Rabbit Encephalitis Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Encephalitis in rabbits represents inflammation of the brain parenchyma and is a critical multisystemic disease with significant morbidity and mortality. The condition frequently presents with neurologic signs and can be caused by infectious (parasitic, bacterial, viral) or non-infectious etiologies.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a microsporidial parasite, is the most common cause of encephalitis in pet rabbits. Understanding the differential diagnoses, diagnostic approach, and treatment protocols is essential for NAVLE success.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi)
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Organism: E. cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidial parasite (phylum Microsporidia). It is a eukaryotic, unicellular, spore-forming organism measuring approximately 1.5 × 2.5-5 micrometers.
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