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Vetdle Archive

Archive Case #44: Rabbit Encephalitozoonosis

Exotic veterinary case - Hard - April 16, 2026

Clinical Clues

  1. A pet rabbit is presented for a progressive head tilt and loss of balance.
  2. The owner reports intermittent rolling episodes and difficulty reaching food from the bowl.
  3. Neurological examination reveals vestibular dysfunction with hindlimb weakness.
  4. A subtle white opacity is visible within one eye.
  5. Findings are supportive of infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi after other major differentials are considered.
  6. This protozoal disease of rabbits can affect the nervous system, kidneys, and eyes.

Diagnosis

Rabbit Encephalitozoonosis

This case is most consistent with Rabbit Encephalitozoonosis because the rabbit has vestibular signs with hindlimb weakness and ocular involvement compatible with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. The most important clues are the head tilt, rolling, and lens change, which make a purely local ear problem less likely.

Learning review

Review the case evidence

Use the paired clues to explain how the evidence in this exotic case supports the provided diagnosis, Rabbit Encephalitozoonosis, then compare your reasoning with the case explanation.

Evidence checkpoints

Clues 1-2

  1. Clue 1: A pet rabbit is presented for a progressive head tilt and loss of balance.
  2. Clue 2: The owner reports intermittent rolling episodes and difficulty reaching food from the bowl.

Clues 3-4

  1. Clue 3: Neurological examination reveals vestibular dysfunction with hindlimb weakness.
  2. Clue 4: A subtle white opacity is visible within one eye.

Clues 5-6

  1. Clue 5: Findings are supportive of infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi after other major differentials are considered.
  2. Clue 6: This protozoal disease of rabbits can affect the nervous system, kidneys, and eyes.

Self-review prompts

  1. After clues 1-2, what evidence from this exotic case shaped your initial interpretation?
  2. When you compare clues 3-4 with clues 1-2, what changed in your reasoning about Rabbit Encephalitozoonosis?
  3. How do clues 5-6 align with the case explanation for Rabbit Encephalitozoonosis?

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.