The effects of crossbreeding, age, and sex on erythrocyte indices and biochemical variables in crossbred pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

• Published in: Veterinary clinical pathology Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 469 - 480
• Main Authors: Yeh, Sze‐Yu, Sung, Chi‐Hsuan, Lin, Tsai‐Lu, Cheng, Tsun‐Li, Chou, Chi‐Chung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.09.2019
• Subjects: Age; age‐related effect; Aging; Animals; breed‐specific variation; crossbreed effect; Erythrocyte Indices - veterinary; Female; Hybridization, Genetic; Male; Rabbits; Rabbits - blood; reference intervals; Reference Values; Sex Characteristics; crossbreed effect; age-related effect; reference intervals; breed-specific variation
• ISSN: 0275-6382; 1939-165X; 1939-165X
• DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12775

Background A number of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) breeds exist, and the pet rabbit population consists of a variety of pure‐ and crossbred animals. However, the reference intervals (RIs) for rabbits are limited by outdated methods and a single‐breed source. Objective This study aimed to establish more complete, updated erythrocytic and biochemical RIs for the crossbred pet rabbit population to improve routine diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice, and to examine the effects of crossbreeding on erythrocytic and biochemical parameters. Methods Blood specimens were collected from 85 clinically healthy crossbred pet rabbits representing a wide range of breeds. RIs for the erythrocyte indices and 12 chemistry analytes were determined as recommended by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. The results were compared with four widely used RIs. Age and sex differences for all variables were statistically analyzed. Results The results diverged from the RIs for New Zealand white rabbits, indicating that not all RIs from this species are appropriate for use in exotic animal practices. Breed‐associated variations were evident for aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and glucose, while crossbreed effects were found for total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, and phosphate. Statistically significant differences and clinical relevance among age groups were detected for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and creatinine. Conclusions Establishing RIs specifically for crossbred pet rabbits is desirable for clinicians treating pet rabbits of various breeds and ages. Age‐specific RIs for this population warrants further investigation.