Rabbit case report highlights rare postoperative paralysis risk

A new case report in the Journal of Small Animal Practice describes what the authors say is the first reported non-experimental case of haemorrhagic myelopathy in a rabbit. The patient, a 7-month-old lionhead rabbit undergoing ovariohysterectomy, developed acute bilateral hind limb paralysis after surgery. Post-mortem imaging and histopathology identified extensive thoracolumbar haemorrhagic myelopathy associated with a congenital lordosis, pointing to a previously unreported postoperative neurologic complication in a rabbit with vertebral malformation. (deepdyve.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the report adds a new differential when a rabbit develops acute postoperative paralysis, especially if there is known or suspected thoracolumbar vertebral abnormality. Rabbits are already recognized as vulnerable to spinal injury during restraint or handling, with posterior paralysis more commonly linked to vertebral fracture or luxation, so this case broadens concern beyond overt trauma and suggests pre-existing spinal deformities may increase anesthetic or positioning risk. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What to watch: Watch for whether this case prompts more screening, reporting, and anesthesia-positioning discussion around rabbits with congenital spinal malformations. (eurekamag.com)