• Giant breeds are more prone to dilated cardiomyopathy. • Arteriosclerosis has a higher incidence in New Zealand white rabbits and a lower incidence in Dutch rabbits. • Some laboratory strains have been bred with a predisposition to develop atherosclerosis as research models (e.g., Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbit, St. Thomas’s Hospital rabbit strain). • Dietary factors: cholesterol levels >0.5%, peanut oil in the diet, high levels of dietary saturated fat, vitamin E deficiency • Chronic stress (e.g., from overcrowding) • Hypercalcemia secondary to hypervitaminosis D or chronic renal insufficiency • Infection with pathogens that may cause cardiovascular disease (e.g., Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp., Clostridium piriformis, Streptococcus viridans, Coronavirus, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi [see Encephalitozoonosis]) • Doxorubicin has been shown experimentally to cause cardiac disease. • Mucosal color revealing cyanosis (assessment difficult in many breeds) • Cold extremities (ear tips and toes) • Increased capillary refill time • Pulmonary crackles and wheezes
Cardiovascular Disease
Basic Information
Epidemiology
Genetics and Breed Predisposition
Risk Factors
Clinical Presentation
Physical Exam Findings
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Cardiovascular Disease
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