Diagnostic studies for enterotoxaemia in rabbits
Kaziyev Z. Holopura S. Tsvilikhovskyi M. Boyko N. Ushkalov A.
30 September 2024National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary Sciences
2024#15Issue 394 - 112 pp.
The relevance of this study is highlighted by the occurrence of enterotoxaemia in rabbits, particularly caused by Clostridium perfringens, in the context of industrial rabbit farming. The research aimed to determine the causes of morbidity and increased mortality in young rabbits during the growing period. The study involved a stepwise analysis of feed samples, clinical examination of rabbits reared in an industrial rabbit farm, and laboratory examination of the obtained biological material. Additionally, to establish a diagnosis and provide the farm with appropriate recommendations regarding the maintenance and prevention of rabbit diseases, the health status of the rabbits, the causes of digestive disorders with symptoms of diarrhoea and increased mortality under production conditions were analysed. Clinical, haematological, pathological, microbiological, and statistical research methods were used. In diseased rabbits, an increase in rectal body temperature, symptoms of diarrhoea, and in some animals, seizures were established. Several animals succumbed to the disease. During laboratory blood tests of the rabbits, moderate anaemia was detected, with a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and a reduction in haemoglobin content. There was also a disturbance in the qualitative composition of erythrocytes, including the presence of poikilocytosis and altered erythrocyte forms: acanthocytes, echinocytes, schistocytes, dacryocytes, keratocytes, and drepanocytes. A decrease in the immune status of the rabbits was characterised by a reduction in the total number of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the blood and a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Biochemical analysis of rabbit serum revealed a decrease in glucose levels below the physiological range and an increase in the activity of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Results of post-mortem examinations of the deceased rabbits indicated the presence of gas-filled small intestines, with a fluid content and no macroscopic signs of inflammation. The feed provided to the rabbits on the farm was found to contain sulphite-reducing clostridia, specifically Clostridium perfringens. Identifying the causes of morbidity and mortality in rabbits will enable the selection of appropriate methods for preventing deaths within specific farming conditions.
anaemia , biochemical blood studies , digestive disorders , enterotoxin , morphological blood studies
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Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, 8 Abaya Ave, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 15 Heroiv Oborony Str, Kyiv, 03041, Ukraine
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University
National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine
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