📚 What Is Parasitic Encephalitis?

Parasitic encephalitis in rabbits refers to inflammation of the brain resulting from two main causes:

• Baylisascaris procyonis larvae migrating from soil or contaminated hay cause severe, often fatal, brain damage—though cases are extremely rare :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Encephalitozoon cuniculi (a microsporidian fungus) infects kidneys, eyes, & brains—more common and leads to chronic neurologic signs :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

🦠 How These Pathogens Reach the Brain

• Baylisascaris eggs in raccoon-contaminated soil/hay are ingested. Larvae migrate aggressively through tissues, destroying brain cells :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• E. cuniculi spores are shed in urine, ingested, spread via bloodstream, and infect brain cells—often as a latent infection before symptoms show :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

⚠️ Recognizing Symptoms

Neurologic signs vary depending on brain area affected:

• Head tilt (torticollis)—classic in both infections :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Ataxia, circling, disorientation, tremors, seizures—especially in larval migrans :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• E. cuniculi may also cause cataracts, uveitis, kidney signs: polyuria/polydipsia, weight loss, lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🔍 Diagnostic Approach

• Thorough history including outdoor exposure and raccoon presence :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Full clinical examination evaluating neurologic deficits.
• Imaging (MRI/CT) for tissue damage or masses.
• E. cuniculi: serology (IgM/IgG titers), PCR of urine/CSF, paired titers :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Larval migrans: often diagnosed post-mortem; larval tracks on histopathology :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

💉 Treatment Protocols

E. cuniculi

• Fenbendazole 20 mg/kg PO daily for 28 days—widely used and well-tolerated :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Albendazole alternative but riskier due to marrow/liver toxicity :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Anti-inflammatory NSAIDs or corticosteroids for brain inflammation :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Supportive care: fluids, syringe feeding, environmental support, physiotherapy :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

Baylisascaris Larval Migrans

• No effective treatment; ivermectin or oxibendazole have had inconsistent results :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Prognosis is grave due to permanent brain damage—often euthanasia is recommended.

🏠 Home Care & Rehabilitation

• Quiet, padded environment; easy access to food/water bowls.
• Syringe-feed high-fiber Critical Care if appetite is poor.
• Provide subcutaneous fluids to maintain hydration.
• Encourage assisted mobility and pelvic physio to prevent worsening paresis.
• Monitor urination, droppings, appetite; perform regular weight checks.

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Store hay/grass off the ground; avoid areas visited by raccoons to prevent Baylisascaris exposure :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• House rabbits indoors or in protected outdoor runs.
• Perform urine cleanup daily and disinfect enclosures to limit E. cuniculi spores :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Test and treat all rabbits in group to prevent transmission.

📋 Quick Reference Table

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Always ask about outdoor access or hay sources during neuro case evaluations.
• Use diagnostics (serology + PCR) to support early detection of E. cuniculi.
• Begin fenbendazole promptly upon suspicion—even before titer results.
• Suggest environmental changes to minimize parasite exposure.
• Combine medication with owner education on home care and long-term monitoring.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Parasitic brain infections in rabbits range from rare, often fatal larval migrans to more common, treatable E. cuniculi. Prompt recognition of neuro signs—such as head tilt, ataxia, paralysis—and comprehensive diagnostics are vital. While Baylisascaris encephalitis often has a poor outcome, E. cuniculi can respond well to therapy. In 2025, combine early intervention, responsible husbandry, and veterinary care to optimize recovery and quality of life. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 live access to exotic‑animal vets for neurological assessments, diagnostic planning, and fenbendazole dosing guidance.
• Woopf: Mobility aids, bedding, syringe feeding packs, and hydration kits to support recovery.
• Purrz: Renal support blends, antioxidant eye drops, and calming supplements to ease treatment.