Survey of reproductive tract alterations in female pet rabbits
Keywords:
Lagomorph, pathology, reproductionAbstract
This study evaluated reproductive tract alterations in female pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) attended at the Geração Silvestre Veterinary Clinic in Fortaleza, Ceará, from February 2021 to May 2024. Out of 38 ultrasound reports analyzed, 30 (78.9%) rabbits showed alterations and 8 (21.05%) had no alterations. Among the affected rabbits, 20 had only uterine pathologies, 1 had only ovarian alterations, and 9 had alterations in both organs. The most prevalent uterine condition was endometrial hyperplasia, present in 24 out of the 30 affected rabbits. There were 4 cases suggestive of uterine neoplasia, 3 cases of hemometra, 2 cases of mucometra, 1 case of endometritis, 1 case of vaginitis, and 1 case of vaginal neoplasia. In the ovaries, there were 5 cases of cysts, 4 with mineralization foci, and 1 suggestive of neoplasia. The findings are consistent with the literature, highlighting the high prevalence of uterine diseases, especially endometrial hyperplasia (63.1%). The development of uterine tumors was more common in older rabbits. Although the presence of ovarian cysts and mineralization foci was less frequent, it was still significant. Therefore, this study underscores the need for regular monitoring and specific reproductive health strategies for pet rabbits.
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