Seizures and their various causes
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True seizures are a rare
occurrence in rabbits. When observed, they demonstrate a rapid onset and last
a few minutes. Recovery is generally complete. In rare instances, seizures
may result in the rabbit entering a comatose state or leading to blindness. Seizure-like
behavior is frequently associated with intense pain, manifesting as the
rabbit throwing itself onto its side and rolling its eyes in their sockets. There has
been an observed occurrence of idiopathic epilepsy in rabbits with white fur
and blue eyes.
Two types of seizures are observed
in rabbits: partial seizures with awareness of the environment, and
generalized seizure with loss of conscience of the environment.
Pancake
suffering from a partial seizure episode with muscle tremor in his body and
rapid eye twitching. Videos courtesy of Delia
Canas. It is essential to ascertain the underlying cause of
the seizure prior to the initiation of any medication. The standard treatment
for seizures in rabbits involves the administration of diazepam or midazolam,
along with glucocorticoids, to reduce inflammation. In some cases,
antiepileptic drugs are administered to rabbits. Unfortunately, the
effectiveness of these drugs tends to decrease over time.
Flora going through an episode
of generalized seizure, with sudden throwing on its side and body stretching
and contracting. |
Differential
diagnosis for seizure in rabbits
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Viral infection |
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) related encephalitis |
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Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (VHD),
terminal stage |
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Parasitic infestation |
Presence of burrowing (rodent)
mites |
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Encephalitozoon cuniculi in the
brain, accompanied by an inflammatory response
of brain cells |
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Toxoplasmosis |
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Presence of the parasite Baylisascaris procyonis |
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Central nervous system (CNS) |
Trauma or disease of the CNS or
head |
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Cerebrovascular disorder, after
e.g. head trauma |
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Pasteurella multocida related encephalitis or otitis interna |
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Toxoplasmosis |
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Organ failure |
Renal failure |
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Hypothyroidism |
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Systemic causes |
Gastro-intestinal stasis,
accompanied by severe pain |
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Terminal hepatic lipidosis and
ketosis |
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Azotemia (excess of nitrogen in the
blood), eventually accompanied by renal failure |
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Hyper- or hypoglycemia |
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Hyper- or hypocalcemia |
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Hyper- or hyponatremia |
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Magnesium deficiency |
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Cardiac disease |
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Gestation toxemia |
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“Mechanical” causes |
Arteriosclerosis and mineralization
of main blood vessels |
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Mineralization of the brain blood
vessels/arteriosclerosis |
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Tumor, neoplasia, abscess, or lesion
that invades a sensitive part of brain tissue, or the nervous system |
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Surface irritation, e.g. rubbing
fur, piece of hay trapped in anal gland |
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Agonal phenomenon |
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Medication |
Administration of high dosages of
antibiotics, like quinolones (e.g. Baytril), penicillins |
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Lidocaine |
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Toxicity |
Toxic plants |
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Insecticide |
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Fertilizer |
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Lead |
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