Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System

Chapter 20 Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System



THE FERRET


Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are not common in ferrets. They may suffer traumatic long-bone fractures or spinal injury from rough play or falls. Treatment is similar to that of the dog and cat.



RODENTS


As with all small animals, fractures and dislocations from falls and rough handling do occur. Fractures can be treated as for the avian and reptilian patient, using splints, casts, or lightweight internal fixation.



THE RABBIT


Rabbits have a weak skeletal system that can be easily damaged with improper handling. Only about 8% of their body weight is made up by the skeleton (much less than in dogs and cats).



Trauma


Improper handling is a frequent cause of paralysis in the domestic rabbit. Damage can also occur as a result of falling or being jumped on by other rabbits while playing. Typically the rabbit will kick or twist suddenly, causing fracture of the vertebral column with damage to the spinal cord (Fig. 20-1).


image

Figure 20-1 Radiograph of a spinal fracture in a rabbit.


(From Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW: Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents, ed 2, St Louis, 2004, Saunders, by permission.)



CLINICAL SIGNS



• Complete or partial paralysis immediately after injury

• +/− Loss of bladder or bowel control, or both


DIAGNOSIS



• Physical examination and history

Related posts:

  1. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  2. Hematologic and Immunologic Diseases
  3. Overview of Ferrets, Rodents, and Rabbits
  4. Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System

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Aug 31, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL | Comments Off on Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System

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