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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Whats Wrong? Help needed Thanks

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    • cynthia
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        Hi guys,

        So I had a quick question for all you who might have had this experience. I have no idea what is wrong with my rabbit.

        My bunnys right side of his face is a bit swollen (that was the first sign). Thus he has reduced his food intake (and he poops less) that was also another warning sign.

        With all those warnings I took him to the vet today.

        The doctor checked his teeth and saw nothing wrong with his teeth.She said he might have bitten his cheek hence the swelling.

        She said it was a good idea to take him in, as most rabbits, need to be hospitalized if they are not eating (GI Stasis).

        She gave me some first aid resources and some meds for his chronic respiratory issue.(Oxbow critical care by syringe along with his respiratory meds baydrill) for a whole week or a trial of 10 days. She also injected into his body “fluids” to give him a boost and see if he will start eating and pooping normally.

         

        He is very active, aware, still eats, drinks,poops, and plays. I just noticed that he was not eating as much and not pooping as much as he used to.

        His swollen area is around his right cheek and there is no absences or any bumps lumps. Might the swelling have anything to do with his respiratory issues? The doct said to just give him food/hay/water as well as give the critical care food with meds by seringe.

         

        So what might this be? Whats making my bunny not want to eat as much as before?

        Hes a good boy and knows that he is feeling under the weather as he eats more hay and drinks more water than usual.

        The only thing that I can think of is that I adopted him and he might have illnesses I do not know of or maybe he has these relapses because he has not taken care properly when he was younger??? I don’t know, but its hard seeing this little guy not eating as much as he used to

         

        Here’s hoping for the best. I will update you guys. The doc said to contact her in that week or ten days to see if he is eating normally again.

         Thanks guys

         


      • Mikey
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          He may have bitten it, but something is telling me it could be an allergy and/or stuck piece of hay dust in his nose clogging his sinuses. You said he has respiratory issues; what does he have?


        • jerseygirl
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            I was thinking perhaps a bite or something also. Does he go outside at all?
            Would you be able to upload a photo at all?

            We had a regular member post recently about her rabbit whose cheek swelled up due to cuterebra.


          • LBJ10
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              Sinus issues makes me worry about ear issues and then nerves being affected. Partial facial paralysis can mimic the look of swelling.


            • cynthia
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                Mikey: “You said he has respiratory issues; what does he have?”

                He breaths kind of hard (his respiratory illness is chronic as it comes and goes) I am not sure “technically what its called” The doctor said it’s not pandemonia, but his breathing was irregular and not normal when I first got him.

                The vet gave him a shot of baydrill (or however you spell it). I went back after he was sneezing and had discharge on his nose, about 4 months ago or so, and the doctor said it was not a harmful bacteria (he looked at a sample of his nose discharge under a microscope). The vet said he had allergies and gave me benadryl.

                So when he sneezes a lot or has discharge I administer the allergy meds the doc gave me and yes they do work.
                So what does he have?
                Allergies, but sometimes I think its more than that so that is why the vet gave me tables of baydrill to mix into his first aid food.
                This is all I know from what the doctors have said to me.


              • cynthia
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                  Jerseygirl: I was thinking perhaps a bite or something also. Does he go outside at all?
                  Yes he goes outside for play time. He might have been stung by a wasp there is that possibility as they are really annoying during this time of year. It must hurt him and maybe that is why he does not want to eat his greens? I am not sure.


                • cynthia
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                    Fly strike? mmm…

                    How can I check if he has this?

                    That might be it? I am not sure…I hope not that looks awful!!!

                    I checked him and no sigh of any hole or tissue is exposed. I will check again. 


                  • cynthia
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                      LBJ10: I agree with you…
                      What can I do to help my rabbit? I have been taking him to the vet periodically. Especially because of his respiratory issues. They just give me the baydril and benadryl. What else can I do for my rabbit?


                    • cynthia
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                        Thank you guys…all you guys for helping me.

                        Hes such a good boy…I just love him so much and hope that he will live a long happy life with me.
                        Good news I prepared him the food and meds and he ate it all by himself. There was no need for the syringe. Ate his pellets and has not touched his greens and has pooped a bit.

                        I will keep you guys posted. Thank you very very much!!!


                      • cynthia
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                        • cynthia
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                            Yes the picture worked!! This picture was taken last week. Here’s another one:

                             

                             


                          • cynthia
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                              This is today I just took it now.

                               


                            • cynthia
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                                 I don’t know whats wrong…

                                I am thinking an X ray would benefit him. If I get an Xray done we can see whats going on…What do you guys think?


                              • Mikey
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                                  Allergies is a good way to put it. One of my buns has bad allergies that ends with a lot of discharge and occasional sinus infections. Im with LBJ then that it might be his ears. Has your vet checked them? An xray might be a good idea, or possibly an ultrasound, but im not sure if they can do ultrasound on the face. If it is a sinus infection, you would need possibly longer doses of antibiotics, and if its an ear issue, you might need ear drops

                                  Yay for poops and eating as well (((((vibes)))))


                                • cynthia
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                                    Thanks Mikey,
                                    Yes hes eating more and pooping more today. Thank you!!! I left him this morning feeling good!!
                                    He is eating the medicated food on his own no use of a syringe so thats a plus.


                                  • LBJ10
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                                      That first picture looks like partial paralysis to me. It isn’t severe though, just a little bit. I agree. Have an Xray done to see if there is swelling anywhere inside and to look for tooth root problems. Sinuses, eyes, and ears are all connected in there. The problem can start in the sinuses and migrate to the ear, for example. Swelling anywhere in there can put pressure on the facial nerves, leading to paralysis (which can be temporary). How to make him better is going to depend on what’s wrong. If it’s an infection, a longer course of Baytril or a different antibiotic may be needed. URIs can be stubborn. An anti-inflammatory couldn’t hurt either.


                                    • cynthia
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                                        Thanks LBJ10
                                        I will do that as soon as possible. Today he is eating a bit more and pooping more often than yesterday and in larger quantities. Thank God.

                                        What are the symptoms of ear infections? The doc did check for mites; looked in there with a light and put a long q-tip thing in there. He gave him a vaccination of ivermectine I think, but that’s all. How would the vet check him for a an ear infection?


                                      • LBJ10
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                                          This article really explains it well:
                                          http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Neurology/Otit/otitis.htm

                                          Short answer – an x-ray can help diagnose a middle or inner ear infection. Note that some rabbits will have very pronounced symptoms, while others have less severe symptoms.

                                          My Wooly has tooth root problems. He has chronic sinus issues, which leads to bacteria build up in his sinuses and right ear. His eardrum actually ruptured from a middle ear infection at one time, but he did not exhibit head-tilt or rolling. He does, however, have on and off facial paralysis.


                                        • cynthia
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                                            Hi guys, So update…

                                            He is eating more, but not as much as when he had the fluids. His eating pellets, and fresh veggies.

                                            He is not pooping as much as he should, but he is pooping.

                                            He has stopped eating hay. Is there other kinds to try besides Thimothy hay?; something that he will eat mmm….
                                            I go to work so I am not sure if he is eating or not, but when I get home I don’t see him eating hay. The bucket he has is full of his hay. He likes to chew on his books though.

                                            I am taking him in again :/
                                            This is the doctors notes from last time (I cant understand everything see if you guys can help me):

                                            “No apparent swelling of face identified. Palpation of the mandle is WNL. The incisors are even and have no pathology. Examined the cheek teeth with an otoscope: No visible abnormalities and no trauma to the cheeks identified.

                                            Abdomen appears relatively empty on palpation. No significant feces palpated in colon. Small amount of hyperemia on dorsal conjunctiva. No significant discharge. Lungs ascult clear”.

                                            Assesment: R/O lleus, Pasteurella infection, less likely periodontal disease, other.

                                            :/ I can see the swelling on his face how is it not apparent? Really?

                                            So basically his gut is not processing things right because he was not eating as much as he should and he has the snuffles.

                                            I need help guys. I am taking him in for X-rays, but I can’t just be going to get fluids in him so that he will eat and poop normally. We gotta get to the bottom of this…this sucks.

                                             Thanks for your help; I will ask her to check for inner ear infections. I dunno….


                                          • LBJ10
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                                              You can do an x-ray. It might be more cost effective to just start him on an antibiotic and see if it helps. My guess is that it’s an ear infection, but I’m just going off of the information you’ve provided. I’m no vet. LOL But it really sounds like that’s what it is.


                                            • Q8bunny
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                                                Between the swelling you observed, the respiratory issues, and the lack of dental/abscess trauma, I too am leaning toward an allergic reaction. Have you tried orchard grass instead of timothy hay? Or has the doc administered any benadryl?


                                              • Love4Bunny
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                                                  Cynthia, is there a possibility of you getting a second opinion from another experienced rabbit vet?


                                                • Bam
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                                                    I’m with LBJ on this. A prolonged course of Baytril might be your best bet + an anti-infammatory (metacam, meloxicam) and an anti-histamine against swelling. A sinus/ear infection sounds like the most likely explanation for all his symproms, esp since he has a known chronic URI.

                                                    Baytril can decrease appetite, it’s a very common side-effect. You can give a bunny-appropriate probiotic to help with GI issues caused by the Baytril. He might also feel some pain or discomfort when he’s chewing, but metacam could help with that.

                                                    I don’t know what a vet means by “marked swelling” – it kind if depwnds on tour reference. It’s not like half his face is all ballooned up.

                                                    Some vets will let you give your bunny sub-q fluids yourself at hilome, and show you how to do it. You could ask. It might help him to get sub q fluids daily while he’s fighting the infection.


                                                  • cynthia
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                                                      Hi guys sorry for the delay in replying; its been a hectic week at work too.
                                                      RE:Q8bunny
                                                      I am trying Orchard grass right now, but no dice. :/
                                                      I have my appointment coming up soon so the doctor has not administered anything yet. When I talked to her on the phone she said she would put him on another kind of “Baytril” or do more of the Baytril stuff and would administer sub-q fluids, plus the X-ray (s).

                                                      RE: Love4Bunny
                                                      Yes, but the other vet is not listed in the Rabbit association website and it’s a lot more money to go there (we are talking hundreds of dollars more) other vets do not treat rabbits around here so I am a sitting duck on that one. :/

                                                      RE: bam
                                                      During the administration of the Baytril my bunny was eating really well (he was eating normally and producing normal stools). He was eating greens and pellets drinking water, but no hay. I had no idea Baytril did that to my rabbit thanks for letting me know. What kind of probiotic can I give him?

                                                      He has not been eating hay or not much of it. I have him on Oxbow Critical care right now and he does eat that.
                                                      Yes his face is not swelling up anymore, but there is a slight swelling on his cheek.

                                                      Ok I will ask about administering sub-q fluids at home.


                                                    • cynthia
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                                                        Thanks guys all of you especally you LBJ10 (What you said and explained hit home)
                                                        Its just frustrating when your bunny is not eating well and not feeling well.
                                                        The doc said she would look for another “baytril” since it worked, but was not enough.
                                                        Also when I get the Xrays done I will update you guys.
                                                        Thanks guys this makes me feel better!!!

                                                        Will keep you updated thanks a buch!!! I am so grateful!!!I love my bunny sooooo much!!!


                                                      • Bam
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                                                          I’m glad your vet is looking for another Baytril-type antibiotic! Benebac is a bunny-appropriate probiotic, but there are other kinds, the best ones contain saccaromyces cerevisiae (live brewer’s yeast) and/ or enterococcus faecium. Critical Care is a very good product that has everything a bun needs nutrition-wise, so you can give that for as long as you feel he needs it.

                                                          I’m sorry about all the spelling-errors in my previous post. I hope you still could make some sense of it.


                                                        • LBJ10
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                                                            I’m glad your vet is pursuing this further. Everything you have described points to an ear infection, so I think that should definitely be at the top of the list for the vet as far as suspects go.

                                                            Not eating hay could be a sign of ear and/or sinus pain. Wooly would go through this as well. I could tell he was feeling pain/pressure because he wouldn’t want to eat hay as much. Pellets and veggies were fine. I think the aggressive chewing/grinding action required to eat hay is why it was a problem. I know that if I have a sinus infection, it can hurt to chew tough things.


                                                          • cynthia
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                                                              RE:bam
                                                              Thank you for your valuable input it’s greatly appreciated. I was able to understand you with no problem thank you for helping my bunny out.
                                                              Do not ever worry about spelling, please, I misspell many many words and by no means will I ever make a fuss. Do not apologize. Your knowledge about buns has helped me out tremendously in these last few years. Thank you for your time and dedication.

                                                              RE:LBJ10
                                                              Yes she is willing to see him again and to figure this problem out; it’s just that it’s taking longer to see what is wrong with him. I don’t want him to die or to prolong his situation (it’s not good). Not eating hay is a big big warning sigh. Thank you for your wise words and for sharing your experience/knowledge with me. I will definitely have her check for an ear infection (we talked about the X-rays and getting them done asap). Yes your correlation between not eating hay and sinus infection is very probable; I am very grateful to you.

                                                              Thank you again my friends. I will update as soon as I can. Hopefully we will get to the bottom of this. Thank you for sharing what you know and for giving me relief as I was so so stressed.


                                                            • cynthia
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                                                                Hi guys,
                                                                …my bunny passed away and went to bunny heaven this morning.
                                                                At the last doctors visit I was given meds and he had not lost any weight. It looked like he was going to make a full recovery; they had various doctors check him not just one and I was given meds to help him.

                                                                He was eating and then he just passed away in a few minutes. It was really quick and I did not get a chance to do much. I held him as he died.

                                                                ugh. so sad. Glad I got to know him and am I am glad to have given him a home. I only wish that he would have lived longer. I only had him for a year and one week.

                                                                Thank you guys for helping me. I have learned a lot in this last year about bunnies.
                                                                Thanks for being there for me. I will probably adopt another bunny, but right now I just want to take time to reflect and just find peace.
                                                                Again Thank you this day has been hard for me I have been crying non stop.


                                                              • cynthia
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                                                                  The room feels so lonely without him. My family keeps commenting about how lonely they feel without him.
                                                                  I am happy to have been given the opportunity to give him a home and to have known him.


                                                                • LBJ10
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                                                                    Oh no, poor little thing! Was this a new medication? Hopefully that wasn’t what caused this.


                                                                  • Bam
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                                                                      i’m so sorry to hear this, Cynthia. I’m glad he got to know you.
                                                                      He was such a beautiful little one.


                                                                    • Love4Bunny
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                                                                        Oh, Cynthia, I’m so sorry. It is good he was in your arms before he went. Thinking of you.


                                                                      • cynthia
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                                                                          Thanks so much you guys; your words mean the world to me. I don’t think it was the meds honestly. He was just not feeling right for a while. Its been hard. Not having him around. I am cleaning up the room and his belongings; mostly his fur.
                                                                          I don’t really know if I do want another bunny. They are so cute, but its hard when they die.
                                                                          I feel like when my first dog died; like crap lol.
                                                                          I have chickens and fish, but they don’t suck the life out of me when they pass.

                                                                          Thanks guys
                                                                          If I do want to adopt another one where can I go?


                                                                        • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                            I am so very sorry for the loss of your bunny.

                                                                            Do you have any rabbit rescues or SPCA’s near you?

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                                                                        Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Whats Wrong? Help needed Thanks