CT-confirmed venous air embolism reported in two pet rabbits

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A new case series in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care describes two pet rabbits with iatrogenic venous air embolism confirmed by computed tomography, adding rare imaging-documented evidence to a complication more often discussed than directly visualized in exotic companion mammals. In both cases, the air was presumed to have entered through IV catheterization; one rabbit survived with successful management and long-term follow-up, while the report underscores how quickly even small volumes of intravascular air may become clinically significant in rabbits because of their small size and physiologic sensitivity. Broader human and veterinary literature supports the mechanism: venous air embolism is typically an iatrogenic event linked to catheter placement, maintenance, or removal, and CT can incidentally detect even small emboli after IV access or contrast administration. (emedicine.medscape.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary teams, the report is a reminder that uncommon complications still need species-specific prevention protocols. Rabbits are increasingly receiving advanced imaging and inpatient care, including IV catheter use and contrast-enhanced CT, but published guidance on air embolism in this species is sparse. The cases suggest clinicians should keep venous air embolism on the differential when a rabbit deteriorates unexpectedly around catheter use or imaging, and they reinforce the value of meticulous line handling, rapid recognition, supportive stabilization, and CT when the diagnosis is uncertain. Prior veterinary reports in dogs and horses show that catheter-associated air embolism can be survivable, but outcomes depend on early recognition and intervention. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What to watch: Watch for whether this report leads to more formal rabbit-specific IV catheter safety recommendations, especially in emergency, critical care, and imaging settings. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)