Mini Rex dragging hind leg and being incontinent

[DunwoodyBunnyLady]

I have two rescue bunnies that are between three and four years old. Pinto Bean, my English Spot, is healthy and a great all round bunny with lots of personality. Amber, a mini Rex, has had chronic health problems from the outset, the least of which has been upper respiratory issues that don't really seem to slow her down too much.

She started dragging a hind leg over the summer after failing to urinate in the litter box, and I took her to the vet recommended by the local rescue group. He did an X-ray that revealed nothing more than a slightly enlarged bladder, but mentioned that she could have some neurological issues. Sent her home with metacam and enough Baytril for two rounds, which I have started her on yesterday for the second time since our visit inAugust.

The leg dragging has become fairly severe and the incontinence is really bad, so I hope to get her into the vet tomorrow (Friday), as today was a holiday in the US. (Thanksgiving Day)

I'm on a pretty tight budget and am really worried about the cost of getting this little bun restored to good health, if that's possible. Would like to hear from anyone who can share some insight, thanks.

 

[JBun]

Is this happening because she got injured? How long has it been going on?

 

[DunwoodyBunnyLady]

I'm fairly certain she hasn't been injured. A x-ray in August didn't indicate any injuries. I noticed early in 2012 that she had become lazy about using the litter box to urinate and I took her to Dr. H., who checked her out and said she might have some arthritis. He put her on Metacam and she did improve.

I took her back to him in the spring because she got worse again, more metacam and a cavalier attitude, as though he "just didn't know."

In August, I switched to Dr. C. on the advice of the local rescue group, since she had started dragging the leg. He x-rayed, didn't have a definitive diagnosis, said it could be something neurological, but he wasn't sure.

Today I got the expert bunny educator with the rescue group (she loves this little bunny) on the phone, and she agrees with me it could be e.cuniculi. She knows about my budget, so she laid out a regimen of metacam, the remaining Baytril, bi-cillin, and Panacur. I trust this lady, so I feel better than I did when I originally posted.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

ray: for both of you.

 

[Imbrium]

ray:

 

[JBun]

I was wondering if it might be EC, but I wasn't sure because of how long ago the symptoms started.

I hope your little bun starts showing some improvement. I've read a couple articles on some treatments others have used for EC, and thought you might be interested.

http://chiefio.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/encephalitozoon-cuniculi-rabbits-cure/
http://www.barbibrownsbunnies.com/ecuniculi.htm

 

[DunwoodyBunnyLady]

Thank you!

 

[DunwoodyBunnyLady]

Thank you for the prayers and kind thoughts.

 

[DunwoodyBunnyLady]

For all of you who have very kindly answered and kept my little Amber in your thoughts and prayers.

We did visit the vet Friday morning, and the results of the CBC and E.Cuniculi panel are still pending. However, the X-ray still revealed nothing. An injection of antibiotic and steroid fixed her up for the day.

The vet believes there was an injury to the bun at some point and that she has sporadic feeling/sensation in her hind quarters. She'll likely be on Baytril or some other antibiotic and Metacam for the rest of her days, and this condition will eventually be her undoing.

For now, she is pretty comfortable, and I have arranged our home so that I am on hand to clean up any accidents as soon as they occur. That way, we can all live and be happy.

I'll update again when I know more - thanks for being here!!!!

 

[Ilovemyrabbit]

ray:

 

[Imbrium]

poor girl I'm glad you're able to keep her comfortable and well-cared for... hopefully you get some answers when the test results come back! ray: