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Nursing management of a rabbit undergoing a rhinostomy
Abstract
Upper respiratory tract problems are commonly seen in pet rabbits often in conjunction with dental disease. While medical treatment can be useful in many situations, surgical options may need to be considered for those rabbits with chronic rhinitis and empyema of the nasal cavities. This case report details the management of a rabbit undergoing a rhinostomy to alleviate chronic upper respiratory tract signs. It highlights the importance of nursing care, both before and following the surgical procedure for a successful outcome.
Dominic, an 8-year-old male neutered crossbreed rabbit, was referred for investigation and treatment of ongoing dyspnoeic episodes. His owners had rescued him with advanced dental disease and his incisors had been previously extracted. For the past 2 months his referring veterinary surgeon had also been treating him for an upper respiratory infection with a number of different antibiotics, but no improvement had been seen. Ten days prior to referral, Dominic's breathing had worsened with intermittent episodes of open mouth breathing and cyanosis occurring at home, which only resolved with oxygen supplementation.
After initial assessment, a computed tomography (CT) scan of his skull and thorax was performed under sedation to determine the extent of the dental disease and investigate the underlying cause of the dyspnoea. The scan revealed that his left maxillary incisor root was still present and had penetrated the hard palate causing abscessation of the left nares. His cheek teeth roots had also overgrown impinging on the orbits and nasal passages bilaterally. His thorax was clear and absent of any disease, although there was an accumulation of fat in the mediastinum. Prognosis was considered guarded due to the extent of the nasal and dental disease, but his owners opted for surgical treatment to debride and flush the nasal cavity.
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