Appendicitis in three rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus )

Abstract This case series describes three presentations and diagnoses of appendicitis in rabbits successfully treated surgically. A 4‐year‐old male rabbit was presented for elective neutering. An abdominal mass was palpated on physical examination. A 2‐year‐old, neutered, male rabbit was presented for acute anorexia, and a tubular abdominal mass was identified on palpation. A 2‐year‐old male rabbit was presented for soft faeces, with an abdominal mobile mass on palpation. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a heterogeneous mid‐abdominal mass presumably of digestive origin (Cases 1 and 3) and dilation of the appendix (Case 2). Abscess originating from the appendix (Cases 1 and 3) and a trichobezoar obstructing the proximal part of the appendix (Case 2) were identified on laparotomy and treated surgically. Bacterial culture and sensitivity revealed a strain of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and two strains of Streptococcus pseudintermedius (Case 1) and Actinobacillus capsulatus (Case 3). Histopathological examination identified heterophilic appendicitis with lymphoid hyperplasia (Case 3).