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    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

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Rabbit very ill

Hi, a few weeks ago I noticed my rabbit Oreo was acting strange. He was wobbly and was eating less hay. He then got nasal and eye discharge so I took him to the vet. They gave him antibiotics for the discharge but didn't think to much of the wobbliness. A few days later the cold went down, but Oreo decided to jump out of his litter box and fell onto his back and couldn't get up. It was very distressing for both me and him. I enclosed him into a cage to avoid him hurting himself again and he was sat there hunched over. We took him to the vets again and while we were in the waiting room Oreo moved in his crate but then fell over again and couldn't get back up so I had to help him back up. The vet was worried about his teeth as they were growing very long as he wasn't eating much (at the time he was on a recovery food) and he wasn't sure what was causing him to fall over. The vet was also worried about the amount of weight he was losing even though I was force feeding him more than he would normally eat. A couple of days later we went back to the vet only for him to be taken in overnight to be put on a drip as he was so weak. He had an operation yesterday to file his teeth down which went well but is now not eating so the nurse out of the kindness of her heart took him home over this weekend to keep him on the drip. He has been away at the vets for a week now and they keep saying how he is not building up his strength. I might be able to pick him up on Monday but I don't know what to do. If he is not getting any better how can I keep him alive if I know he is constantly suffering. I am so upset he has only just turned 4 and I feel like he is too young to go. I feel like it is too early. I just want to know what is causing him to fall over. They gave him ear medicine and took x-rays but it showed nothing and he is not getting better. What should I do?
 
Hi LeahandOreo. I'm afraid I can't offer any useful advice, but I hope Oreo gets better and the vet can give you some positive news soon. It sounds like he's in really good hands and that they do care about him as more than just a "patient", so right now you are doing the best thing you could for him :)
 
Hi, a few weeks ago I noticed my rabbit Oreo was acting strange. He was wobbly and was eating less hay. He then got nasal and eye discharge so I took him to the vet. They gave him antibiotics for the discharge but didn't think to much of the wobbliness. A few days later the cold went down, but Oreo decided to jump out of his litter box and fell onto his back and couldn't get up. It was very distressing for both me and him. I enclosed him into a cage to avoid him hurting himself again and he was sat there hunched over. We took him to the vets again and while we were in the waiting room Oreo moved in his crate but then fell over again and couldn't get back up so I had to help him back up. The vet was worried about his teeth as they were growing very long as he wasn't eating much (at the time he was on a recovery food) and he wasn't sure what was causing him to fall over. The vet was also worried about the amount of weight he was losing even though I was force feeding him more than he would normally eat. A couple of days later we went back to the vet only for him to be taken in overnight to be put on a drip as he was so weak. He had an operation yesterday to file his teeth down which went well but is now not eating so the nurse out of the kindness of her heart took him home over this weekend to keep him on the drip. He has been away at the vets for a week now and they keep saying how he is not building up his strength. I might be able to pick him up on Monday but I don't know what to do. If he is not getting any better how can I keep him alive if I know he is constantly suffering. I am so upset he has only just turned 4 and I feel like he is too young to go. I feel like it is too early. I just want to know what is causing him to fall over. They gave him ear medicine and took x-rays but it showed nothing and he is not getting better. What should I do?


Welcome to the Forum and I am sorry to hear about your lovely Oreo. It's very distressing, isn't it?

First off I would say take him to another vet for a second opinion. We can help you on here if you like :)

You could start another thread here, on the Forum, in Rabbit Chat, you could put this in the title:

Rabbit Savvy Vet needed in (your location) ... and members will give you their recommendations

Alternatively you can search here for a recommended vet:

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/vetfinder/vets-owners-recommendations

And the RWAF have their own suggestions for finding a good vet:

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk


There can be many reasons for what you've described, ear issues, neurological as well as the parasite E.C.

There's some info in these links which might help a bit, but it's no substitute from a good vet doing a full and thorough assessment.


http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/Ecuniculi_Lft.pdf

http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/m...oads/2016/03/Study_Notes_Ear_Nose_Rabbits.pdf

http://www.dechra.co.uk/therapy-are...cs-antifungals/disease-information/e-cuniculi

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/paresis.html

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/paralysis.html

http://rabbit.org/hind-limb-weakness-in-the-rabbit/

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Neurology/Differentials/paresis.htm


Your vet sounds to be amazing, with the care they are taking. I am not suggesting they are not doing their job. However, when a rabbit is very poorly it's sometimes a good idea to get a second pair of eyes on the problem.

Thinking of you both and wishing you luck xx
 
Has your vet considered treating for the EC parasite? Treatment is relatively easy - an oral antiparasitic (panacur) daily for 28 days, and an anti-inflammatory (eg metacam) orally for as long as needed (often for the same period as the Panacur). The Panacur reduces the parasitic load in the body, and the metacam reduces the effects it causes.

Rabbits that start to fall over are usually assessed and treated for ear infections and EC, if there is no other obvious physical cause or injury.

The other things to consider are:
- xrays on the skull to check the teeth roots / maybe for ear abnormalities, and for spinal or back leg issues.
- blood tests - for organ function, infection, etc
- longer term antibiotics
- pain relief. Rabbits hide a lot of symptoms. An anti-inflammatory may help reduce some symptoms (ear infection, sore mouth, effects of EC) and help him feel brighter generally.

Sometimes it is a matter of keeping going with some blanket treatments over a few weeks to see how he goes, and it sounds like he is in good hands.
 
Thank you. My vet is absolutely amazing, while Oreo has been there they have tried to keep the cost of everything down which I am very grateful. I have considered look for rabbit specialist vets but there doesn't seem to be very many that aren't an hour or more drive away.
 
Thank you. My vet is absolutely amazing, while Oreo has been there they have tried to keep the cost of everything down which I am very grateful. I have considered look for rabbit specialist vets but there doesn't seem to be very many that aren't an hour or more drive away.

I would strongly advise you to seek a rabbit-savvy vet. Vets can be very good at dealing with cats, dogs, etc, but rabbits really do need specialist attention if they are ill with something 'out of the ordinary' which this clearly is.

I think it has already been suggested posting a new thread 'Rabbit vet needed in ........................' and, hopefully, someone will be able to recommend a practice.
 
My vet did say something about a parasite but hasn't given any treatment for it. I will ask him on Monday, thank you


Treatment with Panacur is very effective and cheap. Worth doing - you have to give the meds to all rabbits that live together, and for 28 days. It's also advised to clean the accommodation and living area thoroughly, with bleach or steam clean, on days 21 and 28 of treatment.

http://www.vetfolio.com/parasitology/encephalitozoon-cuniculi-infection-in-rabbits

http://www.dechra.co.uk/therapy-are...cs-antifungals/disease-information/e-cuniculi


I am so glad you have trust in your vet. That's worth it's weight in gold :)
 
Treatment with Panacur is very effective and cheap. Worth doing - you have to give the meds to all rabbits that live together, and for 28 days. It's also advised to clean the accommodation and living area thoroughly, with bleach or steam clean, on days 21 and 28 of treatment.

http://www.vetfolio.com/parasitology/encephalitozoon-cuniculi-infection-in-rabbits

http://www.dechra.co.uk/therapy-are...cs-antifungals/disease-information/e-cuniculi


I am so glad you have trust in your vet. That's worth it's weight in gold :)

Thank you very much, I will definetly keep this in mind. If it is just a parasite I will be very relieved.
 
Thank you very much, I will definetly keep this in mind. If it is just a parasite I will be very relieved.

The EC parasite can cause lasting neurological damage, which is why it is important to complete a full course of treatment and use an anti-inflammatory to reduce the damage. Typical symptoms are head tilt and back leg weakness. Most rabbits recover to lead a normal life, even if there is residual eg head tilt. Some may need several courses of treatment, and it can recur. It's not as simple as worming a cat or dog (although Panacur is also used for that). On the other hand, treatment is relatively cheap and simple, should your vet feel that it is appropriate.
 
The EC parasite can cause lasting neurological damage, which is why it is important to complete a full course of treatment and use an anti-inflammatory to reduce the damage. Typical symptoms are head tilt and back leg weakness. Most rabbits recover to lead a normal life, even if there is residual eg head tilt. Some may need several courses of treatment, and it can recur. It's not as simple as worming a cat or dog (although Panacur is also used for that). On the other hand, treatment is relatively cheap and simple, should your vet feel that it is appropriate.

This.
 
I agree with everything said above :)

I have a head tilt bun that presented with wobbliness and falling over. Our vet was lovely and we didn't want to make the change to see a specialist but we did and it was the best thing we ever did for him. We had to travel 90 minutes each way but it was worth it :)
I hope that you get to the bottom of the problem and that your bunny feels better soon.
Xxx
 
Thank you very much, I will definetly keep this in mind. If it is just a parasite I will be very relieved.


You're very welcome :)

If treatment can begin asap, it would be best. Also, make sure your vet gives you Metacam, an anti-inflammatory which can help calm down any lesions in the brain caused by the parasite x
 
My dad has booked the vets for Oreo to be put down. He hasn't got any better but I can't bear the thought of leaving him yet. I haven't seen him for the past week because he's been at the vets the whole time. I just don't know how I'm going to let him go.
 
My dad has booked the vets for Oreo to be put down. He hasn't got any better but I can't bear the thought of leaving him yet. I haven't seen him for the past week because he's been at the vets the whole time. I just don't know how I'm going to let him go.

I'm so sorry that your father has decided to do this rather than consult one of the rabbit-savvy vets recommended. Very sad for you and :cry:Oreo.
 
My dad has booked the vets for Oreo to be put down. He hasn't got any better but I can't bear the thought of leaving him yet. I haven't seen him for the past week because he's been at the vets the whole time. I just don't know how I'm going to let him go.

I am so sorry to read this latest update. I can understand how distressed you are that you are not in control of such a big decision :cry:
 
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