E. Cuniculi and Fenbendazole Support please

[bunnluff]

Well, Pippin was treated successfully (or so I thought) for an inner ear infection and head tilt back in July with a slight recurrence just a couple of months ago. Baytril was used and most recently was used in conjunction with Benebac which I think helped her immune system greatly. Pippin had been displaying slight signs of imbalance ever since but just days ago started having what I would call a stroke or seizures. She would get up to try and walk and would just fall over and not only flail, but sort of convulse as well. These episodes would last about 20-30 seconds and then she would go back to her normal self. She has been eating and drinking normally as far as i can tell. But has displayed signs of not pooping in her box, and she’s immaculate with her potty habits. Last night we went to the vet and she asked if i wanted to order tests. It was already almost 7pm and I didn’t want to wait until the next day to start her on antibiotics so I had to make a quick decision and just say “Ok I think that this has probably been EC from the beginning, but the first vet I took her to didn’t know enough about rabbits to test for that, nor did I believe at the time that’s what it could be. So lets do the 30 days of Fenbendazole and see how she does”. That was a tough decision for me because I want to know indefinitely what it is or is not. But all signs sort of point to this. I’ve read a lot of threads on this and I’m exhausted from doing so. I’m upset, frustrated and devastated over what this is doing to my sweet Pippin. She had her first dose of medicine last night and afterward had 2 pretty severe episodes within hours of each other. Today she had a less severe episode just ten minutes ago, but it lasted several minutes with her head shaking back and forth and her eyes roving. That seems like a small improvement from yesterdays fits, even if it did last longer. How soon before I would see maybe a drastic improvement in her symptoms? Any support, advice, kind words and prayers would be greatly appreciated as I am beside myself and I have work tonight and just don’t want to leave her.

[LittlePuffyTail]

First of all, just want to say I’m very sorry you are dealing with this.

Second, I would have done the same as you with starting the meds right away. From the research I’ve done, and from what my vet says, the EC tests are not 100% accurate anyways. When Bindi came up suddenly with EC symptoms (slight tilt and nystagmus) we started him on meds right away and skipped the test. It took about a week and he was back to normal. We did the 30 day treatment. I think Bindi’s is a rare case with such a quick recovery but he was started on meds within hours of the symptoms developing so maybe that played a part. Bunnies can and do recover from this! Try to stay positive for Pippin!

There are quite a few members here who have dealt with sever EC symptoms. I’m sure they will respond.

In the meantime, have you seen this site?

http://onthewonk.com/

Hang in there! Bunnies are tough little buggers when they want to be! ((((((Pippin))))

[mijOok]

Oh bunnluff – I have no advice to offer as a fairly new bunny owner but I’m so sorry you and Pippin have to go through this and I hope she gets well soon {{healing vibes for Pippin}} <3

[bunnluff]

Thank you LPT! That website is very reassuring too. I think I might split the bunnies up so I can make Pippin more comfortable. Bella tends to pee on anything soft like blankets or towels.

[Sarita]

I would just go straight for the treatment rather than testing.

I have a friend who has a 13 year old rabbit who had been having seizures – not certain of the causes – the vet has been treating the seizures when phenobarbital and it seems to be helping (had to change dosages up a bit at first) – is it a cure…no but it does help with the seizures – maybe ask your vet about this.

[bunnluff]

Pippin is doing really well so far. I ended up setting up our soft sided travel pen for Pippin in the living room complete with towels and a little bed. She’s a little wobbly still but has not had an episode to my knowledge since yesterday morning, and it was pretty mild. She’s just acting like her normal self and I’m extremely happy that she’s doing so great.

[bunnluff]

*UPDATE*
So it’s been one week on the antibiotics. I’ve been adding Critical Care to Pippins food as a nutritional boost and also in case she doesn’t feel like eating pellets. She’s also now receiving Bene-Bac with her food too. She has been doing fantastic and I am amazed!! The other day she was running bunny 500’s in the living room and even jumped up on the couch several times. The only thing is, she’s still just a teensy bit wobbly with her balance. Is that to be expected? I mean I know this may take some time, which is why she’s on the antibiotic course for a month. She has not had an episode in one week and has all around been doing wonderful. I’m still going to keep her separated from Bella for the time being just to monitor her.

[BunnymomKS]

Hi bunnluff, I saw you sent me a PM and I just missed it then haven’t gotten back on binkybunny for a couple weeks. Thought I’d just reply here that I’m glad to hear Pippin has come through her episode and is feeling better. You sound like a great bunny parent. And I will pray for your buns to stay healthy! Hugs to you guys.

Shamrock & Frosty’s mom

[bunnluff]

Aww thanks so much Bunnymom!! Pippin has been doing maybe a little too good lately. Meaning she’s been a bit too full of energy and of course mischief. That’s absolutely a good thing though! One more week of meds and we shall see where we stand.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so glad she is doing so well!

[bunnluff]

Thanks LPT!

Pippin is on day 2 being done with the meds and she seems to be doing fantastic and I’m thrilled. But she has been itching her ears a lot so now that’s something else I’ll have to check out. Maybe a good ear cleaning and irrigation is in order. I’ll continue to keep her in a separate pen for a bit longer just to keep my eye on her and see if there’s any changes. My bunnies are dying to be back in the same cage together though!!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

WOW What an awesome update!! I agree with what LPT said too-I would have just started meds too without tests, they aren’t always definitive and the meds should be started quickly-so very good choice-and obviously you did the right thing with the results you are seeing!

I don’t think there is any better feeling then when your bunny recovers from such a serious illness-wonderful!

[Author]

Messages