Care for rabbit with E. cuniculi

[OverthinkingBun]

I have a bonded pair of rabbits, and one has a nasty case of E. cuniculi. She doesn’t have the head tilt, but has hindlimb weakness and trouble getting around. Don’t worry, she’s seeing a good vet and is getting her medication, but I have some questions about care for her in the meantime.

1. What types of enrichment might be good for the bunnies? She can no longer be allowed to free roam because she appears completely unaware of her limitations and has nearly hurt herself a few times. She was a very high energy bun who liked to get on top of everything (and now cannot balance). Both rabbits are staying in the well-padded xpen for now.
2. Her litterbox habits were never wonderful, but they have gotten to be really really bad recently (last few months especially). Please tell me there’s a chance this could get better with time and treatment? I’ve already tried adding a second, lower litter box to their pen.

Thanks for any advice or experience you can offer.

[LBJ10]

She would probably still enjoy tossing toys, even if she can’t get around well. Does she have anything like that currently?

As for the litter habit issues… yes and no. It depends on whether or not the damage is permanent. It will likely get better with time and treatment, but she may never go back to 100%.

[DanaNM]

The litter box habits may return, but they may not if the parasite has damaged her nervous system and kidneys too much.

There are some great tips for dealing with this on the disabled rabbits website (http://www.disabledrabbits.com/)

One thing I recently did for my senior who’s box habits had gotten worse was I lined his pen with washable pee pads and “sheepette” fabric, which is a medical grade faux sheepskin that’s easy to wash. This setup pulls the pee away so he stays dry and then I wash everything once a week. He does still use his box most of the time so more frequent washing might be necessary for you.

As for enrichment, I’m guessing things to chew and destroy will be popular with him. He may like phone books to shred, palm plates to chew, baskets, grass mats, etc.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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