Ralphy Doesn’t Have Pastuerella?! Huh?!? WORRIED!!! *UPDATE*

[KelseyCupcakes]

Ralphy’s doctor called but I didn’t hear it so he left a voicemail and said that Ralphy has two different types of Staph infection and something else but I didn’t understand the last part. Is Staph dangerous? Can you cure it with meds? I’m still waiting for the doctor to return my call. I just lost my job can I use the vpi prt insurance? Will they cover his medication he will need to take? I just lost my job and only have $150 to my name so I am really concerned. My husband won’t help me pay for it either because it’s just “a filthy animal” so I have to figure this out on my own! My poor bunny! I don’t want to lose him.

[Monkeybun]

It is indeed dangerous. Even people still die from staph infections these days. Definitely get him on some meds for it, it needs to be treated asap. It’s not looking good for his future if he doesn’t get them

[Sarita]

This is pretty common in rabbits and can be treated. This is not the MRSA infections that humans get in hospitals.

Is it covered under your vet insurance – I have no idea.

[kinggoblin]

Call your pet insurance co and ask them, it probably varies between policies. He needs meds, if it isn’t treated he could die.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Call your insurance company. Also there are credit cards you can apply for and use immediately at the vet clinic. You could then pay them off when the pet insurance company sends you the reimbursement. They often send money later, not immediatley so you’ll need to find that out, and what’s covered. Depends on the policy, but sounds like you have VPI which many members do and they seem reputable
Keep us posted!

[RabbitPam]

 I have VPI and I recently downloaded their complete list of coverage for my rabbit policy. I can’t attach the benefits pdf I downloaded from their website here. Go on their website or call them to confirm and ask questions. Their customer service people are very nice. If you have a policy, you should have access to your policy pdf by logging in on the Policyholder Portal. Use your ID and password (email or call if you don’t remember) and go into the account overview. Click the Policy details in blue, and download the pdf called Avian/Exotic/Reptile Plan Benefit Schedule. It shows what exactly they cover and for how much. I used it for the first time in October, and they paid 90% minus a $50 deductible, so I got about 70% back by check.

 

[Beka27]

Your post is unclear. Do you have VPI Pet Insurance? If you’re asking if you can get it NOW and use it on a pre-existing condition, the answer is no. If you already have it and you’re past any type of probationary period, then I would think something would be covered but you’d have to contact them for more info.

[KelseyCupcakes]

Hi guys, so to clarify, I have VPI Pet Insurance. The doctor called me this morning and told me Ralphy has 2 Staph infections called Staphylococcus, Haematococcus, and an infection caused from humans called Acinetobacter. The doctor said all 3 of these infections are highly resistant to all treatment. He says Ralphy is in the early stages of this infection and hopes we can nip this in the bud. He can’t use Penicillin on Ralphy or Baytril and he said Baytril probably made it worse! I asked him, “Doctor, will Ralphy die from this?” and he said, “No not at all, but bun bun’s that come in here with this condition typically are chronic and they are alive but live miserable lives because they are sick for the rest of their lives because the meds don’t work and they have to get their eyes flushed everyday because their eyes dry out, BUT, we hope we can nip these infections in the bud before they get out of control”.

I then called my VPI insurance and told them the names of these infections and if they cover and the guy on the phone said that they are not a complete diagnosis and they will need Ralphy’s charts with the insurance claim and they should cover he said.

Ralphy is acting normal, playing, jumping everywhere, eating constantly, loves to be with his mommy, so I do have hope because he’s not just laying in his cage cuz he’s miserable. I don’t know if he even notices! O_o

[Sarita]

If he’s not treating with baytril or pen-g shots what is the treatment he is using?

Glad your insurance will be covering this.

[KelseyCupcakes]

Honestly, I don’t remember but I am going to pick it up today and when I get home I will let you all know. I’ll be leaving in about a half hour to pick it up.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Man thats rough!! Do you have any idea (or does your vet) on how he got all those things??

[Sarita]

Totally understandable. I get so overwhelmed when I talk to the vet about my rabbits as well because they can really throw the information out there :~)

[KelseyCupcakes]

The doctor didn’t tell me how he possibly got them but I don’t really care I just want to give him the meds to cure it!! Oh, and I forgot what the name of the medicine I am currently giving Ralphy is but the short abbreviated version of the name is TMS. It is pink and is cherry flavored. Ralphy likes it. I really hope this will help him. : (

[Sam and Lady's Human]

You should ask if you get the chance, it would be good to know how to avoid it

[Sarita]

Yes, that is the same as Bactrim. I’ve used it before on my rabbits. I hope it helps.

[LBJ10]

It’s interesting that you mentioned Acinetobacter. Humans can have it without any ill effects, but it can cause problems with people with compromised immune systems. It is known to be resistant to antibiotics.

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