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When you say flare up, is that when the EC gets bad to the point it shows obvious symptoms? Is it not worth treating preventatively, say every 4/6 months, to stop further potential damage if it can lurk silently in the shadows like that?

I didn’t even think it was possible for EC to present as an URI. There really is so much about this disease t…[Read more]

The URI could be the “first symptom” of an ec flare-up, since e c suppresses the immune defense. When the immune defense of an animal (or human) is suppressed, bacteria and other microbes that are normally present in the environment without causing harm, can seize the opportunity to start to multiply and cause illness. Then in turn the bacterial…[Read more]

Would you say the URI is secondary to the EC despite him being diagnosed with a staph infection in May of 2022?

he was diagnosed with staph from a nasal swab. So I actually don’t know as to whether it was misdiagnosed due to possible pathogen. My vet did say he had a hard time believing it was “just” a staph an infection given then stubborn natur…[Read more]

I’m only aware of Nationwide.

So… staphycoccus is an opportunistic pathogen. It’s one of many bacteria that can just be present, but not causing any problems. Then a dip in the immune system from, say, an EC flare can give the bacteria the opportunity it needs to take over and cause an infection. I’m going to guess the URI is simply secondary to the EC. It’s possible his…[Read more]

So, with arthritis, gentle movement is encouraged, but high impact movements can cause more damage. I think allowing him to roam but removing chances to jump on things and making sure he has good traction everywhere would be OK.

Good to know! I’ll continue on with metacam so. I have him on a pre & probiotic, but I’ll definitely look into the suggestion for a stomach guard if we continue with metacam long term. I’ve found another exotic vet I’ll give a call in the morning and see if they’d be able to fit him in at some point.

I did read about the blood test being a t…[Read more]

Dang I had a whole reply typed out that must not have posted!

So, testing for EC is often unreliable, and may not be able to distinguish between an active infection that’s causing symptoms and a past infection. Often vets will treat on suspicion, but it is common for there to be some prompting from the owner for this to happen, unless there are…[Read more]

0.76 ml panacur 10% is 20 mg per kilo body weight for a 3.8 kilo bun. That is the correct dosage for treatment of EC.

28 days is standard treatment for EC, but some vets extend it to 5 weeks if they see fit.

Rabbits as a rule tolerate metacam long term very well (Medirabbit). I had an elderbun who was on a high dose of metacam (1.2 mg/kilo twice…[Read more]

He doesn’t appreciate syringe feeding; often getting him to take his meds is a struggle, but he’s a lot better with it now! I’ve just increased his pellets, more veggies, and making hay more interesting to eat – but I might try offering critical care cookies and see how he likes those!

As for dosage, he’s on 0.76ml panacur (10% dog/cat suspens…[Read more]

I totally agree with Dana, do not beat yourself up. I had a GSD whose lower back arthritis first presented as hind end paralysis. So I understand why your vet first thought of age related spinal/joint/ nerve root problem in a 6 y old Frenchie.

EC is still not fully understood, but I think many vets now know it can present in many other ways than…[Read more]

Trying again with a larger bonding area. I was out of town for a week so things backtracked a little (although hubby did do 1 session with them thankfully), but I’m going to try to marathon again as they usually seem to get better the longer I can have them together. I have 5 days until I start my new job… so hoping for a miracle LOL. I don’t…[Read more]

You’re welcome! Definitely don’t beat yourself up. And yes I went almost the same sequence of events with my bridge bunny Bun Jovi. He was 13 at the time and my first vet all wrote it off as arthritis. His progression wasn’t as fast as your bun, so it took me longer to realize something else was going on. We can only go off the info we have, so…[Read more]

I figured it was likely EC. I was told it rarely presents without a head tilt, so was assured it was very unlikely –  I even bought up the fact that I thought it was more likely EC than anything else due to the fact he was immunosuppressed due to his URI…. But I was told he’s a 6 year old frenchie so treat for arthritis before we start look…[Read more]

This does sound like EC, I’m sorry your vet didn’t take you seriously (I’ve dealt with this as well) ! With EC, some symptoms are due to inflammation, but others are due to the damage to the nervous system. The ones due to inflammation improve with treatment, but the damage to the nervous system is permanent. Your bun will likely always have some…[Read more]

1/8 cup 2 tbl spoons) is a suitable amount for a 2 kilo (4 lb) bun, but if your bun is a little bit chubby you could lower it to 1 or 1.5 tablespoons and give half the daily amount in the morning and half in the evening.

Cucumbers are fine, as is zucchini. Rabbits can also eat the leaves of cucumbers and zucchini but my buns have never wanted to 😄 (I grow those plants myself in the summers so I know they’re totally pesticide-free).