Arteriosclerosis in a rabbit

Extensive mineralization of the aorta, brachiocephalic trunk, and the left subclavian, both iliac, common carotid, and renal arteries were found at necropsy in a 3-year-old French Lop rabbit. The rabbit had been examined previously for seizures, at which time abdominal radiography revealed calcification of the abdominal aorta and external iliac arteries. Treatment was not initiated, and the rabbit died 4 months later of bacterial pneumonia. The rabbit also had hypercalcemia. In contrast to many species, the blood calcium concentrations of rabbits reflect dietary intake.