ABSTRACT
Obstructive ileus is a surgical emergency. Rabbits will develop true obstructions with dried ingesta and hair (‘trichobezoars’) and ingested foreign materials such as carpet, rubber or plastic. The most common sites are the pylorus, proximal duodenum and ileocaecocolic region. Occasionally, just the caecum can be obstructed. Rarely, neoplasia, abscesses or surgical adhesions can cause obstruction. The rabbit should first be stabilized with fluid therapy, warmth and analgesia. Metoclopramide, cisapride and ranitidine are contraindicated prior to surgery, but are useful postoperatively to stimulate GI motility. Postsurgical adhesions can be minimized by the use of verapamil (200 mg/kg p/o q8h for 9 doses). Postoperative analgesia and fluid and nutritional support are vital to maximize the chance of success.
