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Forum DIET & CARE Bunny having seizures

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    • Paarthurnax97
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        So yesterday it seemed like my boy was having a sort of twitching/shaking problem here and there. Took him to the vet for him not eating or drinking and being lethargic. Vet didn’t find anything wrong, he is healthy aside from the weight. He’s very thin due to not eating. 

        My mom and I watered down some pellets and using a syringe to feed him around 9pm after going out to see if we could find anything else that might help. Right after the feeding, he had that same twitching/shaking episode, but worse. He would twist his neck, blink rapidly, mouth opening, walking backwards, falling onto his sides, etc. It was very scary to see this. I would hold him and pet him to calm him down while my dad was looking online to see what this could be and my mom helped me comfort him. Afterwards he decided to run across the room into a corner (we were in the living room). This happened a second time a couple minutes after the first and that’s when we called a 24hr vet clinic and took him over there.

        We told the lady about the Advantage and how he started not eating and drinking the night after we applied it to him. She looked concerned and said a certain flea medication is fatal, but she double checked and said that Advantage is not fatal and is safe for him. She also confirmed that he is completely fine aside from the weight. We couldn’t let them keep him over night and have x-rays due to the insane amount of money needed. She said sometimes these seizures are just something that the bunny is simply born with or it could be a brain tumor or something he possibly ate that obviously wasn’t good for him, or a parasite. We don’t know since we couldn’t perform anything. She noted that he doesn’t seem to be in pain and seizures aren’t really painful, just funky feeling. So that ruled out putting him down. 

        She gave us 3 medicines – Panacur, Cisapride, and Baytril (Enrofloxacin). Also a small bag of critical care. He did eat a tiny amount of hay once she put him back in his cage and a mint leaf. Also ate a couple pellets and he hasn’t had a seizure since they gave him more fluids and some other antibiotics. He’s been calm thus far.

        Has ANYONE experienced this? He is so young (3 months). I feel horrible. Please help…


      • Bam
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          Panacur is the right thing to try imo. Neurological problems can be due to a parasite that Panacur can kill. You treat for 28 days. That you had just given him Advantage was probably just a coincidence.
          This parasite, e cuniculi, is very common in rabbits but most don’t get sick. It affects the brain or the kidneys or heart -organs with lots of blood supply to them.
          Baytril also helps against this parasite. Cisapride makes the intestines move, important when a bunny has eaten too little.

          You have gotten him the appropriate meds, now it’s important that he eats and is kept warm and comfortable.


        • MrBun&Daisy
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            i have had seen a couple people on here that have experienced this. however the cause is not always the same. Would xrays be lest costly at your regular vet? usually the 24 hour emergency vets are pricy just because they are open 24 hours. The most important thing (other than finding out the cause) is to keep him safe so he can’t harm himself if he has another seizure. make sure there’re nothing he can run into or fall off of. if he seems to like the mint leaves keep giving them to him. he needs to eat something. hay is great if you can get him to eat more of that. I think right now your biggest thing is to make sure he keeps eating and drinking. it will be harder for him to fight whatever is going on if gi stasis sets in as well.

            I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Check to see if there are any tests your normal vet could run that you can afford. keep giving him food and CC if he won’t eat on his own. if he isn’t drinking you’ll need to feed him water too. Hopefully he won’t have another one and hopefully someone who’s been through this will have some input today


          • Azerane
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              I’m afraid I don’t know enough about seizures in rabbits to add any insight or help, but I wish all the best for him.


            • Paarthurnax97
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                Thank you so much<3


              • Bam
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                  I too wish him and you the best of luck with this. If it’s a brain tumor there will be very little you could do. Bunnies can also have epilepsy just like humans or dogs, and there are some meds that might help.

                  You can pad his cage/area with rolled up towels or pillows just so he won’t hurt himself if he has a seizure.

                  Mint is very good for bunnies, so if he likes that I agree you can keep giving it to him.


                • Paarthurnax97
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                    My mom just feels like its her fault because it happened after the flea treatment she put on him, but both vets said it’s more than likely not the treatment doing this.

                    I remember the vet saying that about the parasite. I also just syringed fed home along with some water. I tried being light as possible with the syringe with the critical care in it, but quite a bit came out by accident. He got a little dirty though some did get into his mouth. First time doing this on my own. He has nice warm blankets and another over the cage to keep the ac off him. Might try to put the heating pad with him if possible with a towel around it.

                    He did finally have a dropping that was somewhat normal so I’m a bit relieved. 


                  • Paarthurnax97
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                      I will have to ask my mom when she gets home from work to see if our main vet can do the x-rays and see how much it would be. I hope it’d be in our price range.

                      He is in his cage and there’s some blankets in there to cushion everything and keep him warm. Changed his hay with more fresh kind, hoping he’ll get hungry. I have quite a bit of food in there with him in hopes he will eat at least a tiny bit. Still syringe feeding CC along with water. Doesn’t seem to like the water bottle right now.

                      Its very draining in every way. First time owning a bunny of my own and watching this happen is terrifying.


                    • Bam
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                        It is terrifying, I do so agree. Stay strong.
                        I honestly don’t see what an x-Ray would be good for at this stage. You can’t see epilepsy on an x-Ray or the e cuniculi parasite. A tumor can be seen on a CT scan but I very much doubt a brain tumor in a bunny could be successfully removed (I don’t know this for certain though.)

                        I think you are doing the right thing by starting him on these drugs. It can be a while before you see result, so don’t despair. Sadly the meds against e cuniculi doesn’t always work, but it is his best chance.

                        You always spill some food on the bunny when you feed by syringe. As long as you get most of it in him, it’s still very worthwhile. You will probably get food on yourself too, but you do become better and better at it with practice. If he puts up a fight it’s actually a good sign. Very few bunnies, if any, good-humoredly accept being syringe fed.


                      • MrBun&Daisy
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                          I agree with the vet on the advantage. of course it is possible to him to have a reaction to it advantage is safe for rabbits so its not likely it has caused this whole thing. you are doing great by giving him water and CC and lots of food options. I know its scary but he’s been given good meds now you just need to give them time to work.

                          one thing that may be able to help with vet costs, and someone else just suggested it to another person on here who has a sick bun. there is something called care credit. its like an insurance for animals. it allows you to make payments rather than all up front. I would have your mom or dad look into to see if its something your vet takes and that is doable for your budget. there’s another one call pet assure but I’ve never heard of it until today on the other post. I’m not sure how long it takes to go into effect or all the details but it would be worth looking into. if its an option it may help you get a bit more treatment for him that you could pay off over time.

                          but bam is right- you are doing everything correctly. he is obviously still fighting whatever it is so you have to help him fight. offer him food often as he may not want to get up and go get it. CC is great but if we can get him to nibble real food that’s even better. He knows you’re trying to help him, I promise


                        • Paarthurnax97
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                            Very true. Should probably just see how the meds will turn out before trying anything else. The vet said to call back after a week and to see if anything can be done if he hasn’t improved. If worst comes to worst, he might be put down. He is a trooper though I will say that. For now I will cuddle with him and keep syringe feeding. 

                            He kinda fusses but not much. He doesn’t like whichever one is the white liquid my mom gave to him last night. 

                            Could by any chance the fleas be the cause? Per say if one was on one of our cats and then jumped onto him and whatever they got from the cat didn’t agree with him?


                          • MrBun&Daisy
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                              Well I know other animals can have allergies to fleas (my dog does) so I’m sure its possible for a bun to as well. but this normally just causes a lot of scratching and skin irritation. I’ve never heard of it causing seizures. of course fleas can carry in parasites that can effect any animal. and while It does sound like a parasite is a likely suspect for what’s going on with him there are millions of ways they can get them and the e cuniculi can also be in a buns system without causing a problem for a while. So I wouldn’t drive yourself crazy thinking it was a flea because its only one of a lot of possibilities. fleas are a common problem in buns and its a one in a million chance that they are carrying something. and it will only add stress to you. right now you need to focus on feeding him and try to relax (you and him) and let the meds get to work. At this point I don’t think you should keep thinking of what caused it. Yes lots of tests may tell you what is going on but then again they may not. or they may tell you its something that is not reversible. You will just end up in even more of a panic. Just focus on him in this moment and keep doing what you’re doing. I work in health care and we often tell people with things such as cancer that there is no point in asking why they have it. the point is that they do, and they need to put all their energy in to fighting it. Maybe down the line you will be able to have him tested and figure something out but for now he needs you to focus and be as calm as possible. and it sounds like you are doing a fantastic job. Just keep thinking positively and keep telling him how strong he is. there’s a lot of fight in this little bun


                            • Paarthurnax97
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                                Yeah our dog goes nuts when she has fleas. 

                                Luckily, I’ve been talking to a lady I met on another website a couple months ago. I messaged her about it since she has given me most of the information I know about rabbits and turns out it’s personally happened one of her bunnies. She’s talking me through what to do with him and thinks it’s either a parasite or a tumor. 

                                She’s also encouraging me to get a hold of the vet and see if blood work can be done. Thankfully, my mom is heading back to the vet tonight with our male cat so I can have her ask the vet for a estimate in prices for things and talk to her about the care credit.

                                He put up a lil fight just a few minutes ago when I was giving him CC and also seems tempted to eat his hay. Keeps putting his nose and mouth near the hay rack. Isn’t quite sure what to do just yet.


                              • MrBun&Daisy
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                                  That’s great news! that’s a pretty good sign the meds are making him feel a little better which is a good sign its not a tumor. Hopefully blood work won’t be too pricey and can tell you what it is. The meds they gave you are targeted for parasites and it sounds like they may be working if he’s perked up even the slightest bit to give you a fight. hopefully he will decide he wants some hay too. if your vet takes care credit that would be great just in case its something he would need major treatment for. but right now we are all crossing our fingers its just a parasite and the meds can knock it out completely!


                                • Paarthurnax97
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                                    Unfortunately our regular vet doesn’t take care credit but another vet near us does. I will talk to my mom about it once she’s home.

                                    He did have a seizure two hours ago but that’s probably because the meds wore off. We gave him more right after and a good amount of CC. Once that was done I put him on the floor to see if he wanted to walk around. He started speeding around the room. He peed quite a bit which was a mess, but I was kinda happy about it. Some improvement. Still going to force feed for awhile and hopefully within a few days he will pick back up with eating on his own.

                                    Other than that he has been relaxing. Letting him do his own thing for awhile to see if he runs around some more.


                                  • Bam
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                                      I’m glad to hear there’s some improvement. You are doing everything right. The parasite is sneaky, that’s why the course of treatment is so long (28 days).


                                    • Paarthurnax97
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                                        He has had two more seizure’s. He makes a wheezing, huffing puffing sounds whenever it happens and he is extremely skinny. I can feel every bone and I’m feeding him as much as I can with CC.


                                      • Bam
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                                          I’m very sorry to hear it. This is difficult. Perhaps your vet could prescribe some type of bunny-suitable benzodiazepine, those medshave an inhibitory effect on the nerve-cells in the brain and they relieve cramping. It’s not an expensive class of drugs but it’s classed as a narcotic so a vet must prescribe it.

                                          During an epileptic seizure the patient isn’t aware, so it’s not painful.

                                          This might be caused by a genetic flaw or a congenital defect. You are doing all you can and you are being very, very brave.


                                        • Paarthurnax97
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                                            I will definitely tell my mom about that and hopefully we can get some for the little guy.

                                            I’m relieved that he doesn’t know its happening and not painful. Though he sure got me pretty good with his nails for kicking when I was holding him to relax.

                                            He just now took the CC willingly. He followed the syringe and kept nibbling on it for more. I gave him quite a bit to hopefully fill him up and keep this going. He still won’t eat his hay. I’m trying my best to stay calm when its so alarming.


                                          • Bam
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                                              It’s not easy to keep calm when your bun is ill, but your staying calm of course helps your little one. With epilepsy, which is a hyper-excitatory state of the brain, a calm environment is extra important. Low lights, low ambient noise, not a lot of people running back and forth. I still think it’s great that you are sitting with him though, rabbits are very social creatures who seem to derive comfort from company.

                                              I’m glad he ate willingly! Sometimes they understand after a while that the CC helps them – it’s like they connect the feeling of well-being with the syringed food.


                                            • Paarthurnax97
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                                                Ever since these problems started I have had him on my bed with me for the most part so I’m close to him. I did have him in his cage for a bit yesterday but once he had the seizure I brought him back to my bed. I keep giving him lots of kisses and snuggles. He has a heating pad under him for more warmth.

                                                Oh good! Was a bit worried about that actually. I will give him more in a couple hours. He is producing some poops and peed (yay…)


                                              • Bam
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                                                  Yay for poop and pee!!


                                                • Paarthurnax97
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                                                    I didn’t want to make another topic thread, but I was just reading some articles about fur loss. He has this patch of dry flakey skin on the top of his head. I’ll try posting a picture. I was just wondering about it because I don’t think the vets noticed it, since he basically has a comb over lol.

                                                    Not letting me upload a picture. Its just on top of his head. Very flakey, some tiny red spots and the skin looks irritated. He scratches it here and there.


                                                  • Bam
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                                                      It could be fur mites. That’s very common in rabbits, they often get them from their mother. If the bunny gets I’ll or very stressed, the mites seize the opportunity to multiply. They manifest as “dandruff” and some irritation, often thickening, of the skin locally.

                                                      Advantage doesn’t kill mites, you need to use selamectin (Revolution) or ivermectin. I don’t know if it’s safe to give together with Panacur.

                                                      Fur mites can cause itching but don’t always.


                                                    • Paarthurnax97
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                                                        This is what is looks like. It’s not a picture of his because for some reason it’s not letting me upload the picture of his spot.

                                                        Then will hold off on it until he starts showing some improvement (which he is).


                                                      • Bam
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                                                          That looks like fur mites. It would be really typical with an outbreak of mites if he has the e cuniculi parasite- e cuniculi suppresses the immune defense. You could give your vet a call (on Monday) and ask if treatment for mites can/should be given at the same time as Panacur.

                                                          Fur mites are not as bad as ear mites or mange, they won’t cause anemia or open sores that can get infected by bacteria, but they can itch and that might contribute to his unwillingness to eat.


                                                        • Paarthurnax97
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                                                            I will ask if we are able to go to the vet this week. A friend of mine that I mentioned earlier (I think) is willing to do a pay forward to help us get some blood panels done or whatever he would need to figure out the issue since money is tight and she has been in our situation before. I hope my mother allows it.


                                                          • LBJ10
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                                                              EC gives a lot of false negatives, so I would not rely on blood panels alone.


                                                            • Bam
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                                                                I agree with LBJ – a blood test for e cuniculi is rather a waste of money. If you get a negative it might just as well be false, if you get a positive -well you are already giving him the best available treatment for e cuniculi.

                                                                If you are seeing improvement, It’s likely that the meds are working. Those meds wouldn’t have an effect on a brain tumor or epilepsy due to a congenital malformation/scarring of brain-tissue.

                                                                You will need to do the full 28 day course though, sometimes an even longer course is needed.


                                                              • Paarthurnax97
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                                                                  He is showing lots of improvement so it will more than likely not be needed. He’s eating his pellets and drinking on his own. No seizures since yesterday *knocks on wood*

                                                                  Still just relaxing in his cage, but was running around yesterday throughout the living room to the dining room/kitchen. No binkying, but he was running 

                                                                  Of course! I just hope he wouldn’t need it for longer once he has finished the full course of the medicine. 

                                                                  I’m still trying to figure out if the Advantage had a possible role in this. Maybe just very hypersensitive? We will be using Revolution next time if the fleas return. If it did, I wouldn’t tell my mom. She’s stubborn and still thinks it’s her fault for all of this. Even if it was the Advantage, we didn’t know it would cause this.

                                                                  If it is EC, like you said he is getting the best treatment we can give him available. He’s responding very well to the meds so I can only hope this will come to an end and he will be back to his goofball self soon.


                                                                • Bam
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                                                                    I’m so glad to hear he’s showing so much improvement so soon!

                                                                    It is of course possible that he is extra sensitive to Advantage and that’s what caused his lethargy, inappetence and seizures. It wasn’t your mum’s fault though, because Advantage IS listed as bunny safe. Your vets say it’s bunny-safe. Nobody could have guessed he has a hyper-sensitivity to imidacloprid -if that’s what he has. The safest bet is imo to continue the e cuniculi-treatment.


                                                                  • LBJ10
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                                                                      If he’s showing improvement, then continue treating for EC. I still think the Advantage was most likely just a coincidence. I have never heard of an adverse reaction to Advantage that causes seizures. Adverse reactions can occur, of course. But what is typically reported is skin irritation or rash in rabbits. There have also be reports of GI upset in cats that have ingested large volumes due to grooming (usually another cat). I’m not saying that it is impossible that his seizures were caused by the Advantage, but it is highly unlikely.


                                                                    • vanessa
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                                                                        I agree with the others. Skip the blood test, stick to the ful course of the meds. Good news that he is improving. Sometimes these things get worse before they get better.


                                                                      • Paarthurnax97
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                                                                          I will definitely continue the treatment for EC. He was very feisty last night when my dad and I gave him his meds, unlike before he would just sit there. He is eating, a lot, which is noticeable. He is definitely gaining some weight back from what I can feel. His poops are completely normal now and he is running around my room like crazy! Before he couldn’t get in and out of the cage himself, but he finally started to do it again last night before I went to bed. Still no seizures since the other night.
                                                                          I really really appreciate all the help from everyone here! Put my mind at ease along with my mom’s. She’s still upset about it all, but she’s extremely happy he is improving so quickly. I’m going to do the CC at least once as day now just to make sure he is getting more into him, but not a lot so he doesn’t become dependent on it.
                                                                          Thank you all so much!!!<3333


                                                                        • beebun
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                                                                            Great job!! Whee!! This must have been tiring for both of you. Please also remember to take good care of yourself because it’s easy to forget when you’re so focused on a sick baby

                                                                            Sending warm vibes for a lot of poops and happy noms!

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                                                                        Forum DIET & CARE Bunny having seizures