You must have read the wrong articles. There is no reason to reject this bunny, honestly, it's treatable.
- E. cuniculi are shed only in the urine.
- Infectious period lasts only a few days to a few weeks.
- The infected animal is not contagious after the E. cuniculi leave the kidneys.
- E. cuniculi are carried in the blood to other parts of the body, particularly neural tissue.
- Spores from infected urine can remain in the environment for a month.
- The parasites can infect and be shed by many other animals but seldom cause clinical disease in other animals.
- A high number of rabbits throughout the United States have been infected at some time during their life, but few come down with the clinical disease.
- Animals who are compromised are more likely to manifest clinical disease.
- Neurological damage can be evident long after the parasites leave the kidneys.
- Necropsies seldom show active parasites in the kidneys but may show scarring where the parasites have been.
- Testing positive to the parasite only means that the animal has been exposed and is putting forth an immune response. It does not mean that an otherwise healthy animal will show symptoms of the disease.
- Serology tests recognize immune response but do not distinguish early infections from long term or chronic infections.
Our Own Conclusions
Even with a high titer to E. cuniculi, a rabbit will probably not become disabled. Our study shows about a 12% chance of rabbits with high titers developing neurological disorders. We have known of only a few deaths that may be directly attributable to E. cuniculi infection.Although it may be a contributing factor, it is seldom the primary cause of death.
E. cuniculi infection by itself does not usually even threaten an animal's health. When combined with other problems that strain the immune system, however, its destructive capabilities are greatly enhanced. Testing for E. cuniculi can be helpful in diagnosing rabbits with neurological disorders. When encephalitozoonosis is ruled out,concentration can be placed on other possibilities. When it is present,consideration can be placed on the synergistic effects. Precautions can be taken to protect the rabbit from undue exposure to other diseases and stress. Animals seem to have much less difficulty adjusting to loss of mobility than their humans do. Rabbits who manifest the clinical disease of encephalitozoonosis may stabilize and live comfortably for a prolonged period of time. Barlow (page 6) has lived four happy years,with animal companions and human attention, since his first symptom appeared. As with any chronic illness, our goal is to preserve life with quality.
Conclusion: Even with a high titer to E. cuniculi, a rabbit will probably not become disabled. Our study shows about a 12% chance of rabbits with high titers developing neurological disorders. We have known of only a few deaths that may be directly attributable to E.cuniculi infection. Although it may be a contributing factor, it is seldom the primary cause of death.
Rabbits who do manifest the clinical disease of Encephalitozoonosis can be stabilized and live comfortably for a prolonged period of time.Routine testing can be helpful in diagnosis. When E. cuniculi is ruled out, concentration can be placed on other possibilities. When it is present, consideration can be placed on the synergistic effects.Encephalitozoonosis by itself does not usually threaten an animal's health. When combined with other problems that strain the immune system, its destruction capabilities are greatly enhanced. On the other hand, a positive titer alone does not mean that the rabbit is terminally ill.
Our study has monitored the health of 136 rabbits from the original testing. Their present condition is illustrated in the original printed version of this article.
