Lethal cysticercosis in a pet rabbit

Graham-Brown, John ORCID: 0000-0001-7305-5262, Gilmore, Paul, Harcourt-Brown, Frances, Eastham, Heather and Williams, Diana ORCID: 0000-0001-8186-7236 (2018) Lethal cysticercosis in a pet rabbit. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS, 6 (3). e000634-e000634. ISSN 2052-6121, 2052-6121

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Abstract

<jats:p>A one-year-old neutered female crossbreed rabbit died unexpectedly after initially responding to symptomatic treatment over a three-month period for recurrent gut stasis, inappetence and lethargy. Postmortem examination revealed numerous fibrous tracks within the liver from which flattish ovoid parasites could be extruded. Parasites were also found in large numbers throughout the peritoneal cavity. Histopathology confirmed verminous hepatitis with numerous parasitic granulomas within the parenchyma of the liver containing intact and degenerate parasites. The severity of the parasitic burden and associated liver damage was the presumed cause of death. Intact parasites showed morphological features consistent with<jats:italic>Taenia pisiformis</jats:italic>at 6–15 days postinfection. Species identification was confirmed by PCR sequence analysis. The rabbit was fed on hay sourced from a local farm, commercially available nuggets and washed vegetables. It did not graze outside. Hay contaminated with dog or fox faeces was the presumed source of infection.</jats:p>

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	rabbits, cysticercosis, taenia pisiformis
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2018 08:55
Last Modified:	07 Dec 2024 01:58
DOI:	10.1136/vetreccr-2018-000634
Open Access URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vetreccr-2018-000634
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3026973