Lead Toxicosis in a Seven-Year-Old Lionhead Rabbit
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This report describes a case of clinical lead toxicosis in a seven-year-old male castrated Lionhead rabbit. The patient presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animal's Emergency Service for evaluation of a two-week history of anorexia and a two-day history of lethargy. The patient was observed pulling paint from the walls of a house that was built in the early 1900s during the months preceding presentation. The results of baseline blood tests revealed moderate anemia and red blood cell morphological changes consistent with lead toxicosis. Radiographic images revealed excessive accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract and numerous small mineral to metallic opacities in the cecum. The blood lead concentration was 792 µg/dL. Diagnosis and treatment of lead toxicosis and gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits is discussed, as well as the general pathophysiology of lead toxicosis in domestic mammals.