Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in the Rabbit Model
Published on: June 1, 2019
Valvular Regurgitation and Congestive Heart Failure in an Elderly Dutch Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Nooshin Derakhshandeh1, Amirreza Hashemian1, Saghar Karimi1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, shirazu.ac.ir.
Abstract:
Advances in veterinary diagnostics and treatment have increased awareness of cardiovascular diseases in pet rabbits, with age-related conditions such as valvular disorders becoming more common as these animals live longer. This report describes a seven-year-old male Dutch rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) diagnosed with congestive heart failure caused by both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Clinical signs included coarse lung crackles, mild tachycardia, and muffled heart sounds. Blood analysis showed moderate leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis. Echocardiography revealed enlargement of the left atrium, significant valvular regurgitation, and small fluid accumulations in the pleural and pericardial cavities. Treatment with furosemide and enalapril provided brief improvement over 2 weeks before the rabbit's death. The case highlights valvular regurgitation as a frequent cause of heart failure in aging rabbits and emphasizes the value of early detection and timely therapy in improving outcomes and extending quality of life in affected animals.
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Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Mitral Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management

