E.Cuniculi (Encephalitozoon Cuniculi) is a parasite – a small protozoan - that lives in the rabbit's body cells.  The parasite is absorbed into the intestines and causes lesions on the kidneys, brain and other areas.  It is estimated that over 50% of domestic rabbits carry this parasite but only a small percentage of these go on to develop problems.  It can be passed down from a mother to her babies or through contact with other infected rabbits, humans and birds, or merely through contact with spores.

Problems occur when the parasite attacks the rabbit's nervous system.  Some studies suggest that stress or other illness may trigger this but it can often appear to come out of the blue.

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SYMPTOMS

Although it is thought by most experts that the majority of rabbits infected with E. cuniculi remain well, a small percentage of bunnies are not so lucky.  Renal (kidney) granulomas are usually harmless, although a few rabbits develop mild chronic renal failure with problems such as increasing thirst and weight loss. It's the lesions in the brain that tend to cause problems.

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The range of possible neurological presentations is immense but some examples are:

• Convulsions (fits)

• Tremors

• Torticollis (head tilt)

• Hind limb weakness (ataxia)

• Coma

• Increased drinking/urinating

• Loss of balance

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PREVENTION/TREATMENT

Many vets are now recommending a worming treatment called Panacur.  Dependent on opinion, a one-off course of 28 days is usually sufficient although some recommend that this be administered four times a year to prevent reinfection.

Panacur can also be used as treatment to rid the rabbit of the parasite after symptoms appear, however, it is not a treatment for the results of E. Cuniculi i.e. if your rabbit has already suffered these symptoms it will not "cure" the rabbit. Depending on severity of symptoms, some rabbits can be nursed back to health but may be left with a permanent disability such as a head tilt.