An Incidence of Pseudopregnancy Associated with the Social Enrichment of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi)

Here we describe a case of pseudopregnancy in a New Zealand White rabbit as a result of pair housing with an aggressive conspecific. Clinical signs included fur pulling and nest building that developed shortly after separation from the aggressor. An ovariohysterectomy was performed, and histopathologic findings support the diagnosis of pseudopregnancy. When introducing adult female rabbits to pair housing, stable pairs may be difficult to achieve because of the dominance-associated behavior that can occur as hierarchal relationships are formed. Does that are pair-housed after puberty should be monitored for aggressive behavior.