A study of standard values of two-dimensional, M-mode and doppler echocardiography in conscious small domestic rabbits

Abstract

To determine normal cardiac values for two-dimensional, M-mode and Doppler echocardiography because standard echocardiographic values have not been adequately studied in small-breed rabbits. Data was collected from 40 healthy small-breed rabbits. The results of complete physical examination, thoracic radiography, electrocardiography and echocardiography were collected and analysed as descriptive statistics. The correlation between weight and age and echocardiographic parameters was evaluated. A t-test was performed to compare the parameters between males and females. Most parameters were normally distributed and could be reliably used as standard values of echocardiographic parameters. Weight and age correlated positively with several echocardiographic parameters. However, there was no statistically significant difference between male and female rabbits. The normal value of echocardiographic parameters was established for small-breed rabbits.