Benzimidazole Toxicosis in Rabbits: 13 Cases (2003 to 2011)

The objective of this study was to evaluate both clinical and histologic anomalies associated with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis in rabbits. Histopathologic records were reviewed from rabbit cases that were diagnosed with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis at 2 specialty pathology services. Medical records were also solicited from veterinarians who treated rabbits with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis. In all, 13 cases were included in this retrospective study. Histologically, presumed radiomimetic lesions of benzimidazole toxicosis were noted in 3 cases. An additional 10 cases exhibited lesions suggestive of benzimidazole toxicosis. Common clinical signs observed in the study of rabbits included inappetence, lethargy, hemorrhage, and death. One rabbit with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis survived. Benzimidazoles should be used judiciously in rabbits at published doses only after the owners are knowledgeable of the potential health risks associated with this class of drugs. The prognosis for rabbits with suspected benzimidazole toxicosis is poor, but supportive care resulted in the survival of 1 suspected case in this study.