Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rabbit with balance and kidney problems
By Anca-Alexandra Doboși et al.·Published in Pathogens·2024·Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Antemortem and Postmortem Diagnosis of <i>Encephalitozoon cuniculi</i> in a Pet Rabbit (<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>)—A Case Report
- Species:
- rabbit
Plain-English summary
A pet rabbit showed signs of vestibular disease, which can cause balance issues, and mild kidney problems. Despite treatment, the rabbit did not improve and was ultimately euthanized. Tests confirmed the presence of a parasite called Encephalitozoon cuniculi in various samples, including blood and urine. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing and treating this infection in rabbits, as well as the importance of advanced testing methods for better diagnosis in the future.
People also search for: rabbit vestibular disease treatment · Encephalitozoon cuniculi symptoms in rabbits · rabbit kidney problems diagnosis
Abstract
<i>Encephalitozoon</i> cuniculi infection in rabbits represents a true challenge in both diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This study aims to describe and analyze all methods of identifying the presence of the microsporidian in a rabbit through antemortem and postmortem methods. The patient manifested clinical signs of vestibular disease and mild renal symptoms with no significant improvement under treatment, which finally led to euthanasia. Serological and molecular tests confirmed positivity for <i>E. cuniculi</i> in serum and urine, feces, brain, kidney and urinary bladder, respectively. Histopathological findings showed suggestive inflammatory lesions of encephalitis and nephritis and no changes in the eye globe and liver, but with no identification of microsporidian spores. This is the first complete case report of <i>E. cuniculi</i> in a rabbit in Romania, as well as the first report of urinary bladder molecular testing with a positive result, which facilitates for further diagnosis exploration for rabbits.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13121122