(DURHAM, NC) Bugsy the rabbit at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham is undergoing acupuncture to help alleviate excessive circling and head twitching. Dr. Leilani Sabin, owner of Eastern-Western Mobile Veterinary Services of Durham visited the Museum this past Tuesday to administer Bugsy’s third acupuncture and electrotherapy treatment.

“This behavior is not typical for rabbits,” commented Katy Harringer, Museum lead keeper, veterinary specialist. Keepers first noticed Bugsy’s unusual behavior back in August, 2007. Unsure of the cause, in April 2008 Bugsy was examined by Dr. Thea Carter. Tests were run for E. cuniculi, a fungus that commonly parasitizes rabbits and Pasteurella multocida a bacterial pathogen that causes otitis media also known as an ear infection. Lab reports were negative. “We placed Bugsy on motion sickness medicine in May 2008 to see if his condition would improve, but there was no change,” said Harringer.

Museum Animal Department Director, Sherry Samuels and Museum consulting veterinarian Dr. Debbie Vanderford later agreed with Dr. Sabin’s recommendation for Bugsy to undergo acupuncture to see if treatments would alleviate his symptoms. The first treatment was issued this past November, followed by monthly treatments in December and January. “We haven’t noticed any change in his behavior, but according to Dr. Sabin, it may take some time,” said Samuels.

During treatment this past Tuesday, keepers noticed that Bugsy wasn’t twitching his head, as he was in prior sessions.   “It’s uncertain if the treatments will alleviate or lesson Bugsy’s symptoms, but the fact that he wasn’t twitching while Dr. Sabin administered the needles on Tuesday is promising,” commented Harringer.

What is acupuncture?

According to Webster’s Dictionary “acupuncture is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine, in which a number of very fine metal needles are inserted into the skin at specially designated points. For thousands of years acupuncture has been used, along with herbal medicine, for pain relief and treatment of various ailments.”

Dr. Leilani Sabin examining Bugsy prior to issuing the acupuncture treatments.

Dr. Leilani inserting the acupuncture needles into Bugsy.

Bugsy receiving electroacupuncture treatment.