Page 15 - ACT Annual Review 2023-2024

SPOTLIGHT ON

RABBITS

The first part of the study involved physical examinations During analysis of the ear abnormality data, it became Dental and ear disease
of 435 pedigree rabbits at BRC shows and studs to clear that many findings relating to these abnormalities, are both hidden diseases that
record possible dental and ear abnormalities in this such as narrow ear canals or excess ear wax, were of may be impossible to detect
population where breed and associated ear type and unknown clinical relevance, and to-date, no research without veterinary examination,
head shape could be confirmed. The final results are yet has been conducted to see if rabbit welfare is affected
to be published, but early findings suggest the causes of by them. The ACT has therefore funded follow-up especially as rabbits are
dental disease are multifactorial and not based entirely research to investigate whether such ear abnormalities notorious for hiding any signs
on head shape or ear type. In contrast, ear disease was are likely to be welfare reducing. The researchers of illness. We are, therefore,
more prevalent in lop-eared rabbits, supporting some will analyse the data already gathered from the first working closely with the BRC,
previous evidence. research project alongside clinical records of rabbits building on the project findings
that have been treated for ear issues. The aim will be
The researchers also surveyed 104 BRC breeders and to see how we can help
found that they recognised four common examples of to identify which ear abnormalities are associated with foster more regular veterinary
dental issues to be painful and reduce rabbits’ quality pain or compromised welfare to help inform veterinary examinations of breeders’
of life (overgrown incisors, overgrown cheek teeth, diagnosis of ear disease, and recommendations can be rabbits, and how to further
tooth root abscesses, and incisor malocclusion). The made to breeders not to breed from rabbits displaying promote a high fibre diet to aid
results of the dental examinations have been presented these abnormalities.
at an animal welfare conference and results from the dental health.
ear examinations presented at a veterinary conference – Maria Jackson, Research Assistant and
in November 2024; both parts of the study have been Registered Veterinary Nurse
submitted for publication.

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