First Italian case of mycobacteriosis in a pet rabbit

Mycobacteriosis are important zoonoses and clinicians should be aware of their potential risks. A rescued 3-year-old rabbit was presentedfor acute rhinitis. After 10 days of antibiotic therapy, no improvement was noted and intermittent diarrhea, disorexia and weight loss arose. The patient was hospitalised and hematological and fecal examinations were performed. Later ultrasound examination showed intestinal subocclusion. After stabilisation, an explorative laparotomy was performed and several caseous nodules werefound on the small intestine walls. The rabbit was euthanized and necropsy showed other nodules in the lungs, along with swelling of mesenteric lymph nodes. Cytological and histological examination revealed the presence of acid-fast-resistant bacteria, which were identified as Mycobacterium avium. Mycobacterial infections are uncommon in pet rabbits, but their potential impact on human health and the unspecific clinical signs should suggest to include them in the differential diagnosis for respiratory andgastro-enteric conditions.