E. Cuniculi Bunny with Paralysis of Hind Quarters

Question
Hi. I have a 7 month old pregnant doe that came down with wry neck symptoms 2 days ago.(I believe due to her not drinking enough and getting stressed) The first symptoms were shaking and paralysis of the hind quarters. She completely quit eating and drinking. I did the treatment with Ivomec and force fed her a little yogurt and gatorade. She never did tilt her head, but shpws other symptoms of this disease. Today, she is eating and drinking fine and overall doinf a lot better, with the exception of using her hind quarters. I have heard her sensation will probably come back, but that is my question for you. Any insight you have into this would be appreciated. I would just like to hear that there is a chance she could get full movement back. Also, in case you are wondering if some kind of trauma caused the paralysis, it didn't. She was in her kennel doing fine and when I checked on her a few hours later, she was overly excited and paralyzed. Thanks! Candi

Answer
Dear Candi,

I would not rule out trauma as the cause of her problem.  If she was over-excited when you found her, it's possible that something frightened her and she accidentally injured herself.

I'm not sure why you gave her ivermectin, as this is not a treatment that will help with E. cuniculi or with inflammation that could cause paralysis.  Ivomec is used to treat mites and roundworms, nothing else.

I would get her to a good rabbit vet ASAP for full examination and appropriate treatment, rather than trying to guess what's wrong and treat it yourself.  It sounds as if she hurt herself and needs veterinary attention, especially if she is going to give birth soon.  Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/paresis.html

and

www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

Then find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and get her there as soon as humanly possible for treatment.  She needs your help, and that means getting her to a good rabbit vet.

I hope this helps.

Dana