Baytril/Overwhelmed

[Sally98]

Hello, 

I apologize if I’m not the most coherent, I’m having a bit of a tough time. I re-homed an Angora rabbit last fall, he is the first rabbit I’ve ever cared for. I’ve kept a lot of fish and a lot of cats but never a rabbit, so it took me a while to get a hang of the body language etc, it has definitely been a new experience. He was about a year when I got him so he’s a little over 2 years old now and I love him a lot. Yesterday he peed on a blanket which is very irregular as he is litter trained and I noticed some sludge in it. I made an appointment and took him to the vet this morning, they did a urine sample and explained that he has a UTI and they prescribed me oral Baytril. I have a pretty bad issue with anxiety so after bringing him home I did a lot of searches about Baytril and could only really find criticisms and then that turned into searching up misdiagnosis’ and then I managed to make myself start having a panic attack. The vet was very straight forward with me and said to come back if his behaviour changes, he’s been active but he;s also been laying down a lot although I think that may be because the vet trip was stressful for him. At any rate I’ve worked myself up a lot and I am really worried, he doesn’t want to drink but he’s eating and pooping like normal. 

Sorry for going on and on I just need some advice. Has anyone had a similar experience? Should I be doing something differently? He’s eaten some kale and pellets but I just feel really overwhelmed and I don’t know if theres something I need to do and I want to take him back to the vet and I don’t even know why.

I apologize for changing the subject but I also need some more advice about something else. I don’t know if keeping him is smart because I can’t keep calm about this stuff. I love him a lot and he’s very important to me but I can’t help feeling as if someone else would do a better job and I’m just very very overwhelmed, any advice of any kind would be very very very much appreciated thank you very much for reading this and I’m sorry for writing too much

[Waffle65]

My rabbit was given oral Baytril about a month ago, and the vet specifically told me that it causes sleepiness. Combined that with your little guy already not feeling his best because of the UTI, and he’s not gonna be his usual self. As long as he is still eating and going to the bathroom regularly, then you shouldn’t worry too much. Remember, as the Baytril is killing off the bad bacteria, it’s also messing up the bacteria in his gut that is good and necessary, which is why it’s important to pay close attention to that. His appetite may decrease because of this, and if he’s laying around more, then he’s not using as much energy, so he needs less food. I would give him some extra treats now to help encourage eating, and make sure he has endless hay. Also, don’t get impatient. It can take many days before the medicine kicks in and starts to work.

[jerseygirl]

Im sorry to hear of your struggle with anxiety. I know some other members here deal with this too and know what you’re going through. Its also normal to feel some anxiety when one of your pets is unwell, given that they rely on us so much. But as you know, anxiety can take over somewhat.

Regarding baytril, I have read before that it is the most effective for urinary infections in rabbits. It is also licensed for use in rabbits, where as a lot of the vet meds are not. It is one of the safer antibiotics for rabbits and is considered low risk. It is selective about the bacteria it targets, so it won’t completely wipe out your rabbits good gut bacteria, but giving a probiotic is not a bad idea anyway. You could do that after he’s finished the baytril if you wanted.
How many days does he have to have it for?

If you feel your vet is experienced with rabbits, just follow their advice and stay away from “dr google” for the time being. Remember, your vet actually saw your rabbit and did a urine test, advisors on the internet (including us!) did not.

Regarding his diet, what type of pellets (timothy/grass based or alfalfa based) and how much does he usually get? Type of hay and veggies that are usual for him. Seeing some sediment in the pee is normal, but if you’re starting to see more or if or it’s thick and dark in colour, then some diet adjustments may help regulate that.

I apologize for changing the subject but I also need some more advice about something else. I don’t know if keeping him is smart because I can’t keep calm about this stuff. I love him a lot and he’s very important to me but I can’t help feeling as if someone else would do a better job and I’m just very very overwhelmed, any advice of any kind would be very very very much appreciated thank you very much for reading this and I’m sorry for writing too much

For what it’s worth, just from your previous post, I think your care for him is good. You noticed a problem right away and got him seen by the vet. To me, that seems like you’re knowlegdeable and capable to care for him adequetely. It seems like your anxiety is telling you differently, is that fair to say? Do you have a counsellor or someone that can help when you feel overwhelmed?

If you really feel his care is becoming detrimental to your health, then consider a new home for him but I fear finding him a suitable home would be hard on you also. I know I would become anxious about it and choosing the right person, for certain! And an angora rabbit is more high maintenance then most. 

  I think for now, just getting some more support to help with the anxiety and help with his care could help you reassess things. 

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