EC Positive

[Deleted User]

I just got a call from Bombur’s vet saying he tested VERY positive for EC. She said this would really explain so many of his issues from the weird urine habits to the frequent GI episodes. Luckily he has been free of any neurological symptoms, except for weak hind legs, which would explain his inability to jump high. He’s on a 28 day course of Oxfendazole or something with the term Oxy in it. We have to go back to the vet in 2 and 4 weeks to check his white blood cell count, as the medicine can affect these levels. I know she said on the phone that Asriel could potentially get it/have it too, but it could be dormant. Asriel is such an ox, so I’m not sure. She basically said that with this new piece of knowledge, that any illness with Bombur could lead to a flare up. I know you can’t know for sure, but at his age 10.5 months) and showing flare ups of EC already, is it likely he could die really young? I know he’s been sickly-ish a lot since we’ve had him, but I just feel like I need to prepare myself to one day get home from work and find the worst. 

[Sirius&Luna]

I’m sorry that you got that news – I can imagine it’s stressful, but I hope actually, in the long run, it will help. I don’t know a huge amount about EC, so just wanted to pop in and say, don’t stress! He can be treated, and hopefully won’t be getting all of these problems, and if problems do reoccur, you’ll know what to treat.

Many EC bunnies live long and healthy lives. I don’t think you need to start preparing for the worst (other than with any bunny… All bunnies are depressingly fragile).

I can send you some insta EC bunnies if that would help

[Deleted User]

Oh no!!! This is so sad!! (((hugs))) at least you caught it early. Sorry chica!

I found this on the House Rabbit Society website:

“Conclusion: Even with a high titer to E. cuniculi, a rabbit will probably not become disabled. Our study shows about a 12% chance of rabbits with high titers developing neurological disorders. We have known of only a few deaths that may be directly attributable to E. cuniculi infection. Although it may be a contributing factor, it is seldom the primary cause of death.

Rabbits who do manifest the clinical disease of Encephalitozoonosis can be stabilized and live comfortably for a prolonged period of time. Routine testing can be helpful in diagnosis. When E. cuniculi is ruled out, concentration can be placed on other possibilities. When it is present, consideration can be placed on the synergistic effects. Encephalitozoonosis by itself does not usually threaten an animal’s health. When combined with other problems that strain the immune system, its destruction capabilities are greatly enhanced. On the other hand, a positive titer alone does not mean that the rabbit is terminally ill.”

Here is the link if you want to read the whole study: https://rabbit.org/journal/3-2/e-cuniculi.html

[Deleted User]

I feel like with Bombur I’m always prepared for the worst. Thank you guys for the support and level-headedness. I know he’ll be fine and his vet is amazing. I’m really stressing about his vet costs. Bombur alone has cost me $3000-$4000 in vet costs, and as you guys know, I really do not make that kind of money at all. I’m so worried about how much his treatment will cost, and the two follow up appointments. My biggest fear is that he’ll end up getting too sick someday for me to be able to afford him. Honestly the thought of having to rehome him because of lack of money for treatments makes me so unbelievably sad.

[Bam]

I’m sorry to hear Bombur was very positive for ec. Oxibendazole is the most effective treatment available. It’s more effective than the much more commonly used fenbendazole (Panacur), because oxibendazole is distributed to the brain/central nervous system, fenbendazole isn’t. Hopefully you’ve caught this early. At least you now have a treatment plan and you know what’s most likely causing the troubles he’s been having.

It’s likely that Asriel is a carrier of the parasite, since most buns have been exposed to it. Most buns never get sick from it though. It’s not known why some buns get sick and others don’t. Some vets recommended a 9 day course of Panacur for ec positive, symptom-free buns, but there’s no real evidence that symptom-profylactic treatment actually helps.

(((((Bombur)))))

[Sirius&Luna]

Is it worth looking into insurance for him? I have insurance for all of mine, which is £10 a month each. It’s totally worth it for the peace of mind. Although, now, it might not cover EC as a pre-existing condition, but I don’t know whether other problems caused by EC would count as pre-existing. It might be worth checking.

The other thing to look into is free vets – in the UK we have a few different free vets, and if you can’t afford to pay then they’ll treat your pet for a donation. It might be good to at least find out where one is and what the qualifiers are in case you need it in the future. In the UK you need things like proof of unemployment, but when I was a student and genuinely couldn’t afford it, my unemployed sister took him in for me. I made as much of a donation as I could afford of course, and now that I can afford it, I wouldn’t do that.

But also, please don’t borrow future worry. It doesn’t help anyone to worry about things that haven’t happened yet. By all means make constructive plans about what you could do, but don’t think about how sad you’d be to rehome him! I’m sure it won’t come to that.

I wonder whether you could talk to your vet about preventative Panacur? I believe Panacur itself is relatively cheap, it’s when it spirals into other problems that it gets costly. You’re also now aware, so you can pick things up even earlier.

ETA: Also just realised all I did was give a list of solutions (according to my boyfriend that’s annoying if you just want to vent). But I am genuinely sorry you’re going through this, and I totally understand why you’re concerned and stressed! 

[Deleted User]

I completely understand. Of course we will try to be rational about it, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t be completely distraught if this ever happened to me. While this is just one test result, it’s so overwhelming to think about all of the future implications of something like this. It will be hard for you to let your guard down when you know that there’s this problem just lurking. And the financial aspect is definitely of concern. I know that you would have absolutely no problem with necessary spending to keep him healthy, but what can you do when those necessary costs are unattainable? And it’s so frustrating that money is the one thing that stands in the way of improving a life. I’m so sorry. If you ever need to talk, I’m here!

[Deleted User]

Thank you guys <3 <3 <3 I won't assume the worst, and I'll just take everything one day at a time. <br /> S&L I always do the same thing xD I tend to just give solutions and people get frustrated with me.

[Luna]

I’m sorry you are going through this. From reading other posts, caring for a bun with EC can be tough! But we are all here for you . It’s good that you and your vet found the root of his issues. Hopefully he will only get better from here on out. ((((Bombur))))

[Deleted User]

I am sorry to hear about Bombur’s test results. But I agree with the others – try not to dwell on what hasn’t happened yet. Try and talk to your vet and explain your situation and worries. Maybe your vet can help you with a finical plan (such as paying in instalments).

The main thing is that you caught it early and have the knowledge to help give him the best quality of life.
Remember if there is a will there’s a way 🙂

[ThorBunny]

Sorry to hear about Bombur At least you know now what was causing all his issues though and it has been caught early!

Sending happy healthy bunny (((vibes))) <3

[Deleted User]

Thank you everyone! Coming home just now to his little face smooshed eagerly at the door to his cage, well it just made me feel at peace. Buns are so fragile in general, that all we can do is truly appreciate all the time we have with them, without worrying!

[LBJ10]

I know this sounds weird, but I’m glad the test came back positive. I mean, it isn’t good that he has EC. BUT at least you have answers now and you can move on with getting him the proper treatment. If it came back negative then you wouldn’t know if he really was negative or if it was a false negative (which is common).

I am sorry that Bombur has EC. But I think there is a lot of hope for him. He isn’t exhibiting any neurological symptoms, which is good. The real worry would be permanent urine/incontinence issues, which can occur with an EC infection affecting the kidneys. He’s young though and it sounds like you caught it fairly early. So you have that in your favor. And yes, EC can become a chronic condition that flares up due to illness or stress. Cases of this seem pretty rare though.

As for Asriel, I wouldn’t worry too much. Most rabbits are exposed at some point. It is even passed from mother to kit inside the womb.

[Deleted User]

Thanks LBJ! My hubs and I call Bombur the Little Bunny that Could. He’s been through so much for being 10.5 months old, and he doesn’t give up. He just plows along, eating all the hay and greens in sight and always looking for love and attention. Our vet says it’s the perfect name too xD she was certain he was a goner back in October when he had enterotoxemia, but he miraculously turned around halfway through the night. I remember not being able to sleep for fear of getting the dreaded call, but instead I got a call at 9am saying he had turned around and was eating hay and pooping small amounts. I learned not to underestimate Bombur after that.

[Deleted User]

You would be surprised at how tough rabbits are. After what my Finn has been through since a baby I have come to believe that i have quite under estimated bunnies for a long time. Like with people there are those that will always be more exposed and weaker against bacteria and other illnesses. But then the other half make quick recoveries are battle it out. They are tough little soldiers. 

[Q8bunny]

I’m really sorry to hear it, too

But EC is not uncommon in buns – it’s just that so many buns are not symptomatic.

Treatment can restore bun to normal in many cases, despite any remaining lesions after the parasite itself is gone.

[Author]

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