Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Common emergencies in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas - what to
By DeCubellis, Julie·Published in The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice·2016·Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Common Emergencies in Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas.
- Species:
- rodent
Plain-English summary
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas often end up in emergency clinics because they can develop sudden health problems, usually due to ongoing issues related to their diet and care. This article looks at how these pets can be diagnosed and treated for common urgent health issues. It also highlights the factors that can lead to these sudden illnesses, helping veterinarians understand the root causes before jumping into treatment. The goal is to improve care for these pets by addressing both immediate concerns and underlying health issues.
Abstract
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas are some of the more common exotic pets seen in emergency clinics. They frequently present with acute illnesses that are the result of several chronic conditions, most related to inadequate diet and husbandry. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of some of the more common acute illnesses. It also discusses the predisposing factors that culminate in acute presentations, so that emergency providers can recognize and be mindful of underlying causes of disease before treatment of acute illnesses.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26948264/