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Hi my name is KathyI recently had two rabbits die of E cuniculi. I bought a baby that had it (without knowing) within 5 days, her cage mate died. So my vet startedfive other bunnies in the herd (that we thought were at risk ) on Panacur. Everyone is doing fine. Today however, a female that was not on panacur, started shaking her head, and I noticed that when I gave her some vegis (which she normally loves) she didn't touch them. It has been very hot here today 100+ degrees. So I brought her in our airconditioned home and gave her some panacur as a preventative. (My vet made sure I had plenty-just in case) She is resting comfortably, but I wondered if she could be getting sick. Is the head shaking a symptom of E cuniculi? Her ears look very clean, and she is very clean in general, so I really didn't think it could be mites. I clean the cages once a week with one part bleach and three parts water. The last time I cleaned was last Saturday. Could you give me your opinion?
Pet's Gender: FemalePet's Age: 1Type of Animal: Netherland dwarf lion head bunny mix Already Tried: gave a weight appropriate dose of panacur. Put her in an airconditioned room with fresh water, food. Separated her from other bunnies to reduce stress and exposure.
Hello Kathy,E. cuniculi can produce so many different symptoms that almost anything out of the ordinary can be caused by it. You're doing exactly what you should be at this point. It will take longer than a few days to get results with the Panacur. Don't stop prematurely now that you've begun, but follow your vet's instructions. Other than letting your rabbit rest and feeding her the best diet possible, there isn't anything else you can do right now. The heat may also be affecting her, so you were wise to get her out of it. This will take you to a page with links to more information on E. cunuculi. http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#ecThere are a few things to consider in the future. Your vet may have explained that there is no definitive test for E. cunuculi. Diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms. That means your vet may be pretty sure that's the cause of the problem, but not 100% certain. Many vets will prescribe an antibiotic, such as Baytril, along with the Panacur. It will help if there's a bacterial infection. If your rabbits don't get better, it's possible that something else could be wrong. More testing would have to be completed to determine what it might be. Sometimes E. cuniculi doesn't respond to Panacur. Barbi Brown, a respected rabbit breeder, has worked with her vet to develop a protocol for treating stubborn cases. I've used it myself a number of times, with good results. If your rabbits don't improve on their present medications, you may want to print out the information on this protocol and discuss it with your vet:http://www.barbibrownsbunnies.com/ecuniculi.htmBrown also has a number of links to sites that describe other treatment methods:http://www.barbibrownsbunnies.com/ecuniculi.htm#ALTERNATIVE%20TREATMENTSSome researchers have found that extremely stubborn cases sometimes respond to more prolonged treatment with corticosteroids and also NSAIDs. You can read more at the following site, where you'll have to scroll down.http://www.radil.missouri.edu/info/dora/RABBPAGE/resp.htmlYour rabbits may well respond to the Panacur, so don't be in a rush to try something else. If those drugs don't work, you can discuss some of the other possibilities with your vet. E. cuniculi is still an unpredictable and mysterious disease. Many rabbits carry it, but most never develop symptoms. Other times, a whole herd will become sick. no one knows why.If you have more questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope all of your rabbits will quickly recover.Anna
Pet Expert/Biologist
40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Vet assistant.
Hi Anna,
thanks for the quick response. These guys are like my babies, so it is hard not to worry. Good news though, She started eating her vegis! yeah! So... maybe the eat caused the lack of appetite. All bunnies are inside now to give them a break from the heat. Regarding the head shaking, should I put a couple drops of vegetable oil in her ears as a preventative for ear mites? I looked with a flash light and could not see anything, but she is shaking her head more than normal. I WILL continue the panacur without a doubt. I know to do this for 30 days. My other bunnies are almost done with their treatments, so it is no big deal to add one more. Just wondering though if she could have ear mites but not have any other signs like brown waxy stuff, or scabs. Like I said she looks clean as a whistle, but perhaps with the heat she is just getting them. Could you let me know.
HI again, Kathy, I just saw in your feedback that you were concerned that I didn't address the possibility of ear mites. You had mentioned that you didn't think they were likely. However, if you're not 100% certain, you may want to have your vet check that out. Usually with ear mites, the ears will look dirty, or the rabbit may scratch at them repeatedly. In a very early infestation, those signs may not be present. An ear infection can also cause ear-shaking. With that, too, you'd need to consult your vet. I wouldn't use the vegetable oil since it could cause more irritation, especially if infection is present.Heat can easily cause rabbits to lose their appetites and your heat was excessive. It was wise to bring them in. Excesive heat like that can cause heat stroke and death.Again, if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask. There's no need to click on accept again. Thank you for accepting above. Anna
Ok-thanks for the advice. I also have baytril on hand, so I will administer that as well in the proper weight appropriate dosage in case it is an ear infection. I know this can't hurt. Then I will call the vet monday morning to make an appointment to have her looked at.
That sounds like a good plan.Good luck!Anna