Forum

OUR FORUM IS UP BUT WE ARE STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF UPDATING AND FIXING THINGS.  SOME THINGS WILL LOOK WEIRD AND/OR NOT BE CORRECT. YOUR PATIENCE IS APPRECIATED.  We are not fully ready to answer questions in a timely manner as we are not officially open, but we will do our best. 

You may have received a 2-factor authentication (2FA) email from us on 4/21/2020. That was from us, but was premature as the login was not working at that time. 

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately! Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

What are we about?  Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Seizure?!

Viewing 11 reply threads
  • Author
    Messages

    • sir-rabbit-pants
      Participant
      35 posts Send Private Message

        Do rabbits have seizures?  If so, what causes them?

        About half an hour ago, Thumper (5-yr-old Netherland Dwarf) was sitting next to the couch where I was sitting as he always does.  I heard him sneeze about three times in a row so I looked down at him.  He stopped sneezing and went back to normal.  He’s currently on Baytril following a recent trip to the vet (see below) so I figured if it is the snuffles, we’ve got it covered.  A minute later, I see movement out of the corner of my eyes.  I see Thumper lie down completely on his side (not normal for him!) then seemed to be convulsing for maybe 30 seconds (definitely not normal!) then continued to lie on his side.  I reached down to pet him – usually if he has his feet out he jumps up as soon as I touch him – but he didn’t move.  Eventually he got up but was moving much more slowly than usual for a couple minutes.  Now he seems to be doing fine; he’s eating hay with his partner, Flower.  She keeps a pretty good eye on him and generally does a good job of getting my attention if he’s acting weird.

        Thumper has had a weird medical history in the year and a half he’s lived with me.  For a long time, he was having issues with sludgy cecotropes and urinary incontinence.  The vet did blood tests and x-rays and couldn’t figure out what was wrong.  Before resorting to ultrasounds or surgery, we decided to try more metroclopramide and Bene-bac and a change in diet.  He improved but we still don’t know what happened.  He’s had snuffles somewhat often and he’s a pro at taking Baytril.  This past summer, we had to rush to the emergency vet because he had pretty bad stasis.  He had IV fluids, metacam, metroclopramide, baytril, and critical care.  A couple weeks ago, I noticed a similar change in behavior (not eating – he eats EVERYthing – lying in the corner, and antisocial behavior) but not as bad of symptoms but took him to the vet to be on the same side.  His gut hadn’t stopped yet, but it could’ve gone there if I hadn’t taken him in.  He got metacam (that day), critical care (two days), metroclopramide (finished last week), and baytril (not finished yet).  

        I plan to call his vet in the morning but thought I’d ask for input from other people as well – people that may be able to give ideas/reassurance before tomorrow morning.  Thanks so much!  


      • Lis
        Participant
        439 posts Send Private Message

          While I’m not trained as a vet tech, I am very, very trained in providing care to humans who have seizures – and that sounds exactly like a clonic tonic seizure. The recovery leaves them exhausted – which sounds just like your boy. Call your vet ASAP.


        • peppypoo
          Participant
          1945 posts Send Private Message

            Yes, rabbits can definitely have seizures – my first bunny, Tammo, had seizures throughout his life though we never found out the cause (probably congenital). What you described does indeed sound like a seizure..calling the vet is definitely a good idea. Keep a close eye on him in the meanwhile, and if this happens again try to record the episode, which can be very helpful to the vet. As with any health problems, do make sure that his eating, pooping, and activity levels are normal.


          • LittlePuffyTail
            Moderator
            18092 posts Send Private Message

              That must have been very scary for you. I don’t have any experience with seizures but I want to offer my well wishes and good luck at your vet appointment. Please let us know how it goes.


            • sir-rabbit-pants
              Participant
              35 posts Send Private Message

                I called Thumper’s vet this morning. Since he’s currently fine (eating, pooping, running around, being social), we decided to not rush him in today but made an appointment for Wednesday morning. (The rabbit-savvy vet won’t be in tomorrow but if things take a turn for the worse, there are other vets there who can treat him) She suspects e. cuniculi or lead poisoning. I don’t know how Thumper could have got lead poisoning unless there’s some lead paint behind the radiator.

                I’ve been reading stuff on e cuniculi, which makes me very nervous…both for him and his partner Flower. Flower has had ongoing issues with a messy bottom that we haven’t been able to figure out. She gets very stressed out by going to the vet so i think I’ll only take her to get tested if Thumper tests positive.

                I’ll let you all know how his vet visit goes. Your feedback and good vibes are very appreciated!


              • LittlePuffyTail
                Moderator
                18092 posts Send Private Message

                  Both e cuniculi and lead poisoning could cause neurological symptoms like seizures. Lead poisoning can be checked with a blood test. E cuniculi is more difficult to diagnose. Most vets will treat if they suspect EC.

                  My bunny, Bindi, was successfully treated for EC symptoms (head tilt and nystagmus) and was back to normal within a week. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the chance of recovery.

                  Has Thumper shown any other symptoms of EC like head tilt, loss of balance or nystagmus (rapid eye movement)?

                  Symptoms of lead poisoning can also include lethargy, anorexia, enlarged abdomen, rapid breathing and GI stasis.

                  Best of luck at the vet and (((((Feel Better Soon Thumper))))))


                • Sarita
                  Participant
                  18851 posts Send Private Message

                    You really don’t need to fear e. cunniculi – it is treatable.


                  • sir-rabbit-pants
                    Participant
                    35 posts Send Private Message

                      Thumper had his vet visit today. Everything looked fine and we’re waiting on blood tests. The regular blood test will be back tomorrow and the special rabbit panel will be back in five days. She gave him medication for E cuniculi just to be sure.

                      LittlePuffyTail – Thumper hasn’t had any of those other symptoms…except GI stasis as detailed in my original post.


                    • jerseygirl
                      Moderator
                      22338 posts Send Private Message

                        Not sure if this is useful to you now or not since you’ve been to the vet.
                        A list of possible causes of seizures:
                        http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Neurology/seizure.htm

                        It does mention baytril in high doses can be a cause. Also pasteurella infection. Has Thumper ever been tested for this?


                      • sir-rabbit-pants
                        Participant
                        35 posts Send Private Message

                          Sorry it’s been so long since I updated! Life has been super busy.

                          Basic blood test came back normal. Special blood test came back with a slight positive for E cuniculi. The vet prescribed another course of albendazole. Thumper hasn’t had any symptoms whatsoever since the one seizure. Let’s hope it stays that way.

                          jerseygirl – since he’s had the snuffles several times, I’m assuming he has pasturella.


                        • RabbitPam
                          Moderator
                          11002 posts Send Private Message

                            Thank you for the update.
                            I’m glad it was only one time, and you followed up.


                          • LittlePuffyTail
                            Moderator
                            18092 posts Send Private Message

                              Glad to hear Thumper is doing good.

                          Viewing 11 reply threads
                          • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

                          Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Seizure?!