E. Cuniculi v. Infection

[BelarusianBunny]

 I have searched the related posts on here and I have searched online.  The question did not come to me until today.  I wished I thought of it earlier and at the appointment.  I think it is because my rabbit’s off balance was not very bad as it became after the appointment.

 

I know vets treat for E. cuniculi parasite and bacterial infection concurrently.  This vet is not.  He is treating for bacteria infection because he can not see any thing wrong.  Blood work will show positive titers for the parasite.  Yes, there is tests for bacteria infections (swabs for example) too.

 

I am sorry if I am not making sense but how does a vet choose or know to treat one and not the other?  If most rabbits test positive for the parasite how can the related symptoms be tied to one condition or the other?  I am focusing on the head tilt and the off balance as this example.  My rabbit does not have a head tilt but he hops like he is sea sick or on a boat when he goes fast.  He can stand up to groom and he can sit normally.  Both problems share symptoms and with rabbits with positive tests from birth, how can this be decided?  Especially with chances of both problems being in the rabbit at once?

 

I am sitting here and wondering if my rabbit is getting the proper treatment.  I know I jump to conclusions and my rabbit had two doses of his prescription only yet.  

 

I apologize.  I have not slept and I can not collect my thoughts properly. 

[Sarita]

I will say that many times in an elder bun that they may show signs of e.c. due to compromised immunity and many vets will just treat for that without testing.

There could be tests like a culture for the bacterial infection but it is probably good to go ahead at his age and in the condition he is in to start treatment immediately.

I unfortunately cannot answer the question on why different vets have different protocols for treatment – could be based on experience or what they were taught in vet school….

I would say if you feel you need to treat for both for peace of mind, discuss it with your vet – I imagine it cannot hurt to treat both but then again I am not a vet just an owner and I would probably ask to treat for both if I felt concerned about it and see what my vet says.

I would definitely in any case continue the current treatment without fail until I can was able to discuss my concerns with the vet.

[BelarusianBunny]

Thank you very much for the good advice, Sarita. I do not feel so much panicked right now with a plan. I will discuss it with the vet. Gosh, I was very much panicked at all the “what if’s”!

[BelarusianBunny]

Another question. I feel like I am being annoying.

My rabbit continues to fall over once or twice a day. He thrashes and we must pick him up. He can still sit properly and he can stand up to groom. I saw last night he groomed his right side but when he tried to groom his left side, he almost fell over so he stopped. I have noticed his left hind leg looks stiff or unsteady when he hops. He is worse and not better. He eats, goes to the bathroom, grooms and he looks around at things.

I called the vet. I said I think my rabbit is worse than the day of the appointment. He continues to fall over. Can I come in for a check and maybe something to treat e. cuniculi as well as the maybe bacteria? I am told to keep my appointment next Thursday and he will see then. As usual, I will continue the Baytril. The last time he had a vestibular problem, he became somewhat better after 3 – 4 days of medication and now, there is no change.

After all of this my question is (in your opinion only), will my rabbit be alright until next Thursday if it is e. cuniculi? I ask if I keep the Baytril, feedings and he is still alert, will the parasite progress so quickly there will be more problems?

My rabbit has someone with him 24 hours a day to watch him if he falls. I have an appointment I cannot miss tomorrow so I am very worried if he falls if no one is home. As recent immigrants, we do not know anybody to stay with him either.

[Sarita]

Sounds like the vet’s office is not very cooperative. Can you leave a message to speak directly to the vet with your concerns and have the vet call you when he can?

[BelarusianBunny]

I am going to keep trying to speak with the vet. I understand they have a busy office but there must be 3 minutes in day one can spare. Thank you, Sarita.

[Sarita]

I hope you can…your situation sounds so frustrating.

[BelarusianBunny]

I finally got through. Instead of speaking to the vet, we have an appointment in the morning. First thing. I hope that is soon enough for him to be O.K.

I had to cancel the important travel visa interview though.

[Sarita]

Geez, that sounds so frustrating – I think in the morning should be fine…that is too bad about the interview though – I hope you can reschedule that very soon.

[BinkyBunny]

 Check out http://www.onthewonk.com  It is meant for situations just like this. Though the focus is on head-tilt, they give advice on how to make a bunny hat is rolling and has balance issues, more comfortable.  Plus they address the concern you have regarding treating infection vs e.cuniculi.   (Basically backs up Sarita’s advice). 

It is great info and it may be worth it to print it out and bring it with you so you and your vet can discuss together. 

I think they also have a forum group I think.   That group would also be more up on the latest of what’s going on with e.cuniculi.  The treatment and what to do about the titer results has really varied and can be a bit controversial as a titer level doesn’t usually mean much now UNLESS it’s compared later with another test . But even then each bunny reacts differently. Some bunnies can have it their whole lives and never show symptoms.  

It can be very confusing because ear infections that cause imbalance can also take a while, but I think the reason behind treating both is the thought that IF it is e.cunicli, at least treating for it will prevent permanent damage.   I would ask what the vets concerns are for treating both — worried about gi upsets or ??

[BelarusianBunny]

Thank you, both BB and Sarita, for your aid. BB, thank you very much for the link to the On The Wonk website.

I wish I knew that site 2 years ago when my rabbit first experienced (and recovered) from a middle ear infection head tilt. But now, I am prepared with good and simple information I have printed for my vet to discuss. Thank you again.

I notice hind limb paralysis beginning but Dima hopped in a safe area. He has a hunched gait, leans to the left but he did not fall. It was good to see he is still alert, eating on his own and going to the bathroom very well. Morning cannot come sooner!

[BelarusianBunny]

Silly question: Does anyone know the procedure/kind of test/name of the test that is used to test for E. cuniculi in people? It’s suggested we take a test due to some health issues. The doctors are lost and my vet (although he suggested the test) thinks I am insane.

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