[Scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis in breeding rabbits]

Vertebral columns of female and male breeding rabbits, kept in conventional cages or in a group housing system, were investigated by spot checks anatomically and radiographically in regard to deformations of the vertebral column. It should be proved, whether depending on the housing system and the opportunity of locomotion the male and female rabbits get deformations of the vertebral column. The observations show, that the bucks had no deformations, whereas the does had. It became evident, that frequence and degree of deformation were dependent on the cage size. It provokes deformations by "flat sitting" as well as the systemic hypoplasia of bony tissue caused by deficiency of locomotion. Reproduction provokes deformations of the vertebral column, too, causing alterations in the static-dynamic forces of trunk construction as well as a high need and metabolism of calcium. The causing factors and the relevance of animal protection are discussed.