Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Heart valve leak and heart failure in elderly Dutch rabbit
By Derakhshandeh, Nooshin et al.·Published in Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine·2025·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Valvular Regurgitation and Congestive Heart Failure in an Elderly Dutch Rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus )
- Species:
- rabbit
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old male Dutch rabbit was brought in for breathing difficulties and a fast heartbeat. The vet diagnosed him with congestive heart failure due to problems with his heart valves. Despite treatment with medications to help remove excess fluid and improve heart function, the rabbit only showed temporary improvement before sadly passing away. This case highlights how common heart issues can be in older rabbits and the importance of early detection and treatment to help manage their health.
People also search for: rabbit heart problems · congestive heart failure in rabbits · Dutch rabbit breathing issues · rabbit heart medication · elderly rabbit care
Abstract
Advances in veterinary diagnostics and treatment have increased awareness of cardiovascular diseases in pet rabbits, with age‐related conditions such as valvular disorders becoming more common as these animals live longer. This report describes a seven‐year‐old male Dutch rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) diagnosed with congestive heart failure caused by both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Clinical signs included coarse lung crackles, mild tachycardia, and muffled heart sounds. Blood analysis showed moderate leukocytosis with neutrophilia and monocytosis. Echocardiography revealed enlargement of the left atrium, significant valvular regurgitation, and small fluid accumulations in the pleural and pericardial cavities. Treatment with furosemide and enalapril provided brief improvement over 2 weeks before the rabbit′s death. The case highlights valvular regurgitation as a frequent cause of heart failure in aging rabbits and emphasizes the value of early detection and timely therapy in improving outcomes and extending quality of life in affected animals.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1155/crve/9959506