CONTRIBUTOR(S): Claire Speight, Caroline Blake,
Hepatic lipidosis
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Hepatic lipidosis is sometimes known as fatty liver syndrome. It describes the abnormal accumulation of fat within the liver cells.
Ultrasound of a normal rabbit liver ©Vetstream Ltd
What causes hepatic lipidosis?
Hepatic lipidosis is nearly always a secondary problem that is caused by a prolonged period of anorexia (not eating). This is even more likely if the rabbit is very overweight or obese. Triglycerides (a type of fat) accumulate within the liver cells and obstruct the organ’s function, potentially leading to liver failure.
When does it happen?
If a rabbit stops eating and does not start eating on their own, or they do not receive supportive feeding with either syringe or tube feeding, hepatic lipidosis can develop within as little as 48-72 hours. This is one reason why it is imperative to take your rabbit to your vet straight away if they are not eating or eating less, so supportive treatment can be started to help prevent the rabbit going into hepatic lipidosis.
What are the signs?
There are no specific signs. Affected rabbits are already anorexic and will not be passing any droppings, but these are not specific signs of hepatic lipidosis, and the rabbit would have had these signs prior to the hepatic lipidosis developing. A rabbit in hepatic lipidosis may be depressed and unresponsive. In the latter stages they may become ataxic (unable to co-ordinate properly) and disorientated. Death is due to liver and kidney failure.
Is it serious?
Yes, very and many cases will prove to be fatal. Prompt and aggressive treatment and preventing the condition occurring are imperative.
How is it treated?
Treatment is aimed at supporting the rabbit, whilst also diagnosing the underlying cause of the anorexia, of which there are many, but include pain, stress and fear, which lead to the hepatic lipidosis developing. Treatment will include:
- Syringe feeding and tempting the rabbit to eat with palatable foods such as herbs, fresh grass and safe weeds
- Prokinetic mediation to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to start moving
- Fluid therapy, which is likely to be given intravenously. Oral fluids may also be given.
Can it be prevented?
Feed your rabbit a high fiber diet, which is made up of mostly hay and grass. This will help to keep their digestive system moving properly. Make sure any early signs are acted upon straight away, so if your rabbit does not seem right, they are not eating as much or their droppings are fewer, smaller and harder, these are all alarm bells, and you need to take your rabbit to your vet straight away. The sooner anorexia is treated, the less of a chance hepatic lipidosis will develop.