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Zoomies · The Online Vet Conference 2026

Why Did My Rabbit Stop Eating? Principles of Radiology and CT Interpretation of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Small Mammals

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About the webinar

This lecture will cover a systematic approach to interpreting radiographs of small mammals, with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract. Case examples will center on rabbits and guinea pigs. Because small mammals have large volumes of ingesta and many superimposed structures, radiographic evaluation of the GI tract can be challenging. We will review the radiographic and CT anatomy of the stomach, cecum, appendix, and colon, comparing their expected positions on radiographs with schematics and cross-sectional images. CT plays a key role in understanding the location and appearance of these gastrointestinal structures, enabling more accurate radiographic interpretation. Assessment will begin with stomach size and position, including both subjective evaluation and objective measurements. Examples of gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV) in rabbits and guinea pigs will be provided, with CT correlation. We will also discuss identifying signs of obstructive ileus, noting that the character of gastric contents can help differentiate mechanical obstruction. Obstruction is typically indicated by fluid and gas accumulation in the stomach, along with distended small intestines containing similar material. Trichobezoars are often difficult to detect radiographically, but they tend to have more characteristic appearances on CT. Serial radiography will also be discussed as an option to monitor content and size of the gastrointestinal tract. Cecal distention and content will be reviewed as key indicators of cecal volvulus and impaction, with corresponding radiographic and CT examples. The anatomy and appearance of the rabbit appendix will also be addressed. Appendicitis and sacculitis in rabbits is very difficult with radiography. Computed tomography is the best method to have a detailed assessment of the enlarged, thickened structures and assessment for heterogenous and even emphysematous content contents with necrosis and abscessation of these structures.

You will be able to join the live webinar directly from this page.

When is it?

Date: Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Time: 12:00 AEST [Sydney] | 14:00 NZT [Auckland]
Date: Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Time: 22:00 EDT
All Countries are Invited to Join this Webinar! To check the time in your zone/country, please click here.

Note: This webinar is being recorded. If you are unable to attend the live lecture, a link to the recording will be shared with you a few days following the lecture.

SPEAKER

Dr Lorrie Gaschen

DVM PhD

Lorrie received her DVM from the University of Florida, was in private practice in Florida for two years after which time she did a diagnostic imaging residency at the University of Bern in Switzerland and became a diplomat of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. She received her PhD in renal transplant imaging in animal models at the University Medical School in Utrecht then returned to the University of Bern where she became an associate professor upon completion of her work in vascular ultrasound of the canine gastrointestinal tract. She was a full professor of diagnostic imaging in the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences for 15 years and has authored numerous publications and book chapters mainly in the field of gastrointestinal ultrasound where she has done the majority of her research. Lorrie was also the Executive Associate Dean for Diversity, Student, and Faculty Affairs for 6 years at LSU and is the recipient of the 2022 AAVMC award for Excellence in Diversity in the Veterinary Profession. Lorrie is now working in teleradiology with VetCT and enjoys reporting on all species and all modalities with a special interest in exotic imaging.

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Live Webinars

This webinar starts at 12:00 AEST
on July 22, 2026.

1 Structured CPD Point

THE ONLINE VET CONFERENCE

ZOOMIES 2026

Our 18th year of learning together
13–23 July 2026

The most loved event on the vet calendar.

The event our community looks forward to all year. 16 hours of structured CPD, with every session recorded so you can catch up anytime.
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Dr Philip Judge

BVSc MVS PG Cert Vet Clin Stud MACVSc (Vet. Emergency and Critical Care; Medicine of Dogs)
Philip graduated from Massey University in New Zealand in 1992, and spent 7 years in small animal practice before undertaking a 3-year residency in veterinary emergency and critical care at the University of Melbourne in 1998.

Following his residency, Philip worked for nearly 6 years at the Animal Emergency Centre in Melbourne, becoming the Senior Veterinarian at the centre in 2004. In 2006, Philip undertook a 1-year surgical externship before moving to Townsville to take up the position of Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care at JCU.
Philip is also co-founder, and director of Vet Education Pty Ltd (www.veteducation.com) – one of Australia’s leading providers of online continuing education for veterinarians and veterinary nurses.

Philip has published numerous manuals and guides concerning emergency medicine, including a CRI manual, haematology and biochemistry interpretation guide, emergency anaesthesia guide, and a ventilation therapy manual for small animals, in addition to being published in peer reviewed literature.

Philip’s key interests in veterinary science include respiratory emergencies, ventilation therapy, envenomations and toxicology.