Lethal Pressure Crush Rabbit
Tianna Faure
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Previously we showed that Ani (anisodamine)/Neo (neostigmine) combination produced anti-shock effect via activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). In this study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanisms of Ani/Neo combination in acute lethal crush syndrome (CS). In rat and rabbit CS models, Ani/Neo combination increased the 24 h survival rates, improved hemodynamics and decreased the levels of creatine kinase, MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, K+ in serum. It also decreased the levels of H2O2, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) in serum and compressed muscle in rat CS model. In wild-type (WT) mice with CS, Ani/Neo combination increased 24 h survival rate and decreased the levels of H2O2, MPO, NO, TNFα, IL-6 and IL-10 in compressed muscle. These effects were attenuated by α7nAChR knockout (KO). Moreover, Ani/Neo combination prevented the decrease of phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induced by CS. These effects of Ani/Neo in CS mice were cancelled by methyllycaconitine (α7nAChR antagonist) and α7nAChR KO. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Ani/Neo combination could produce therapeutic effects in CS. The underlying mechanism involves the activation of α7nAChR-dependent JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway.
Rabbits are amazing creatures that provide companionship and joy for many families. Part of our job as caretakers is keeping our rabbits safe from harm. Traumatic injuries are fairly common in pet rabbits, and in many cases may be avoidable. Make sure to do your homework so you know how to keep your rabbit safe and what to do in the unfortunate situation that your rabbit suffers an injury. This article will review some common injuries and how to address them, as well as some helpful tips on rabbit first aid and rabbit-proofing your home.
Torn toenails are probably one of the most common injuries seen in rabbits. The toenail may catch on something and be ripped out at the base. This is often accompanied by bleeding and an upset rabbit (not to mention rabbit caretaker!).
Fortunately these injuries may not require extensive care. If the nail is completely ripped off, some gentle pressure applied to the area for 1 to 2 minutes helps stop the bleeding. If some visible nail remains, use styptic powder or flour to help stop the bleeding. In some rare cases the exposed tissue can develop an infection. If you see any redness or swelling develop, have your veterinarian evaluate the area.
Always check doors before opening and closing, but if you forget and your rabbit gets caught in the door, monitor him closely after any accident. If you see any bleeding, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately, because a fracture or internal damage is possible.
Check to make sure you have carefully rabbit-proofed the area where your rabbit lives. Make sure family members check doors before opening and closing to make sure there are no rabbits nearby. Be aware that reclining chairs, foldout beds, and other heavy moving objects could pose risks to rabbits, so keep rabbits away from potential hazards to avoid accidents.
Check to make sure you have carefully rabbit-proofed the area where your rabbit lives. Check for any sharp wires or objects that could cause injury. It is a good idea to move around the room at the eye level of your rabbit (although you might look a little funny crawling around on the floor!) to check for low hazards you may not notice if you are standing. If your rabbit experiences any trauma around or in the eyes, get to the veterinarian right away.
The most common cause of sudden paralysis of the hind legs of a rabbit is back fracture. The most common fracture site is in the lumbar section of the back. If your rabbit suddenly loses ability to move his back legs, get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible for testing, including radiographs (X-rays).
If your rabbit does not have any sensation in his toes (a veterinarian will check this by pinching on the toes to test response) the prognosis for recovery is poor. Rabbits do not tolerate back surgery as well as other animals, so surgical options for back injury may be limited. Strict cage rest and a course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories may be recommended to allow healing of injured tissues. There has been at least one report of a rabbit recovering with no deep pain response with supportive care measures only (i.e., no surgery), so recovery from back fracture is possible.
If your rabbit has no sensation in his back legs and no bladder function (your veterinarian can determine this), the most humane decision may be euthanasia. Rabbits with back injuries may need intensive supportive care measures to avoid pressure ulcers and skin damage from urine and fecal soiling. In cases of permanent paralysis, some rabbits can adapt to using a cart to allow movement.
Severe limping or inability to use a leg can be a sign of a leg fracture. If you note this in your rabbit, get to a veterinarian as soon as possible for testing, including radiographs, to determine if a fracture is present. Depending on the type of fracture, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options for leg fractures may include pin placement or plating. Your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist to address more challenging fractures.
If a fracture is open with exposed bone, immediate wound care and surgery is required to avoid infection. Bandaging can be helpful to stabilize a fracture and prevent further damage prior to surgery. While it is possible for some fractures to heal with bandaging or cage rest only, your veterinarian will need to take radiographs to determine the best treatment recommendation. If fracture repair is not possible, amputation may be recommended in some cases. The bottom line is that prevention of a fracture in the first place is really your best bet!
We have seen injury resulting in euthanasia of a pet rabbit from a fall as little as 2.5 feet. Falling from any distance can cause injury to your rabbit, so rabbit-proof your house to avoid falls. Rabbits should be housed in an area that provides ample horizontal space, but minimal vertical platforms (unless they are very low) to avoid the potential for falls. I have known rabbits that have experienced falls and remain uninjured, but always watch a rabbit closely if he experiences a fall. Any bleeding, limping, difficulty breathing or changes in behavior are signs your rabbit should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away.
Make sure everyone in the household (especially children) is aware of proper handling technique. Do not allow your rabbit to jump onto beds or other furniture. Keep your rabbit away from staircases. If your rabbit is in any potentially dangerous situation (even on a table at a veterinary clinic), always make sure someone has control of the rabbit to prevent jumps or falls.
Any bite wound to a rabbit from a dog or cat (or any predator) requires immediate attention. Carnivores have bacteria that reside in their oral cavity that can cause life-threatening infection in your rabbit if he is bitten. If this occurs, get your rabbit to a veterinarian immediately for wound assessment, treatment and antibiotics as soon as possible.
Ear wounds or wounds around the nose may not be as crucial to address as quickly as trauma around the eyes. Eyelid lacerations or wounds are best repaired to make sure the eyelids close properly and allow protection of the delicate structures of the surface of the eye (cornea). Corneal trauma can progress to vision-threatening infection if not treated, so take all eye injuries very seriously.
Make sure anyone grooming your rabbit has experience with rabbits and avoid leaving your rabbit in an area with dogs, cats or other predators. Unless you are experienced, avoid using clippers or scissors on fur mats to avoid injury to the delicate skin. You may want to speak with your veterinarian if your rabbit has extensive mats of fur that need to be removed. Brush your rabbit regularly to remove excess fur. Try to schedule time with someone experienced with grooming rabbits for tips on trimming fur if this is needed to keep your rabbit in tip-top shape.
While toxin ingestion or application is not technically a traumatic event, it still bears mentioning. Remember that fipronil (Frontline is a brand name) is toxic when applied to rabbits. In addition, topical pyrethrins or permethrins sold over the counter can be toxic to your rabbit, so check with your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter insecticide on your rabbit.
Make sure you know potential toxins that can hurt your rabbit. Make sure to properly rabbit-proof your home. Get at-home lead test kits to check your house for lead-based paint. Do not use rat bait; not only is this toxic to your rabbit if ingested but it is toxic to animals such as wildlife that may eat a rat or mouse that has ingested rat poison. Make sure you do not have toxic plants around rabbits.
Electrocution injury is possible in any rabbit that has potential exposure to electrical wires. Electrocution injuries are not always obvious, especially if the incident happens when you are not around. Suspect electrocution if your rabbit has exposure to wires, especially if you see teeth marks on an electrical cord and your rabbit suddenly stops eating.
Electrocution can cause painful burns around the mouth that may not be immediately obvious but can become more visible over a period of days. In severe cases, electrocution can also cause fluid to build up in the lungs and difficulty breathing or death.
If you suspect your rabbit has been electrocuted, have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the extent of injury. The best treatment for electrocution injuries is prevention!
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