Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why are my rabbits suddenly still, losing balance, and having spasms?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 8 months old

Recently i lost 2 of my rabbits due to an unknown disease.1 was 4 yrs old and the other was 2.They stopped eating food but drank water.While eating they showed difficulty,suddenly becoming still and not moving lik a statue.I think they got spasms which got more frequent towards the last.They stopped moving and lost balance.They stood in a wierd position like a curve,bending lik old men. Please help me figure out this disease.I dont wanna lose more of them.The vets here doesnt care abt rabbits

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 6th, 2017

Usually these signs are compatible with a neurological disease caused by a parasite called E.cuniculi.
Once a rabbit has E.cuniculi it passes on the infection through spores in its urine. Other rabbits pick up the disease by eating these spores in urine-contaminated food and water. Unborn kits — baby rabbits — may also be infected during pregnancy.
50mg/kg of panacur once daily for a month is the standard treatment but once signs are evident the prognosis is guarded to poor despite the treatment.
I would recommend to isolate sick rabbits and maintain hygiene standards very high.
Please find further informations about the disease here: http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-2/e-cuniculi.html
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Food & Nutrition
My rabbit falls over and can't hop. Is it floppy rabbit syndrome or e cuniculi?
Thanks for reaching out about Bun Bun. E cuniculi is a possible concern, but is she spayed? Could she have a back injury? A veterinary visit is recommended for all of these problems, so a diagnosis can be made and treatment protocol be implemented. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My rabbit has seizures, chews air, and won't eat. What's wrong?
Poor Bugs! The signs you describe are extremely concerning and can be caused by a severe bacterial or viral infection. E. cuniculi, a fungus, can cause these signs as well. I recommend having Bugs seen by a vet as soon as possible, as he likely requires supportive care and treatment.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my rabbit tilting her head and losing balance when sitting?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These signs are usually seen with vestibular diseases (neurologic signs). This can sometimes be due to an ear infection for example. For that reason, I recommend that you have Lilly evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an infection is noted, medications could be recommended for that. Good luck and have a great day!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My rabbits are dying: not eating, hunched, wobbly, orange urine.
IT could be a respiratory infection, gut stasis, gastrointestinal infection or some other type of infection. it could also be a teeth problem but becasue it affects all of the it is unlikely. basically they should be put on antibiotics, Pramin and critical care syringe feeding. the vet can provide you all these.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My pet can't stand or climb. What meds treat neurological issues?
E. cuniculi is usually treated with panacur. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics (depending on species of animal and cause of infection) and inner ear disease is treated according to the cause. Unfortunately neurological signs such as your squirrel exhibits, can also be caused by rabies, so this is something to think about. She could also have suffered a brain bleed, or have another parasite in her brain causing this, or could have a viral infection causing meningitis or encephalitis or both.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My rabbit's head is twitching and she's blinking. What's wrong?
Sorry to hear that Luna is having some issues. Sometimes in rabbits, symptoms that appear to be of a neurologic origin can actually have to do with problems with the ears. I would recommend having her ears thoroughly examined and cleaned if necessary. Another possibility is if Luna has been affected by the micro E. Cuniculi. This is a protozoal organism that can affected multiple bodily systems, one of which is neurologic. The treatment for this condition is typically antibiotics, dewormers, and anti-inflammatories. These would be my top two suspicions, so I would contact a vet who is familiar with rabbits and have her examined some time soon.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why did my rabbit die suddenly with spasms and bending downward?
I'm very sorry for your loss, unfortunately these are general signs of a dying agonal rabbit but this does not give me any clues regarding the possible cause of death. if it happened to more than one rabbit though it's very likely to be infectious and you need to bring the rest to your vet in order to be checked and treated if needed.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Rabbit ShopRabbit Food & HayRabbit ToysRabbit Cages & HabitatsRabbit HutchesCat Seizure MedicationRabbit Bedding & LitterHorse Seizure MedicationSmall Animal SuppliesDog Seizure MedicationElectrolytes for CatsSmall Animal Health & WellnessPet PharmacyFish Parasite TreatmentElectrolytes for DogsCat MedicineDog Medicine and PrescriptionsCat LaxativesSmall Animal Food & TreatsPrescriptions for Small Animals & Other Pets
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button