adenohypophysis from male buffalo calves showed FSH activity. This FSH increased testes size, serum FSH, total cholesterol and blood platelets counts and decreased MCV in rabbits. However, it had no effect on weight gain, RBC counts, WBC counts, PCV and MCH.

Effects of ultraviolet radiation produced from artificial lights on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in captive domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of UVB radiation produced by artificial lights on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi). ANIMALS: 9 juvenile domestic rabbits. PROCEDURES: After an acclimation period, rabbits were anesthetized with isoflurane, and an initial blood sample was collected for determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Rabbits were randomly assigned to receive 12-hour exposure to UVB radiation produced by 2 compact fluorescent lights daily (n = 5) or no UVB supplementation (4) commencing on day 1. The UVB radiation emitted into the cage was measured at 9 points approximately 34 cm from the surface of the UVB light sources (representing the position of the rabbits in the cage) after 10 hours of exposure on days 1, 8, and 14. On day 14, another blood sample was collected from anesthetized rabbits for determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. RESULTS: The UVB radiation level was 8.3 to 58.1 µW/cm² for the exposed rabbits and consistently < 0.001 µW/cm² for the control rabbits. Mean ± SD serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in the rabbits that were or were not provided supplemental UVB radiation for 14 days differed significantly (66.4 ± 14.3 nmol/L and 31.7 ± 9.9 nmol/L, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Exposure to UVB radiation produced by artificial light significantly increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in juvenile rabbits. Because vitamin D is an essential hormone in vertebrates, these findings suggested that the provision of supplemental UVB radiation to captive rabbits may be important.

Rabbit antithymocyte globulin treatment in childhood acquired severe aplastic anemia.

Acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a life threatening bone marrow failure characterized by pancytopenia and hypocellular bone marrow. Matched sibling donor is not available for majority of the patients and many children receive immunosuppressive therapy (IST). Although horse antithymocyte globuline (ATG) is the preferred option, our patients received rabbit ATG; since horse ATG is not available in Turkey. We reviewed the medical records of children with SAA who were treated with rabbit ATG, cyclosporine, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) between 2006 and 2012. Fifteen children with SAA aged between 1.5 and 17 years received rabbit ATG as first line treatment. Only two of them showed partial response and the others did not give any response at 3rd, 6th, and 12th months after the first course of IST. The second course of ATG was given to 8 of the patients; Rabbit ATG at the same dosage was used for 3 of them, and others were given horse ATG. None of the patients responded to the second course of ATG. Invasive fungal infection (IFI) which was seen in 80% of the patients was the most significant problem. Overall survival rate was 60%. The median time between the diagnosis and initiation of IST was 57 (range; 29-144) days. This delay might be significantly contributed to unresponsiveness. In our series, the use of rabbit ATG was not effective for these patients as first line treatment modality. Response rate was very low and the incidence of fungal infections was very high in the SAA patients who received rabbit ATG.

Avaliação hematológica e bioquímica renal de coelhos sob anestesia no acuponto yintang com tiletamina e zolazepam / Renal hematological and biochemical evaluation on rabbits under anesthesia at the yintang acupoint with tiletamine and zolazepam / Evaluación hematológica y bioquímica renal en conejos bajo anestesia en el acupunto yintang con tiletamina y zolacepam

Seis animais foram submetidos à farmacupuntura com tiletamina e zolazepam intramuscular (Grupo I) e seis (Grupo II) receberam 10% da dose no acuponto yintang. Os do grupo GI permaneceram em decúbito lateral. Depois de 20 minutos, dois apresentaram sonolência com capacidade de locomoção durante todo período de avaliação e um permaneceu em decúbito esternal. Todos os coelhos do grupo II apresentavam aos 20 minutos em decúbito esternal. Notou-se em ambos os grupos a presença dos reflexos corneal, auricular, interdigital e palpebral. Nos animais do GI ocorreu aumento significativo dos leucócitos e nos dois grupos observou-se aumento de eritrócitos, hematócrito e plaquetas. A associação tiletamina-zolazepam, quando administrado no acupontoyintang ocasiona modificações moderadas dos parâmetros fisiológicos e alterações hematológicas, sem alterar as funções fisiológicas dos coelhos. Os fármacos injetados no acuponto permitem à contenção química dos animais durante 20 minutos.(AU)

Six rabbits were submitted to pharmacopuncture with intramuscular tiletamine (Group I) and six (Group II) received 10% of the dose in the yintang acupoint. Group I remained in lateral recumbency. After 20 minutes, two presented drowsiness with the capacity of locomotion throughout the assessment period, and one remained in sternal recumbency. All rabbits in Group II stayed 20 minutes in sternal recumbency. In both groups, the presence of corneal, ear, eyelid and interdigital reflections could be noticed. In the animals in GI, there was a significant increase in leukocytes, and both groups presented an increase in erythrocytes, hematocrit and platelet count. The tiletamine-zolazepam association, when administered in the yintang acupoint, causes moderate changes in physiological parameters and hematological changes without altering the physiological functions of rabbits. The drugs injected at the acupoint allow the chemical restraint of animals for 20 minutes.(AU)

Seis animales fueron sometidos a farmacupuntura con tiletamina y zolacepam intramuscular (Grupo I) y seis (Grupo II) recibieron 10% de la dosis en el acupunto yintang. Los del grupo GI permanecieron en decúbito lateral. Después de 20 minutos, dos presentaron somnolencia con capacidad de locomoción durante todo el período de evaluación y uno permaneció en decúbito esternal. Todos los conejos del grupo II presentaron a los 20 minutos decúbito esternal. Se observó en ambos los grupos la presencia de reflejos corneal, auricular, interdigital y de párpado. En los animales del GI ocurrió aumento significativo de leucocitos y en los dos grupos se observó aumento de eritrocitos, hematocrito y plaquetas. La asociación de tiletamina-zolacepam, cuando administrado en el acupunto yintang provoca cambios moderados de los parámetros fisiológicos y alteraciones hematológicas, sin alterar las funciones fisiológicas de los conejos. Los medicamentos inyectados en el acupunto permiten la contención química de los animales durante 20 minutos.(AU)

Use of arterial blood gas analysis as a superior method for evaluating respiratory function in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

A retrospective study compared invasive (arterial blood gas analysis) and non-invasive (capnography and pulse oximetry) methods of monitoring respiratory function in conscious rabbits. Arterial samples from 50 healthy dwarf lop rabbits, presenting for routine surgical neutering, were analysed on a point-of-care blood gas analysis machine. Reference intervals were obtained for pH (7.35-7.54), PaCO2 (mm Hg) (25.29-40.37), PaO2 (mm Hg) (50.3-98.2), base excess (mmol/l) (6.7-6.5), HCO3 (mmol/l) (17.96-29.41), TCO2 (mmol/l) (18.9-30.5). SaO2 (per cent) (88.8-98.0), Na (mmol/l) (137.6-145.2), K (mmol/l) (3.28-4.87), iCal (mmol/l) (1.64-1.94), glucose (mmol/l) (6.23-10.53), haematocrit (per cent) (23.3-40.2) and haemoglobin (mg/dl) (7.91-13.63). Pulse oximetry (SPO2) and capnography (ETCO2) readings were taken concurrently. There was no statistically significant relationship between SPO2 and SaO2 with a mean difference between SPO2 and SaO2 of 8.22 per cent. There was a statistically significant relationship between ETCO2 vs PaCO2, but a wide range of ETCO2 values were observed for a given PaCO2. The mean difference between these was 16.16 mm Hg. The study has provided reference intervals for arterial blood gas analysis in rabbits and demonstrated that capnography and pulse oximetry readings should not be relied upon in conscious rabbits as a guide to ventilation and oxygenation.

Arterial blood gas parameters in pet rabbits anaesthetized using a combination of fentanyl-fluanisone-midazolam-isoflurane.

OBJECTIVES: Blood gas analysis is a well-recognized method to monitor pulmonary function, blood oxygenation, ventilation and acid-base status during general anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to report blood gas analysis results in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) obtained during general anaesthesia using a portable clinical analyser. METHODS: Thirty-two rabbits were premedicated with 0·2 mL/kg fentanyl and fluanisone. Anaesthesia was induced with 0·2 mg/kg midazolam and maintained with 2% isoflurane in oxygen via endotracheal tube. Arterial blood samples were taken from the central ear artery 10 minutes after induction of anaesthesia. RESULTS: Respiratory acidaemia was observed during anaesthesia. Mean ±sd (range) arterial blood pH was 7·33 ±0·08 (7·15 to 7·48). PaCO2 and PaO2 were, respectively, 55·02 ±10·5 (37·7 to 92·1) mmHg and 370·0 ±120·5 (67 to 561) mmHg. Base excess was 2·8 ±3·6 (-3 to 11) mmol/L, HCO3 was 28·73 ±3·07 (23·7 to 35·4) mmol/L and TCO2 was 30·4 ±3·2 (25 to 37) mmol/L. None of the rabbits developed haematoma during arterial blood collection or ischaemia of the pinna during the hospitalization period. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Arterial blood gas analysis is a safe and easy to perform diagnostic technique that can contribute to improved safety of rabbit anaesthesia, by providing information on the respiratory and metabolic status of the patient.

Point-of-care blood gas and electrolyte analysis in rabbits.

This article outlines a practical approach for the use of blood-gas analysis in pet rabbits using the I-STAT analyzer. Sampling techniques and a theoretic approach to diagnosis are described. The following 95% RI were obtained from venous samples of 45 healthy rabbits: pH (7.245-7.533), PCO(2) (28.9-52.9 mm Hg), HCO(3) (17.0-32.5 mmol/L), total CO(2) (18-34 mmol/L), BE(ecf) (-10-8 mmol/L), AnGap (11-26 mmol/L), Na (136-147 mmol/L), K (3.4-5.7 mmol/L), Cl (93-113 mmol/L), Glu (93-245 mg/dL), BUN (9-33 mg/dL). Results from 20 arterial samples were pH (7.358-7.502), PCO(2) (29.1-36.8 mm Hg), HCO(3) (17.5-27.6 mmol/L), BE(ecf) (-7-5 mmol/L), PO(2) (75-101 mm Hg), iCa (1.67-1.85). The article also includes some conclusions obtained comparing results from healthy and ill rabbits over an 18-month period.

Influence of diet on calcium metabolism, tissue calcification and urinary sludge in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Rabbits absorb more calcium (Ca) from their diet than they require, and excrete surplus via urine, which therefore contains a typical 'sludge'. This makes rabbits susceptible to Ca-containing uroliths. But given the Ca content of diets of free-ranging specimens, and the limited reports of urinary sludge and Ca contents in free-ranging lagomorphs, we can suspect that rabbits are naturally adapted to high urinary Ca loads. We fed four groups of New Zealand hybrid rabbits [n = 28, age at start 5-6 weeks) pelleted diets consisting of lucerne hay only (L, Ca 2.32% dry matter (DM)], lucerne:oats 1:1 (LG, Ca 1.36%), grass hay only (G, Ca 1.04%), or grass:oats 1:1 (GG, 0.83%) for 25 weeks, with water available ad libitum. Diets were not supplemented with Ca, phosphorus, or vitamin D. Rabbits on diets LG and GG had lower food and water intakes, lower faeces and urine output, grew faster and had higher body mass at slaughter (mainly attributable to adipose tissue). Apparent Ca digestibility decreased in the order L-LG-G/GG. Rabbits on L had larger and heavier kidneys, more urinary sediment at sonography, and a higher urinary Ca content than the other groups. No animal showed signs of urolithiasis/calcinosis at X-ray, sonography, or gross pathology. Kidney/aorta histology only sporadically indicated Ca deposits, with no systematic difference between groups. Under the conditions of the experiment, dietary Ca loads in legume hay do not appear problematic for rabbits, and other factors, such as water supply and level of activity may be important contributors to urolithiasis development in veterinary patients. However, due to the lower Ca content of grass hay, the significantly lower degree of urinary sludge formation, and the significantly higher water intake related with grass hay feeding, grass hay-dominated diets are to be recommended for rabbits in which urolithiasis prevention is an issue.

Gestational losses in a rabbit line selected for growth rate.

Prenatal death can occur due to several genetic and environmental factors which alter normal embryo development, maternal environment to support normal fertilisation, development of embryos, placenta and foetus, or affect the necessary relationship between embryo and endometrium. The aim of this work was to study gestational losses and progesterone, 17 ß-estradiol and IGF I serum levels in a rabbit line selected for growth rate (paternal line). In this study, a maternal line well characterised in previous studies was used as a reference line. A total of 211 laparoscopies were carried out, and the number of corpora lutea and implanted embryos at 12th days, total born and live born were recorded per female. To analyse the endocrine levels, blood serum was collected from 54 females with implanted embryos at 12th and 24th day of gestation (27 from each line). The paternal line showed the lowest ovulation frequency, number of implanted embryos, total born and live born (0.70, 11.3, 7.4, and 6.4 vs 0.86, 12.8, 11.1 and 10.6 for maternal line, respectively) and consequently, the highest implantation, gestational, foetal and perinatal losses (0.31, 0.60, 0.40, and 0.15, respectively). Progesterone serum levels at 12th days of gestation were similar between lines; however, progesterone serum level at 24th day of gestation was significantly lower in the paternal line (4.8 vs 8.2 ng/mL). Serum levels of 17ß-estradiol and IGF-I at 12th days of gestation were different between lines (14.6 vs 26.5 pg/mL, 237 vs 149 ng/mL for paternal and maternal lines respectively). These higher gestational losses of the paternal line could be explained by differences in 17 ß-estradiol level at 12th days of gestation and the possible effect on low progesterone serum levels at 24th days of gestation. Further studies in steroid production and bioavailability have to be done during oestrus and pregnancy related with metabolic activity of this line.

Molecular and immunological characterization of Fasciola antigens recognized by the MM3 monoclonal antibody.

Fascioliasis is a re-emerging parasitosis produced by liver flukes of the genus Fasciola. In this study we used protein fingerprinting (PMF) and MS/MS analysis to investigate the Fasciola secretory antigens that are recognized by mAb MM3. The results showed that mAb MM3 binds to several Fasciola cathepsins L1 and L2, but also co-purifies a Kunitz-type protein previously described in F. hepatica, which appears to bind to Fasciola cathepsins L. After identifying the target antigens for mAb MM3, we cloned and expressed a cathepsin L1 isoform in E. coli (gb|FR848428), which after refolding exhibited the MM3-recognized epitope and displayed cysteine protease activity. Using native, folded-recombinant and denatured-recombinant Fasciola cathepsins L as targets, we demonstrated that during F. hepatica infections in sheep, antibody responses to linear and conformational epitopes present on cathepsins L are promoted. However, the antibody response to linear epitopes was only detected in significant amounts in animals suffering from repeated infections. A different antibody response to linear and conformational epitopes also appears to occur in rabbits immunized with native or recombinant unfolded cathepsins, as sera from animals immunized with the latter did not react with native cathepsins and vice versa. In addition, the ELISA inhibitions showed that the MM3 epitope is not recognized by rabbits, which explains the usefulness of these species for producing capture antibodies for use in MM3-ELISA assays.