Hello, I just wanted to provide an update. His blood work revealed that he has an acute E.C. infection with a rather high titer. About four weeks after I first noticed issues, he is now being treated with Panacur for cats and dogs (half line), and his partner is being treated as well. I am glad that I requested the blood work. The vet otherwise would not have conducted it. She ruled out E. C. initially as he doesn’t have the tilted head.
He keeps eating well, thank God, and often tries to run/walk, but he falls down and lies down most of the time. Last week there was one day when he hopped and waited next to me in the kitchen for his food. Sometimes, he manages to remain standing rather than falling.
On top of that, he has arthritis in his spine, which could also cause the symptoms. I read a blog where rabbits fully recovered about six weeks after being treated for E.C., so it seems it can take a long time, and he may or may not regain function of his hindquarters.
His droppings are much better now. I had given him Critical Care, which he loves (green color). When I tried to give it to him in past years when he had small droppings (beige color), he never took it.
His eyesight is also deteriorating, which I read happens in many rabbits. There was a study conducted in Japan showing that the median age at death in 898 rabbits was seven years. So, I feel blessed to have him already in his twelfth year (he turns twelve in December), and I hope he will recover. But I know he has already reached a great age, and his spirit remains very strong. Nonetheless, it’s hard to know that he won’t be with me here forever. Thanks again for your advice.
