Floppy rabbit syndrome

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Helen Wallace — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 20:58:07 GMT

Quick update. Both rabbits are now doing well and back in their original environment. All bloods were unremarkable so no wiser really. If it doesn't recurr we're blaming the cardboard tube. Many thanks to everyone for their help.

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

mariette asselbergs — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:44:18 GMT

But I don't think lead intoxication would recover so quickly. Carbonmonoxide is relatively heavy and will concentrate on the floor, and will give quick recovery if they are taken out of it in time. Are the other 3 rabbits by any chance in a higher up hutch?

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Mark Rowland — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:12:33 GMT

Outdoor water pipes are a common source so I would check where the water comes from

I would use pinmoore labs (PALS) their website will have a form for you.

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Helen Wallace — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:52:08 GMT

Thanks Mark. Have to admit I only did blood glucose (wnl) as bunny 1 improved so fast I was assuming a stress/hypothermia/being bullied by his brother issue. Since bunny 2 seems to be a bit slower then worth doing bit more blood work up.

Do you use a particular lab for lead levels in rabbits? I've had the O scouring the house for nibbled paintwork etc and so far no joy. But since lead could pose a threat to the owner as well...

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Mark Rowland — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:15:32 GMT

Some bloods would be a good idea as a start.

I generally investigate these cases with a routine profile, electrolytes, E cuniculi and toxo titre and lead assay.

I suppose e cuniculi would be on the differential list but unfortunately the titre may not give you good information since it is currently not known if rabbits infected in utero are capable of mounting an immune response to the organism. I have had a few cases of young neuro bunnies with cataracts and negative titres that I have been fairly convinced have got E cuniculi.

I have seen episodes of stress bring on e cuniculi episodes so I suppose its possible that the absence of a bonded brother could precipitate such an event.

Lead is always worth checking following exposure from rabbits chewing lead paint etc.

Many of these rabbits I blood sample have hypokalaemia at the time of sampling.

So bloods as a start otherwise its just a list of guesses.

Goodluck

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Helen Wallace — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:45:23 GMT

Underfloor heating, so I would think unlikely. MM seemed nice normal pink colour but good thought- I'll ask the O where the boiler is.

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Utlendigur — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:38:11 GMT

What's the heating in the conservatory? Carbon monoxide poisoning?

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Helen Wallace — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:14:56 GMT

E Cunniculi was one of my early thoughts but to suddenly show signs within 10 hours just seemed a bit unlikley. The O is very observant and I believe she would have noticed had they been off colour but I think we'll start panacur just in case.

We have now identified that both rabbits chewed a cardboard tube covered in coloured paper bought from a well known pet store. ?toxins in ink. She's going to contact them and see if any other concerns have been reported.

Good suggestions, keep them coming.

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

James Laidlaw — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:41:17 GMT

Worming history? Both could have E Cunniculi from birth potentially, no?

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Helen Wallace — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:39:09 GMT

Certainly a possible Martin. There are 3 other rabbits on the same hay who are fine but they are older. Could it be an age sensitivity issue?

Re: Floppy rabbit syndrome

Martin Atkinson — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:27:59 GMT

Multiple cases with sudden onset and recovery with basic treatment does sound like something toxic, you say they haven't changed food but how do they store it? Some sort of fungal toxin from poorly stored hay perhaps?