Gastric Ulceration

Acute ulceration of the gastric fundus and pylorus is a common finding in rabbits. Studies have revealed that fundic ulcers are typically multifocal, small, shallow, and hemorrhagic (dark to black). Microscopic changes are minimal, indicating acute antemortem onset. In the majority of cases, fundic ulceration was associated with other significant disease. Pyloric ulcers generally occurred as single lesions, up to 1 cm in diameter, and were frequently the only lesion found. A significant number of pyloric ulcers perforate, with development of peritonitis. They tended to be associated with does in labor or the postparturient period, and tended not to occur in concert with fundic ulceration.