Acute meningoencephalomyelitis in a rabbit infected with Pasteurella multocida

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Pasteurella multocida is a common bacterium affecting various animal species.
• Neurological manifestations in rabbits due to P. multocida are less frequently reported.
• Ocular and central nervous system involvement presents diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of Pasteurella multocida infection presenting with neurological signs in a rabbit.
• To describe the histopathological findings associated with this infection.
• To discuss the unusual aspects of the clinical presentation and lesions.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of Pasteurella multocida in pure culture from the optic chiasm.
• Histopathological examination of the central nervous system and ocular tissues.
• Clinical assessment of neurological signs.

Main Results:

• Pasteurella multocida was identified as the causative agent.
• Histopathology revealed meningoencephalomyelitis, bilateral otitis interna, retrobulbar cellulitis, optic neuritis, and iritis.
• The rabbit exhibited acute neurological signs.

Conclusions:

• Pasteurella multocida can cause severe neurological and ocular disease in rabbits.
• The observed pattern of meningoencephalomyelitis, optic neuritis, and iritis, without otitis media, is atypical.
• This case underscores the importance of considering P. multocida in rabbits with neurological and ocular deficits.