VetCT report of a CT scan showing GDV in a rabbit - The pylorus (lime green stars) denoted by the thick pyloric wall is located on the left side of the abdomen and the fundus (dark pink stars) is right laterally located.
Vets Urged To Be Aware Of GDV In Rabbits
2 years ago 
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VetCT and Exotics Vet Support are raising awareness about the potential for delayed or mis-diagnosis of acute surgical abdominal conditions in rabbits, such as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). Use of CT is encouraged for rapid diagnosis to direct early, targeted surgical intervention and improve outcomes.
Gastric dilation is a common condition in rabbits, however incidence of GDV is poorly documented. Dr Dean Felkler, Founder and CEO of Exotic Vet Support and senior clinician at Tai Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital, highlighted the importance of accurate and early diagnosis in a recent case of a 7yr old rabbit that was presented for anorexia and hadn’t passed faeces for over 12hrs. Dr Dean says, “A full diagnostic investigation was performed. From the radiographs it is difficult to appreciate the GDV. However, on the CT scan, reported by VetCT, it was very obvious when compared to the normal stomach orientation.”
After initial stabilisation the patient underwent surgery to re-orientate the stomach and an incisional gastropexy was performed. Following surgery the rabbit recovered well and was eating and passing faeces within 24 hours.
Use of CT is increasingly recognised as vital for early, accurate diagnosis of pathology in rabbits, including conditions such as GDV, appendicitis and rhinitis. Providing specialist teleradiology and teleconsulting services to veterinary teams, such as the Tai Wai Hospital, VetCT increases access to advanced imaging and expert advice for patients in the clinic.
Dr David Reese, Director of VetCT Australia and exotics expert explains, “We are able to identify several life-threatening pathologies much more accurately with CT than radiographs. This is vital for early correction of acute surgical abdominal conditions to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.”
VetCT offers rapid teleradiology turnaround times around the clock, including detailed CT reports. The company is encouraging veterinary teams to reimagine imaging for their practice, increasing the accessibility of advanced modalities with remote radiologists to report on images, improving diagnostic accuracy, confidence and peace of mind.
To trial the service for free, visit https://www.vet-ct.com/registration/ and create a free account.
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About VetCT:
Established in 2009 in Cambridge, UK, VetCT provides vet-to-specialist teleconsulting and teleradiology services, and novel educational strategies for veterinary medicine. Our mission is to make the veterinary world a better place by delivering trusted veterinary knowledge, support and reassurance at the point of need. We work with clients across the entire veterinary ecosystem, including students and universities, first opinion practitioners, and referral centres.
The company has subsidiaries in both the USA and Australia, with over 250 staff globally, including Diploma-holding specialists in every clinical discipline.
For more information, please visit www.vet-ct.com.
Address: VetCT, Hauser Forum, The Broers Building, 21 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0FA, United Kingdom
Facebook - @VETCTGroup
LinkedIn URL - https://www.linkedin.com/company/vet-ct-specialists-ltd-/
Twitter - @ VetCT
Instagram - @vet.ct
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About Exotic Vet Support:
Exotic Vet Support recognises the challenges that can be faced in everyday practice and so is designed to help veterinarians. Our primary objective is to allow vets to treat exotic animals to the highest standard and to provide the best possible care for their patients. We do this by providing a Mentoring Service that walks vets through diagnostic and treatment plans when they are struggling with a difficult or unfamiliar case. The secondary benefit of this service is to allow learning for these vets and to take the stress out of their daily work life.
We also provide very visual teaching through webinars, clinical technique videos and showing case studies of how to diagnose and treat certain disease processes.
Visit www.exoticvetsupport.com/en/user/register to see what packages are available.
Facebook - www.facebook.com/drdeanfelkler.evs
LinkedIn URL - www.linkedin.com/in/drdeanfelkler
Instagram - www.instagram.com/exoticvetsupport
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