bunny screams and seizures

[Ticklebunny]

Hello all

Poor cuddles has started having seizures again they were an issue may to October last year also before stopping entirely.

Breed: Flemish giant cross (maybe French lop)
Age: 1.5 years
Neutered and dislikes other rabbits despite trying every bonding trick in the book.
Lives free range in bunny proofed second floor of home.

Last year we tried two vets and all sorts of test including blood work and xrays. One blood test alone cost 1thousand usd. All the usual suspects were tested for for and toxicology screening and everything came back negative. So thousands of dollars later we had no answers but went through antibiotics and anti parasitic medications just in case it helped to no avail. We ended up with a relaxant to dose rectally during a seizure.

These seizures last between one and three minutes and occasionally are accompanied with a scream. Immediately after cuddles is normal, besides a little stressed. Back to his usual self within 20 minutes tho. I have another rabbit (English lop) that lives on the first floor and she has no health issues. They have had plenty of contact since bunny childhood during bondingattempts.

Any ideas? I just want my poor baby to be happy and healthy.

 

[JBun]

It sounds like you've done everything possible to try and figure out a cause. It's possible that it is just something he was born with, and just needs to be managed as best you can. Sorry your little guy is going through this, but it sounds like he at least is in a great home where he is well loved. Just one thought: maybe a seasonal thing, maybe to do with higher temps? Here's a list of different causes of seizures in rabbits, but I don't know if it will be of much help.

Warning: pictures may be disturbing
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Neurology/seizure.htm

 

[Nancy McClelland]

ray:

 

[Tauntz]

I'm still learning about bunnies but if it only happens from May to October each year it sounds like it may be a seasonal allergy. You might try if you didn't do it last year but keep a diary of everything he eats & anything that you do such as take him outside for fresh air or playtime. I'm wondering if it isn't some airborne pollen from some plant or some plant/food that you only have available to feed him during those months. I hope you can find the cause & help your bunny, I certainly can understand your feelings of helplessness & pain when he is having a seizure. Please keep us updated, will be praying for your little guy.

 

[sparkly]

could it be some kind of epilepsy? bless you:hearts: all.

 

[woahlookitsme]

I know phenobarbital is used as a seizure suppressant in dogs. I'm not sure if it can be used in other animals although I heard about it possibly being used in horses. It might be a question for the vet

 

[tonyshuman]

I am sure it could be used but it would probably cause a bit of sedation, even at low doses. Some rabbits are just prone to seizures, most frequently blue-eyed whites. I would be concerned about him getting into a plant that's not safe if he ever goes outside. The other potential thing I can think of is an abscess affecting the brain. Otherwise he might just have a seizure disorder.