old age

Question
Hello Dana,
I have a 13 year old lop who has always been in good health (exception cataracts) until about 2 month ago.  We think he had some sort of neuro epsisode (maybe mini stroke) that left him off kilter and leg weakness.  Took him to my vet ASAP-she is excellent and has routinely cared for him...we started him on a course of prednisone 2x daily.  Within a week, he was back to getting up, using his box etc...holding steady for a month and half.  Then Sunday he seemed to crash a bit and really having difficulty with his hind legs and any type of movement.(we know he is arthritic)  Still seems happy and eating/drinking normally.  Can rabbits tolerate higher doses of pred? Or should I speak to my vet about newer pain meds?  Any suggestions?  Also, this may be a difficult question for you or other rabbit owners, but how do you know when enough is enough?  This was so much more obvious with my dog than with our rabbit.  I want to do the right thing and don't want him to suffer in anyway. He is extremely sweet and never complains (haha)


Thank you-

Answer
Dear Kat,

If the weakness is not unilateral, it might not be due to a stroke.  It could, instead, be due to manifestations of a parasite known as Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which often doesn't show up until a rabbit is elderly and starting to have a weaker immune system.  

These days, people are reporting good success treating this with Panacur (fenbendazole).  Please feel free to share this with your vet:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/fenbendazole.pdf

and please read this:

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

A newer drug, Ponazuril (marketed as Marquis by Bayer) is also showing promise for treating this parasite, which was developed to treat a similiar microsporidian in horses.

If your bunny is eating well, has a happy attitude,and is not showing signs of pain (a rabbit in severe pain will usually be lethargic and not want to eat), then there is no reason to think of euthanasia.

We have nursed several rabbits who have lost the use of their hind limbs, and by providing them with a special hospital fleece bed, treats, massage, and plenty of love, we have given them years of quality life, even if they can't move about as much as before.  They accept this with dignity and good humor.  Our Hamish has been disabled for most of his life, and is happy as a clam to have his little mate groom him, his treats and drink brought to him, and spend the day dozing on his comfy bed.

So you and your bunny need to interact, and his actions will tell you if he is in too much pain to enjoy life.  Simple immobility is not a reason to end life, in my opinion.  We don't euthanize humans in wheelchairs, so why would we consider our rabbit best friends to be any less deserving of a bit of extra care.

If it comes to your bunny being unable to walk, then please write back for tips on how to make his life fun and enjoyable.  It's not hard at all.  :)

Hope this helps!

Dana