Acute meningoencephalomyelitis in a rabbit infected with Pasteurella multocida

Pasteurella multocida was isolated in pure culture from the optic chiasm of a rabbit that was euthanatized subsequent to acute development of neurological signs. Histopathologically, there was meningoencephalomyelitis, bilateral otitis interna, retrobulbar cellulitis, optic neuritis and iritis. The ocular involvement, severity of the spinal lesions and the lack of otitis media was unusual.