12/05/2026
E. cuniculi (EC) is a common, microscopic parasite that affects the central nervous system, kidneys, and eyes of rabbits. It is often spread via urine, or directly between mother and babies. It can lead to severe neurological symptoms (e.g. head tilt, rolling, loss of balance, seizures, hind limb weakness or paralysis etc), kidney issues (increased thirst, urination, weight loss, reduced appetite), or eye issues (cataracts, or white spots within the eyes which can cause increased intraocular pressure) - all of which requires immediate veterinary care.
Treating EC when it has infected the brain in rabbits is difficult because the parasite forms a protected, long-term infection within the central nervous system, often causing irreversible damage. While medications can manage symptoms, there is no specific cure that reverses the damage once clinical signs (such as head tilt, rolling, or paralysis) appear. This is because these neurological symptoms are caused by severe inflammation and tissue destruction, which may not resolve even if the parasite's replication is halted by medication.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an exciting new option to try when treating EC, as it helps deliver oxygen directly to the brain - for Maggie, this resulted in an almost immediate reduction in her neurological symptoms, allowing her to sit upright unsupported and eat by herself for the first time in two weeks!
While Maggie is not considered out of the woods yet, the HBOT treatments she has had through have given her independence back, and have also helped her be much more comfortable day to day 💙
post about Maggie:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYN_as9EsW1/?igsh=MXQ2enRtOTdjMHh0Ng==
