Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Concurrent Root Elongation and Atherosclerosis in a Rabbit Secondary to Dietary Imbalance: A Case Report

Articles in Press

Document Type : Case Report

Authors
Milad Samadipoor 1
Pouran Mohammadi 1
Alireza Shahmir 2
Pedram Hozhabry Manesh 3
1 Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
10.22103/VCBR.2026.26383.1109
Abstract
Dietary imbalance is a significant predisposing factor for metabolic and dental disorders in domestic rabbits. Diets enriched in cholesterol and deficient in indigestible fiber have been associated with vascular mineralization and acquired dental disease in domestic rabbits. A five-year-old male domestic rabbit (weighing approximately 3 kg) was presented to the Royal Veterinary Hospital with a two-week history of lethargy, anorexia and bilateral epiphora. Standard radiographic examinations were conducted. Skull radiography revealed elongation of the mandibular and maxillary cheek tooth roots with associated malocclusion and mandibular lysis. Thoracic radiographs demonstrated marked mineralization of the thoracic aorta extending toward the abdominal cavity, consistent with vascular mineralization. The rabbit underwent dental trimming and extraction of the second mandibular premolar under isoflurane anesthesia. Postoperatively, dietary modification was recommended to the owner, emphasizing increased hay intake and reduced commercial pellet consumption. This case illustrates the concurrent occurrence of root elongation and aortic mineralization likely secondary to chronic dietary imbalance. Proper nutritional management based on high-fiber diets is essential to prevent both vascular and dental pathologies in domestic rabbits.
Keywords
Atherosclerosis
High-Cholesterol Diet
Rabbit
Root Elongation
Subjects
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Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 18 May 2026