Rabbit with head tilt having seizures

Question
Hi Dana,
I have a non spayed older female dwarf rabbit who came into rescue in September, 2014.  She has a slight head tilt, is rolling, and is now having seizure activity.  She was treated with fenbendazole 28 days, Chloremphenicol for 3 1/2 months and meloxicam 2x daily as well as Meclazine. She is still getting meloxicam and meclazine but is no longer on antibiotics.  She has not shown any signs of improvement.  Recently she has been having mini seizures due to excitement.  She gets really excited for her vegetables and pellets.  It is really scary to witness.  She will sometimes just pause and sort of collapse then comes to in a few seconds.  Other times she twists her head sideways then is out, eyes closed and not moving.  Any advice on treatment would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!
Jen

Answer
Dear Jen,

I see the vet treated her for E. cuniculi with the fenbendazole, which is what I would have suggested.  No way to know if the parasite is the cause of the seizures, but the neurological damage done by E. cuniculi can be permanent.

Please ask the vet about trying ponazuril, if E. cuniculi is still suspected to be active.  We have had excellent success combining fenbendazole and ponazuril for E. cuniculi bunnies with head tilt, and I suspect it might also help with seizures caused by this parasite.

Of course, the seizures might not be due to E. cuniculi.  And if they are due to permanent brain damage, then there is little you can do but offer supportive care.

But it might be worth trying ponazuril.  I would ask the vet about it.

I hope this helps.

Dana