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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Fetal Echocardiography and Pulsed-wave Doppler Ultrasound in a Rabbit Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Published on: June 29, 2013
Uterine disorders in 50 pet rabbits
Frank Künzel1, Petra Grinninger, Sarina Shibly
1From the Clinic of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases (F.K., S.S.), Clinic for Diagnostic Imaging (J.H.), Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology (P.B.), Institute of Pathology and Forensic Medicine (A.F-B.), and Institute of Medical Physics and Biostatistics, Department of Natural Science (A.T.), University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Veterinary Practice Eggenberg, Graz, Austria (P.G.).
Uterine adenocarcinoma and endometrial hyperplasia are common in female pet rabbits. Early ovariohysterectomy or regular abdominal ultrasounds are recommended for non-breeding rabbits to prevent uterine disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Uterine disorders are prevalent in pet rabbits, yet comprehensive studies are limited.
- Existing research primarily consists of retrospective analyses and case reports on female rabbit reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence and types of uterine disorders in a cohort of 50 pet rabbits.
- To review clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatments, and outcomes for rabbits with suspected uterine disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 31 rabbits with suspected uterine disease.
- Analysis of clinical signs, diagnostic workup (including abdominal palpation), and treatment outcomes.
- Evaluation of surgical outcomes following ovariohysterectomy.
Main Results:
- Uterine adenocarcinoma was the most frequent diagnosis (54%), followed by endometrial hyperplasia (26%).
- Serosanguineous vaginal discharge was the predominant clinical sign.
- Abdominal palpation identified uterine lesions in approximately 50% of affected rabbits.
- 80% of rabbits survived 6 months post-ovariohysterectomy, though 4 rabbits experienced post-surgical complications.
Conclusions:
- Uterine adenocarcinoma and endometrial hyperplasia are significant health concerns in female pet rabbits.
- Early ovariohysterectomy or regular abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for non-breeding female rabbits to detect and manage uterine disorders effectively.
