What is the main issue with using atropine in rabbits?

In rabbits, the primary concern with the use of atropine is the presence of high levels of atropinase, an enzyme that breaks down atropine quickly in their system. This means that when atropine is administered to rabbits, it may be metabolized and cleared from their body more rapidly than in other species. As a result, the drug may not remain effective for a sufficient duration to exert the desired therapeutic effect, potentially compromising the intended medical outcomes during procedures requiring anesthesia.

While other options may present valid concerns in different contexts, they are not the critical issues linked specifically to atropine use in rabbits. For instance, although allergic reactions can occur in any species with various medications, they are not as commonly associated with atropine use in this specific context. Similarly, while respiratory complications can arise from many anesthetic agents, they are not uniquely problematic with atropine itself. The key factor that differentiates rabbits in this scenario is indeed their high levels of atropinase, which significantly affects the pharmacokinetics of atropine in their system.