Prognostic indicators for survival in surgically managed small intestinal obstruction in pet rabbits: 141 presentations (2011–2021)

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE To determine prognostic relevance of various patient factors and intraoperative variables associated with surgical management of small intestinal obstruction in pet rabbits. ANIMALS 114 pet rabbits with 141 presentations of small intestinal obstruction treated surgically between June 2011 and December 2021. METHODS In a retrospective observational study design, medical records were reviewed for rabbits with small intestinal obstruction that had undergone surgical intervention. Data were collected on variables of interest and outcome (survival to hospital discharge). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with survival. RESULTS Overall survival was 75.2% (106/141). Specifically, 95.7% (22/23) of presentations involving rabbits < 25 months survived. The odds of survival on univariable modeling were significantly lower in presentations of rabbits > 72 months compared with those < 25 months (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.40; P = .005). Rectal temperature, clinicopathologic findings, etiology of obstruction, presence of full-thickness gastrointestinal wall injury, and previous small intestinal obstruction surgery did not show significant effects on survival. In a multivariable model that controlled for plasma potassium and calculated plasma osmolarity and tonicity, the odds of survival in presentations of rabbits > 72 months were 95% lower than those < 25 months (OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.50; P = .012). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Surgical intervention should be considered a suitable treatment option for small intestinal obstruction in rabbits < 72 months and carried a good prognosis. The most common etiology was consistent with a compressed hair pellet, and extraluminal digital manipulation into the cecum was a successful surgical technique in most presentations.