Calcium sulfate dihydrate urolithiasis in a pet rabbit

Jaroslav Kucera Veterinary Clinic PET, Beloruska 2, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.

Search for other papers by Jaroslav Kucera in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MVDr, PhD
,
Tamara Koristkova Laboratory Specializing in Urinary Stones Analyses, Calculi, Vránova 172, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic.

Search for other papers by Tamara Koristkova in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 RNDr
,
Barbora Gottwaldova Veterinary Clinic, Vankova 921/44, Stara Bela, 72400 Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Search for other papers by Barbora Gottwaldova in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MVDr
, and
Vladimir Jekl Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Science, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.

Search for other papers by Vladimir Jekl in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 MVDr, PhD

Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-year-old sexually intact male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated because of a 1-day history of signs of anorexia and depression.

CLINICAL FINDINGS Clinical examination revealed signs of depression, hunched posture, low skin elasticity (suggesting dehydration), slightly distended abdomen, and penile and preputial edema. The owner reported that the rabbit had been fed a routine diet, received water via a sipper bottle, and was allowed free movement around the home. It had been observed by the owner to bite and chew gypsum-based plaster from the walls of the home. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography revealed radiopaque material in the urinary bladder, irregular thickening of the urinary bladder wall, and gaseous distention of the cecum. Urinalysis revealed mild hematuria and proteinuria. Results of the physical examination and other diagnostic tests were consistent with urolithiasis, cystitis, and gastrointestinal stasis.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME At clinical examination, numerous small uroliths originating from the urethral orifice were removed and submitted for composition analysis via infrared and Raman spectrometry and polarized microscopy. Laparotomy-assisted flushing of the urinary bladder and urethra was performed, and the rabbit recovered without complication. Results of composition analysis indicated the uroliths were composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE This is the first report of calcium sulfate urolithiasis in a rabbit, which was attributed to dehydration (possibly due to inadequate water provision) and excessive dietary intake of sulfur in the form of gypsum-based plaster. Rabbits should be prevented from consuming plaster and other potential extradietary sources of sulfur and provided an appropriate water supply.

Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-year-old sexually intact male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated because of a 1-day history of signs of anorexia and depression.

CLINICAL FINDINGS Clinical examination revealed signs of depression, hunched posture, low skin elasticity (suggesting dehydration), slightly distended abdomen, and penile and preputial edema. The owner reported that the rabbit had been fed a routine diet, received water via a sipper bottle, and was allowed free movement around the home. It had been observed by the owner to bite and chew gypsum-based plaster from the walls of the home. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography revealed radiopaque material in the urinary bladder, irregular thickening of the urinary bladder wall, and gaseous distention of the cecum. Urinalysis revealed mild hematuria and proteinuria. Results of the physical examination and other diagnostic tests were consistent with urolithiasis, cystitis, and gastrointestinal stasis.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME At clinical examination, numerous small uroliths originating from the urethral orifice were removed and submitted for composition analysis via infrared and Raman spectrometry and polarized microscopy. Laparotomy-assisted flushing of the urinary bladder and urethra was performed, and the rabbit recovered without complication. Results of composition analysis indicated the uroliths were composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE This is the first report of calcium sulfate urolithiasis in a rabbit, which was attributed to dehydration (possibly due to inadequate water provision) and excessive dietary intake of sulfur in the form of gypsum-based plaster. Rabbits should be prevented from consuming plaster and other potential extradietary sources of sulfur and provided an appropriate water supply.

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 312 0 0
Full Text Views 2159 1776 125
PDF Downloads 539 244 19
Advertisement