Why is atropine not used in rabbits?

The reason atropine is not used in rabbits primarily revolves around the presence of the enzyme atropinase in their blood. This enzyme metabolizes atropine, effectively rendering the drug ineffective for the intended therapeutic purposes. Because many rabbits possess this enzyme, it can lead to inadequate therapeutic effects when atropine is administered, making it a poor choice for pharmacological treatment in these animals. The metabolism of atropine in rabbits is significantly altered due to this enzyme, leading to a rapid breakdown of the drug once it is introduced into their system. Consequently, other medications are often considered that do not undergo similar metabolic challenges in rabbits.