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The kidney is frequently affected by RHD. Histologically, glomerular thrombosis is a feature of the disease in many cases. Macroscopic changes are often masked by congestion, so the kidney is dark red, which was the case in this rabbit that died from RHD. Manipulation of the image (shadow and highlight) has shown that changes were present.

An enlarged spleen may be seen in cases of RHD. There are few other causes of splenomegaly in this species. Histologically the changes can range from moderate congestion to haemorrhage, deposition of fibrin, lymphocytolysis and necrosis of lymphoid tissue.

Gross post-mortem signs are not always obvious in rabbits that died from RHD and this rabbit is an example. The liver is slightly enlarged and close inspection with a hand lens did show a mottled appearance. Histopathology showed characteristic hepatocellular necrosis and PCR testing confirmed the presence of RHDV2.

Macroscopic abnormalities are not always obvious in rabbits that have died from RHD. Histopathology reveals severe underlying pathology in the liver, often accompanied by other organs. RHD was confirmed in this rabbit.

This is a post-mortem image of the abdominal contents of an aggressive uterine tumour. The tumour was confirmed in the living rabbit by exploratory laparotomy. The uterus is in the lower part of the picture. The larger mass of metastasised (spread) tumour is in the upper half. There were other small tumours throughout the peritoneal cavity. The rabbit was euthanased during surgery which is why the body can be seen through the semi-transparent surgical drape.

This image shows the internal organs of a rabbit that was found dead. There is free blood in the abdomen. Although a diagnosis of RHD might be made, closer examination shows that the gross appearance of the liver is normal, and the haemorrhage originated from a puncture wound across the chest wall. The rabbit died from predator attack.

This picture shows the abdominal organs of a fat rabbit that died from gut stasis. He was presented for veterinary treatment because he was lethargic and anorexic. He died shortly after admission and the post-mortem examination was performed within an hour. A spur on an upper cheek tooth was discovered during post-mortem examination. It was digging into the cheek causing an ulcerated, necrotic area in the mucosa. This was the most likely cause of the anorexia and the triggering factor for gut stasis. The image shows several features of gut stasis. There is a pale fatty liver, some gastric ulceration, an empty caecum distended with gas and empty gas filled intestines. It takes at least 3 days for a rabbit to die from gut stasis. Death can be prevented by providing food and fluid (syringe feeding) and medication to stimulate gut motility. Treatment of the cause of gut stasis (in this case dentistry) is also necessary.

Blood or blood-stained fluid in the abdomen is one of the macroscopic signs of RHD although it is not diagnostic. Differential diagnoses include trauma, ruptured tumours, and end-stage hepatic lipidosis where the liver is so friable that it splits and bleeds. This case was confirmed as RHD.

This image shows the liver of a rabbit that died from a torsion of the caudate process of the caudal lobe of the liver (arrow). This is the most common part of the liver to be involved in liver lobe torsion in rabbits. The image shows its position behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen

This half-grown female wild rabbit was found dead. There were no signs of external injury. Post-mortem examination revealed a full gastrointestinal tract - the rabbit had been eating up until an hour or two before death. The liver was enlarged and mottled, the lungs contained several haemorrhages in addition to a pale, necrotic area in the left caudal lung lobe. Histopathology showed the characteristic hepatocellular necrosis of RHD. The pale area in the lung was an aspergilloma and there was also evidence of hepatic coccidiosis. The case was confirmed as RHDV2 with PCR testing.