Pathology of the respiratory system in rabbits

Abstract

The present study was undertaken .to assess the pathology of the respiratory system in rabbits. The results of the study revealed a high incidence (80 per cent) of respiratory disorders. A detailed systematic examination of fifty cases of rabbit carcasses brought for autopsy during the period of investigation was conducted and the gross and histopathological lesions were studied in detail. Vascular and inflammatory lesions were predominant in the trachea and the lungs. Degenerative changes were seen in the trachea, pleura and the lungs. Bronchial lymph nodes revealed mild congestion and depletion of lymphocytes occasionally. A case of alveolar carcinoma was encountered in the present study. Adenomatous proliferation of the bronchial epithelium was seen in one case. Bacterial isolations were obtained from the trachea and the lungs. Escherichia coli (16 cases), Staphylococcus sp.(3 cases) and Proteus sp. (1 case) were obtained. The need and the scope of investigation into the pathological disorders in the respiratory system ofthe rabbits were highlighted.