This is part of the email I received re. Teddy's recent blood test for EC, which was several weeks after a 5 week course of panacur and an improvement in his symptoms.
'The test measures antibodies that Teddy's body produces against the EC organism. There are two different types: IGM and IGG. After a rabbit is exposed to EC the IGM goes up first, only decreasing from 16 weeks post infection. The IGG rises later and reflects ongoing infection or past exposure. The levels of IGG do not necessarily reflect the timing or severity of infection and clinical signs. But a positive IGG certainly means that the rabbit has been exposed to EC and any clinical signs may be attributable to the infection, and appropriate treatment is indicated.
Teddy had a very low IGM level but his IGG was very high. I think in his case this means that his urinary issues may well be due, at least in part, to EC. Any mobility or limb stiffness may also be due to EC. But it is also possible that there are other factors involved (ie OA or other infectious organisms)."
Teddy has another flare up including bladder sludge and urine scald. He also had a problem with a hind limb, but that also seems to have improved a little. (Not sure if this is due to arthritis, or EC or why it has improved other than we are trying him on metacam). At the moment, Teddy is peeing much more appropriately and the urine scald is very much improved.
My vet is waiting for a response from Molly (rabbit expert), as to the Panacur course Teddy should have, but meanwhile, I wondered if anyone here had any thoughts or experience on the condition.
My other concern is boarding Teddy for my holidays. Teddy would obviously be in 'kennel' type accommodation on his own and the pens are disinfected before and after occupation. Also, many rabbit apparently have this condition without symptoms. But what to you all think on the subject? He does have to go somewhere :?
'The test measures antibodies that Teddy's body produces against the EC organism. There are two different types: IGM and IGG. After a rabbit is exposed to EC the IGM goes up first, only decreasing from 16 weeks post infection. The IGG rises later and reflects ongoing infection or past exposure. The levels of IGG do not necessarily reflect the timing or severity of infection and clinical signs. But a positive IGG certainly means that the rabbit has been exposed to EC and any clinical signs may be attributable to the infection, and appropriate treatment is indicated.
Teddy had a very low IGM level but his IGG was very high. I think in his case this means that his urinary issues may well be due, at least in part, to EC. Any mobility or limb stiffness may also be due to EC. But it is also possible that there are other factors involved (ie OA or other infectious organisms)."
Teddy has another flare up including bladder sludge and urine scald. He also had a problem with a hind limb, but that also seems to have improved a little. (Not sure if this is due to arthritis, or EC or why it has improved other than we are trying him on metacam). At the moment, Teddy is peeing much more appropriately and the urine scald is very much improved.
My vet is waiting for a response from Molly (rabbit expert), as to the Panacur course Teddy should have, but meanwhile, I wondered if anyone here had any thoughts or experience on the condition.
My other concern is boarding Teddy for my holidays. Teddy would obviously be in 'kennel' type accommodation on his own and the pens are disinfected before and after occupation. Also, many rabbit apparently have this condition without symptoms. But what to you all think on the subject? He does have to go somewhere :?