Prevalence of Rickets in Referred Pet Rabbits toVeterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran university of Ahvaz in Southwestern Iran

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of rickets in pet rabbits, referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in Southwest of Iran. It was accomplished during a three-year period and based on clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings in 114 rabbits. The studied rabbits were divided based on age into two groups ≤ 6 months and above 6 months. Nutritional status was evaluated for availability of rabbits to calcium sources that were necessary for mineralization of formed osteoid (with taking history). Biochemical parameters that were measured in the affected rabbits were including of alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorus. Our observation showed that the prevalence of rickets in pet rabbits of Ahvaz was 4 of 114 (3.51%). Characteristic radiographic findings were thickening of growth plates of radial, femur (distal) and humerus, tibia (proximal) and cupping of adjacent metaphyses also. The distal ulnar growth plates were consistently the most severely affected. Level of ALP was high in the affected rabbits, but the level of Calcium and phosphorus were in normal range. There was no significant differences between different sexes (P>0.05). Nevertheless, prevalence was significantly higher in those rabbits that were in house for long times and lack of sunlight and in rabbit's ≤ 6 months (P<0.05). The affected rabbits were fed less calcium and vitamin D sources. Nutritional rickets is relatively present in Iran, where many rabbits are fed mainly with phosphorus diets, low calcium and vitamin D, living in house and lack of sunlight. This study showed importance of balanced nutrition special calcium and phosphorus in rabbit's ≤ 6 months.