Rabbit Respiratory System: Clinical Anatomy, Physiology and Disease

Abstract

Rabbits are obligate nose breathers due to their epiglottis positioned rostrally to the soft palate. Any obstruction within the nasal cavity will produce a respiratory wheeze with increased respiratory effort. Respiratory diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits. This article focuses on these diseases and their causative pathogens. © 2011 Elsevier Inc.