Gastric dilatation and volvulus in a 5-year-old intact female Holland lop rabbit

A 5-year-old intact female Holland lop rabbit was presented with acute hyporexia, lethargy, and marked abdominal pain. Blood biochemistry analysis indicated elevations in ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin. A point-of-care ultrasound revealed displacement of the spleen into the left cranial abdomen, suggestive of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a 180° clockwise GDV. Gastric derotation and incisional gastropexy were successfully completed. The rabbit recovered uneventfully; biochemical values had normalized by Day 5. This is the third documented case of GDV in a rabbit in the peer-reviewed literature and the first involving a Holland lop. Key clinical message: Gastric dilatation and volvulus, though rare in rabbits, should be considered in cases presenting with acute hyporexia, abdominal pain, elevated ALT, variably elevated ALP, and variable hyperbilirubinemia. Ultrasonographic evidence of splenic displacement into the cranial left abdomen strongly supports a tentative diagnosis and indicates the need for immediate surgical exploration or abdominal computed tomography, if available.