Suddenly not able to get up!

[KinderBunny]

Hello! My first post here, a very worried rabbit parent. Almost 2 weeks ago our 6 year old giant, Kinder, suddenly stopped being able to sit on her back legs / hop. She's been able to kick her legs and sort of wiggle around and when supported and being held up she can walk. Since she can't get up, she always lays with her legs to one side and not the other. We have just had a course of metacam and now xrays which have came back clear.

Our vet suggested potential nerve damage in her spine and has already mentioned her being PTS due to quality of life. Other than not being able to get around she is eating and pooing as usual and is her usual self, if not a bit tired from trying to get up and move all the time. And a bit mucky from not being able to use her litter tray.

I am wondering if it's perhaps best to get a secondary opinion from a more savvy vet? Very worried!

 

[Jack's-Jane]

Hello! My first post here, a very worried rabbit parent. Almost 2 weeks ago our 6 year old giant, Kinder, suddenly stopped being able to sit on her back legs / hop. She's been able to kick her legs and sort of wiggle around and when supported and being held up she can walk. Since she can't get up, she always lays with her legs to one side and not the other. We have just had a course of metacam and now xrays which have came back clear.

Our vet suggested potential nerve damage in her spine and has already mentioned her being PTS due to quality of life. Other than not being able to get around she is eating and pooing as usual and is her usual self, if not a bit tired from trying to get up and move all the time. And a bit mucky from not being able to use her litter tray.

I am wondering if it's perhaps best to get a secondary opinion from a more savvy vet? Very worried!

Definitely. Did the Vet not mention the possibility of Encephalitozoon Cuniculi ( EC)

https://www.dechra.co.uk/therapy-ar...cs-antifungals/disease-information/e-cuniculi

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Parasitic/Encephalitozoonosis.htm

http://www.greendale.co.uk/cuniculi_disease.html

Even if nerve damage is the cause this can improve but it can take many weeks to do so. Intensive Physiotherapy is needed along with daily medication ( a non steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Metacam. Acupuncture and Laser therapy can sometimes be of benefit too

http://www.helpinghandsvetphysio.co.uk/rabbits

https://www.ewellvets.co.uk/Acupuncture1524.html

http://www.kingswayvets.co.uk/lasertherapy/

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund have a list of Rabbit Savvy Vets located in the UK

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/

 

[Shimmer]

I agree with Jane. If there appears to be no physical damage or pain, she is eating / drinking / weeing / pooing as normal, her quality of life is ok for her (ie she is coping)- I would definitely look at treating for EC. I would not be looking at PTS as things are at the moment. You can always ask for a second opinion from a rabbit-savvy vet.

Standard treatment for EC is 28 days of oral Panacur (to treat the parasite) and daily oral metacam (to reduce the damage caused by the parasite, and reduce the symptoms). It is relatively cheap and easy, but can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride. It also means you need to support her by making sure she can eat and drink ok (eg syringe feeding if needed), and that she is clean and dry. Puppy pads and towels are useful. I would expect some significant improvement within 2 weeks, but often there are relapses along with improvements. It may also need more than one cycle of treatment - but EC is very treatable and there is likely to be an excellent outcome with no or minimal long term side effects.

Don't forget to fully disinfect anything that has had contact with urine, on days 21 and 28 - it stops the cycle of re-infection, as the parasite is shed in urine.

 

[KinderBunny]

Thank you Jane for your reply. My vet didn't even suggest EC and I feel like they have just jumped to the worst conclusion possible at this stage with no further investigation. I have a vet in mind who on this forum has been well reccomended in my area.

 

[Jack's-Jane]

Thank you Jane for your reply. My vet didn't even suggest EC and I feel like they have just jumped to the worst conclusion possible at this stage with no further investigation. I have a vet in mind who on this forum has been well reccomended in my area.

That's good, I'd make an appointment with him/her ASAP. Good luck xx

 

[KinderBunny]

HI shimmer! Thanks for replying. I really do feel like EC could be the cause. She showed no previous symptoms and is normally a very happy and bright rabbit, with great mobility. It was very sudden and a bit if a shock when she couldn't sit up anymore!

I wouldn't consider her being PTS right now as I know she is still fighting to live, she is showing no other symptoms of being poorly. I feel like the vet has jumped to the worst case straight away without even considering any other scenario or cause.

Your advice is great, I'll be out to the shops later to grab some puppy pads and towels. I've just got the number for the rabbit savvy vet and hopefully they can start our treatment for EC.

 

[Zoobec]

Sending lots of vibes, I don’t have experience of this so I can’t advise specifically but having a rabbit savvy vet can be a lifesaver.

 

[Pets mum]

Really hope the new vet can give you some positive advice and treatment for your bunny. Sending lots of vibes xxx

 

[Omi]

Sending loads of vibes for Kinder. I hope that you can get an appointment soon with the rabbit savvy vet.

 

[Jack's-Jane]

Just wondering if you managed to get to see a more Rabbit Savvy Vet ?