Introduction

In several countries, the rabbits have been considered the third most popular companion animal compared to dogs and cats, which requires a greater attention to the particularities of the species. These animals are subject to a number of diseases, which need to be properly identified and treated.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine medical and surgical disorders in rabbits examined in a reference center for a period of 6 years.

Methods

Data concerning the animal identification (sex, age, body weight), reason to bring the rabbit to the clinic, and characterization of the disorder (medical or surgical) according to the system were evaluated.

Results

A total of 249 rabbits was examined, comprised of 139 males, 83 females, and 27 without identifying information. The age varied from 3 days to 9.7 months. Males weighed from 360 grams to 4.19 kg (mean 1.67 kg), and females weighed from 486 grams to 4.36 kg (mean 1.68 kg). The major occurrences involved the integumentary system (25%), digestive (22%), and musculoskeletal (11%) systems. Parasitism by mites and abscesses were the most common skin problems. The disorders more frequent in digestive system were tooth overgrowth and gastrointestinal stasis. Hind limb fractures were the most prevalent of musculoskeletal conditions. Spaying and castration were the most common surgical procedures, followed by osteosynthesis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the rabbits admitted had parasitism by mites and dental problems as more frequent disorders, and among the surgical procedures realized the most common was the neutering.