Seminal Vesiculitis in Three Pet Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus )

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Comparative Pathology
• Rabbit Medicine

Background:

• Pathologic conditions of the seminal vesicle in rabbits are infrequently described.
• Existing literature primarily focuses on laboratory animals under experimental conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches for seminal vesiculitis in pet rabbits.
• To highlight the importance of including seminal vesiculitis in the differential diagnosis for specific clinical signs.

Main Methods:

• Case series of three non-neutered male pet rabbits presenting with strangury, abdominal pain, and anorexia.
• Diagnostic tools included clinical examination, ultrasonography, contrast radiography, histopathology, complete blood analysis, and urinalysis.
• Surgical intervention (vesiculectomy) was performed in two cases.

Main Results:

• Seminal vesiculitis was diagnosed based on clinical signs and ultrasonography.
• Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis post-vesiculectomy in two rabbits.
• One rabbit developed seminal vesicle lithiasis three years after medical treatment.
• Blood and urine analyses were non-specific; ultrasound and biopsy showed higher diagnostic sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Seminal vesiculitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for strangury in male pet rabbits.
• Ultrasound and surgical biopsy are the most sensitive diagnostic techniques for this condition.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent sequelae such as lithiasis.