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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 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.

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

Blood-stained fluid in the nares may be seen in rabbits that have died suddenly from RHD. A foamy blood-stained exudate in the trachea is a feature of the diseases and the exudate may extend to the nostrils

This juvenile wild rabbit was found after a Common Buzzard was disturbed and flew into a tree that was close by. The body was warm and limp indicating that the rabbit had only just died. There were no visible marks or wounds on the body. After the skin was partially removed, four small tears were found that penetrated either the thorax or abdomen. One of these had caused substantial haemorrhage. These marks were consistent with wounds inflicted by talons. There was more severe damage internally.

This picture shows the abdominal contents of an adult lionhead neutered male rabbit that died the day after a general anaesthetic for dentistry. The liver is swollen and pale and there is haemorrhagic fluid in the abdomen. Histopathology showed characteristic signs of RHD, including hepatocellular necrosis. PCR testing confirmed the presence of RHDV2.