Acute Obstruction of the Duodenum in a Rabbit Following Apparently Successful Hairball Treatment

The document discussed the issue of hairball impaction in rabbits, which was a common problem in rabbit colonies. Factors such as boredom, stress, and lack of quality hay contributed to this condition. A treatment involving liquid paraffin and neomycin sulphate showed initial success in a rabbit, but the animal later died from acute duodenal obstruction caused by matted hair nodules. The study suggested that prolonged treatment with liquid paraffin might prevent such obstructions, but it could lead to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, the study found that providing hay and avoiding stress and drastic management changes helped prevent hairball-related morbidity and mortality in rabbits.