Rabbit respiratory system: clinical anatomy, physiology and disease

Cathy A Johnson-Delaney; Susan E Orosz

doi:10.1016/j.cvex.2011.03.002

Rabbit respiratory system: clinical anatomy, physiology and disease

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2011 May;14(2):257-66, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2011.03.002.

Authors

Cathy A Johnson-Delaney¹, Susan E Orosz

Affiliation

¹ Eastside Avian and Exotic Animal Medical Center, 12930 NE 125th Way, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA.

PMID: 21601814
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2011.03.002

Abstract

Rabbits are obligate nose breathers due to their epiglottis positioned rostrally to the soft palate. Any obstruction within the nasal cavity will produce a respiratory wheeze with increased respiratory effort. Respiratory diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits. This article focuses on these diseases and their causative pathogens.

MeSH terms

Animals
Bacterial Infections / microbiology
Bacterial Infections / pathology
Bacterial Infections / veterinary
Rabbits*
Respiratory Physiological Phenomena*
Respiratory System / anatomy & histology*
Respiratory Tract Diseases / veterinary*