E. cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite causing serious neurological disease in pet rabbits. Understanding this frequently misdiagnosed condition is essential for rabbit welfare.
E. cuniculi causes significant welfare impact through acute neurological crises that are frightening and disorienting for affected rabbits. Head tilt and rolling episodes cause nausea, loss of equilibrium, and inability to maintain normal posture. Seizures are acutely distressing. Many rabbits are euthanased unnecessarily during initial episodes before the diagnosis is confirmed and treatment given a chance to work. Rabbits that survive the acute phase often adapt remarkably well to residual deficits such as permanent head tilt. The welfare case for owner education is strong: informed owners who understand that E. cuniculi episodes often have a reasonable prognosis with treatment give their rabbits a much better chance of survival and recovery.