Bunny won't use litter tray since operation
- Thread starter Orenoko
- Start date
Orenoko
Mama Doe
We are just back from the vets. I described all of his symptoms - not using the litter tray, circling, scanning, not eating all of his poos, seeking out corners. The vet checked his remaining eye, no concerns, weight is also stable and teeth are good. He has a months worth of metacam in case there is some arthritis generally, and I'm going to get a urine sample back to them ASAP. He's currently in the bathroom with a pile of veg so hopefully won't have to wait too long for that!
She said that some of his behaviour is neurological which could be indicative of a few things - possible UTI, cognitive decline, or worst case scenario an issue with his brain. Hopefully the painkillers will make a difference and we'll see if a UTI is ruled out relatively soon.
She asked if I wanted a referral to a specialist for an MRI, I've opted to see how we go first with painkillers and the urine test. If neither of those help then that will probably indicate that there is something much worse going on for him in which case I will have to reassess
it all seems too coincidental to have occurred in line with his surgery but sadly he can't tell me what the problem is!
She said that some of his behaviour is neurological which could be indicative of a few things - possible UTI, cognitive decline, or worst case scenario an issue with his brain. Hopefully the painkillers will make a difference and we'll see if a UTI is ruled out relatively soon.
She asked if I wanted a referral to a specialist for an MRI, I've opted to see how we go first with painkillers and the urine test. If neither of those help then that will probably indicate that there is something much worse going on for him in which case I will have to reassess
it all seems too coincidental to have occurred in line with his surgery but sadly he can't tell me what the problem is!
InspectorMorse
Wise Old Thumper
I assume EC has also been considered. I can’t remember if he’s had an ‘active’ case of EC before. EC can cause cataracts as well as neurological symptoms.
A flare up of EC can occur in response to any physiological stress such as a GA and surgery.
A flare up of EC can occur in response to any physiological stress such as a GA and surgery.
Orenoko
Mama Doe
I have to admit it hasn't. He's never had EC in the 5 years I had him, I've no idea if he ever had it before unfortunately. If current plan doesn't help then I will ask for further tests.
InspectorMorse
Wise Old Thumper
Personally I would give the Vet a call now and ask. The Vet might agree to give him a 28 day course of Fenbendazole (Panacur),as well as the Metacam. I am surprised EC wasn’t mentioned by the Vet, unless that’s what they meant when they referred to a ‘neurological problem’
EC does not always have to involve head tilt. Symptoms can be lack of co-ordination/ circling, loss of litter tray habits, cataracts, signs of renal problems such as drinking and weeing more, losing weight.
Fenbendazole won’t cure EC but it can reduce the number of EC spores circulating in the bloodstream. Most cases are contracted whilst still in the mother’s womb. The parasite is excreted long before any clinical symptoms present, if they ever do. Before the parasite is excreted it sheds spores into the bloodstream. The Rabbits immune system keeps them in a dormant state and clinical symptoms might never occur. But if the immune system is challenged in some way, eg a GA, the spores can erupt into various tissue cells including those within the CNS, the kidneys and the lenses of the eyes. It is the inflammatory response to erupting EC spores that causes clinical symptoms.
Orenoko
Mama Doe
Yes maybe it's worth giving him a course of panacur - I can definitely ask the vet.
Orenoko
Mama Doe
Little update, urine test came back fine so we're not dealing with a UTI. I was away for 2 days so haven't been able to watch Rupert as much as normal but the pet sitter didn't report any issues. He has been continuing with the metacam and I've noticed he is doing small sploofs so I think it's having some effect. He had a few accidents while we were gone but not too many. I'm still waiting for the panacur to arrive so haven't been able to start that yet.
Orenoko
Mama Doe
Yeah I thought they did, just haven't had time to get to one, hopefully will arrive tomorrow.
bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
Glad he does not have a UTI. Sending vibes panacur helps to reduce his accidents.
Orenoko
Mama Doe
Another update for my little man Rupert, he went back to the vet for a recheck today and the update was relatively positive, he is peeing less and sploofing more so he appears to be happier in himself. He still circles, I think it's slightly reduced but hard to tell. He's been on panacur since Thursday as well, so a fair while to go with that treatment. The vet is happier with him, agreed to keep him on metacam long-term in case he does have arthritis, and see how he goes over the next couple of weeks.
a reader of books
Warren Veteran
I'm glad he seems happier. Sploofing more is a good sign. 
I'm sorry he still circles, though. I hope the Panacur will maybe help with that, and I hope the Metacam will help, too, if he does have arthritis. Sending Rupert a lot of vibes. 
I'm sorry he still circles, though. I hope the Panacur will maybe help with that, and I hope the Metacam will help, too, if he does have arthritis. Sending Rupert a lot of vibes.
bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
It is so nice to read Rupert is improving. Sending him more positive vibes that the circling will reduce with his new meds.
