Resurrected paraplegic rabbit, named "Hot Wheels," is once again mobile
In the heart of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, a unique tale of resilience is unfolding. A rabbit named Hot Wheels, who was diagnosed with Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EC) disease, a condition that affects the central nervous system, is fighting its way back into life.
Hot Wheels, who was initially used to support Hot Wheels Monster Trucks at the Wiener Stadthalle on February 1 and 2, is now under the care of an animal shelter, which is currently seeking a new home or foster care for the rabbit. The disease, which causes symptoms such as head tilt, paralysis of the hind legs, and in Hot Wheels' case, partial paralysis, requires long-term care involving home-based supportive therapies.
These therapies include at-home bunny therapy, aimed at maintaining mobility and slowing further decline, though effectiveness may decrease over time as paralysis progresses. Incontinence care is also crucial, with diligent cleaning and hygiene management necessary to prevent infections and skin problems. Post-surgery recovery support, if surgery is involved, and ongoing monitoring of neurological function to adjust care as needed, are also part of the routine.
Hot Wheels is currently receiving medication and, according to Constanze Wagner, the rabbit's caretaker, has shown improvement every day. Remarkably, Hot Wheels can stand up independently, moving forward by supporting itself with its upper body and having its hind legs on the ground. The caretakers have even built a rollator for Hot Wheels from a birdhouse, complete with rotating wheels and a small cushion for the rabbit to lie on.
Despite the challenges, Hot Wheels seems to be happy, going to its water and food, and appearing content when caretakers come in the morning. The rabbit eats all the time and, as Wagner notes, is still fighting its way back into life.
Finding a home for Hot Wheels is preferred, as the shelter cannot replace a home. If you are interested in providing a loving home for this resilient rabbit, please contact your local animal shelter.
[1] Rabbit Health Care: Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EC) [2] Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund: Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EC) [3] House Rabbit Society: Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EC) [4] Veterinary Record: Encephalitozoon cuniculi: a review of the disease in rabbits [5] Journal of Small Animal Practice: Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits: a review of the disease, its management and the role of the veterinary surgeon
- Beyond the veterinary care and support Hot Wheels currently receives, a crucial step for his ongoing health-and-wellness is finding a loving home or foster care, as suggested by the animal shelter.
- Hot Wheels' fight against Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EC) disease, which affects not just his physical fitness-and-exercise but also his mental-health, underscores the importance of understanding the lifestyles of pets and their potential health concerns, as demonstrated by various resources such as Rabbit Health Care, Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, House Rabbit Society, and Veterinary Record.
- In Hot Wheels' journey to recovery, science plays a significant role in monitoring neurological function, adjusting care, and potentially developing new treatment strategies for animals suffering from this disease, as explored in numerous studies like Encephalitozoon cuniculi: a review of the disease in rabbits and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits: a review of the disease, its management, and the role of the veterinary surgeon.
