Hi there, we have owned our rabbit for 18 months now, about 3 months ago he got very poorly suddenly, was off his food, acting strangely (obsessed with eating paper) and mostly hiding in his house. We took him to the vet, who gave him antibiotics, anti-inflamatory and a 28 day course of panacur. He soon perked up and was back to his normal self until a couple of days after we stopped the panacur! He started to deteriorate again and we took him back to the vet who still didn't really know what was wrong, but said to give him the panacur again. So, he's now been on a daily dose of panacur for about 2 months! We are scared to take him off it in case he gets poorly again, but surely he can't have it forever?! Also, he never really had the classic symptoms of E. cuniculi (paralysis, head tilt, etc) just off his food and acting strangely in that he was madly eating paper. Can anyone shed any light on what could be up with him? Thanks!
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Bun permanently taking Panacur!?
- Thread starter BrigO
- Start date
William
Wise Old Thumper
It sounds like stasis or gut slowdown to me. Rabbits often crave the fiber in paper when their gut is slowing down. Make sure he can't get to paper when this happens though because paper can cause a blockage. Tempt him with hay and some of his favorite foods - not eating can of course be life threatening in rabbits.
Your vet should be able to spot the signs of stasis (e.g. not eating) if they're a rabbit savvy vet and give you the right medicine - he might need a gut stimulant and pain relief, possibly Critical Care formula too. He could be not eating for a reason like spurs on his teeth or ear problems etc so he might need to be checked over by a vet as well.
You can post on the forum asking for a rabbit savvy vet in your area if you have any concern that your vet isn't very knowledgeable in rabbits.
Your vet should be able to spot the signs of stasis (e.g. not eating) if they're a rabbit savvy vet and give you the right medicine - he might need a gut stimulant and pain relief, possibly Critical Care formula too. He could be not eating for a reason like spurs on his teeth or ear problems etc so he might need to be checked over by a vet as well.
You can post on the forum asking for a rabbit savvy vet in your area if you have any concern that your vet isn't very knowledgeable in rabbits.
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
Hello
I think I would want to consider seeking a second opinion from another Vet. The symptoms you describe (obsessed with eating paper) can indicate a problem with the hind gut (the cecum). If the cecum is sluggish the Rabbit will crave the 'wrong' types of fibre -eg paper, cardboard etc.
http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Caecal_Impaction.htm
They will also go off their food and their poo output will reduce 'Gut Stasis'
http://anyflip.com/dvpt/hzvv
There are several other possible causes of the symptoms you describe and I would want the Vet to run further diagnostics.
I would not be happy with a Rabbit in my care being on Panacur indefinitely. The treatment is not without risks.
You may want to start a thread over in Rabbit Chat asking for information about 'Rabbit Savvy Vets' in your area. You could also have a look on these links :
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/
https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/ve...s-that-have-been-recommended-by-rabbit-owners
Good luck
MightyMax
Banned
Welcome to the forum :wave:
I agree with William, gut stasis often exhibits these signs and symptoms.
http://anyflip.com/dvpt/hzvv/basic
http://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/ROWinter10p7.pdf
I wold be cautious about keeping a rabbit on Panacur, as there are side effects. Not all of them welcome!
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
Thank you all for taking the time to reply with your advice, I'll track down a rabbit savvy vet and get him checked over ASAP! Thanks again
That's OK, best wishes for your Bunny xx
MightyMax
Banned
Thank you all for taking the time to reply with your advice, I'll track down a rabbit savvy vet and get him checked over ASAP! Thanks again
You're very welcome
Good luck xx
