My bun is constantly sick

[bettyrocket]

my bunny has had E-cuniculi, an infection after his neuter, sore hocks, and now a urinary tract infection (which may turn out to be bladder stones) all in the past 9 months. The woman I adopted him from never mentioned whether or not he had any health problems before hand. He has basically been on a constant stream of oral antibiotics and pain meds since I’ve had him. I can’t help but wonder if there is something I’m just not doing right or if there is something in my house that’s making him sick.

[Ouisie]

Hi Bettyrocket. I feel your pain. Our rabbit Link started showing symptoms of E Cuniculi in his eye in November and it has been constant vet trips since with plenty of meds like Baytril (which is horrible to administer isn’t it, they really hate it), metecam anti-inflammatories, and now topical eye drops. He’s only just turned 1 and his little life has been so angst-ridden already. He also has little sores on his feet which I THINK our rabbit specialist said were sore hocks. She said they arent too bad and can be treated with a small amount of sudocrem. I would speak to a vet about using this yourself just to double check.
Rabbits are such delicate little creatures. I’m not sure how bad your bun’s E Cuniculi is, but maybe the stress of everything may be contributing to UTIs etc. I’m sorry you are going through this and I feel your pain. I’m sure you aren’t to blame for any of this. I hope your bun gets better soon! x

[Sarita]

I agree that the E. cunniculi can be a huge factor and I don’t believe it is anything you have done. It could be that the last owner was less than truthful to you.

I think he is in good care with you and you need not worry about your home and his environment there.

[bettyrocket]

His e-cuniculi was treated about six months ago, but does anyone know if it damages/weakens their immune system if they live with it long enough? We found out he had it when I took him to the vet for eye issues about a month after I got him and we went ahead and treated it. He was three years old at the time, so I’m assuming he’d had it for about as long.
Ouisie, He actually is used to oral medication now and he really doesn’t seem to mind it. At first it was a huge fight, but now he knows he will get a small treat after so he’s okay. lol

[Sarita]

I think most rabbits carry the E C protozoa but not all have symptoms – I imagine those who are symptomatic can definitely have a weaker immune system. What has your vet been using to treat it?

I do think some rabbits too just have a lower immunity system – I’ve had some rabbits always as healthy as can be and some who were always having problems – I could only attribute it to poor breeding (as most rabbits aren’t bred for anything other than looks or other things – they just don’t breed them to try to live a longer healthier life). I think that they can live longer with good care and a good home but some things are just beyond your control.

[bettyrocket]

He was given Panacur, I wanna say twice a day, for 30 days and they haven’t given him any other kind of treatment for it since then, only antibiotics and pain meds for all of these infections.

[Author]

Messages