Vetergesic – Bad Reaction?

[Alfiebuns]

Please help

My girl has had a few dental to burr down spurs which eventually led to the loosening of her tooth. This tooth was removed on Monday where they discovered an infection and treated the same. She came home and was doing really well; she ate, pooped and even chased me for treats.

Wednesday, she seemed to be slowing and it was time for her second dose of antibiotics – she had that then seemed to develop a reluctance to use her right hand which is completely new.

Thursday she wasn’t any better so returned to the vet who gave her gut mover, recovery plan, metacam and fluids. She was still lively throughout all of this and eating for herself, moving with slight balance issues but her cheeky self.

Friday, she seemed to not be getting any better in herself so returned to the vet who gave her vetergesic stating the fact that she was still herself but struggling probably meant the pain was restricting her. He said it would wear off within 6-8 hours.

She was instantly spaced out and basically didn’t move at all, just slumped on the floor with her face planted. Her pupils have been dilated ever since and she just doesn’t move. Returned to the vet who gave her more recovery and fluids and said the drug should have worn off by now and the most they could do is give her recovery & fluids for 24 hours. We can do the same so we have returned home and there is no change still – her face is buried in the floor and she seems to really struggle to lift it up. I give her recovery and she isn’t at all with it enough to swallow it, never mind chew or grind or even spit it out so it just falls out of her mouth.

I don’t know what else to do. Can a drug Last this long? Could it be something else? She just seems so out of it like she’s overdosed.

She doesn’t stand, walk or sleep properly. I will keep trying recovery plan and she is due a fluid injection in a few hours.

[Bam]

I can’t say for sure, but since the effect of the vetergesic was so immediate, it seems likely that she had a reaction to it. It’s a med that’s considered bunny safe, but individuals can of course be extra sensitive/have an adverse reaction. It’s an opioid so there is an antidote (naloxone), was that never considered? Could you ask?

[Alfiebuns]

We asked for an antidote or anything at all that could counteract the symptoms and was told nothing existed. I’m going to call again now.

[Alfiebuns]

We asked if there was an antidote or anything to counteract the symptoms and was told no. My vets has just closed so my partner is currently calling the emergency vets to ask if they have it available. Thank you.

[xyla]

I think you should go to your vet again if things seem strange to you. I wouldn’t take any chances and make another appointment for as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to tell if this is normal, or if something in her medication needs to be changed. Maybe she is sensitive to the medication. Is it the right dose?

[Alfiebuns]

I’m sorry, I seem to be having trouble replying.

We asked for an antidote or alternatives to counteract the symptoms but was told there was nothing available.

I have since spoken to two emergency vets who have said they don’t have the drug but it’s highly unlikely to be the vetergesic as it should be fully out of her system within 24 hours. I just don’t know though.

I’m waiting for further call backs from the vets to discuss hospitalising her but they’re not rabbit savvy so I’m really reluctant to do it.

Could it be a neuro problem following the extraction that has been delayed?

Thank you for responding.

[Bam]

It could be the infection, if bacteria have entered the bloodstream (septicemia). That can happen to humans to after a tooth extraction when there’s an infection. Is she still on antibiotics?
The weird thing is she took that really bad turn for the worse when she got the vetergesic, but that could’ve been coincidental.
Even if they’re not bunny savvy, treating her for septicemia ought to be possible provided they take care to check what antibiotics (and other meds) rabbits can’t tolerate.

We are not vets here by any means at all, but I’ve summoned the other leaders so they can take a look at your thread. They might have other suggestions. 

[kirstyol]

Do you know what dose of the drug she was given and what her weight is? I looked vetergesic up because I had never heard of it, its buprenorphine which is quite a strong and long acting opioid. I am not a vet but I do deal with opiate toxicity in humans on a regular basis (i’m an emergency nurse we literally see it all the time) being super drowsy with big pupils is definitely a sign in humans although I don’t really know how it would manifest in rabbits. Sepsis in humans would not cause big pupils but could explain the other symptoms. something neurological could make sense though. The fact that she showed weakness in one of her limbs and poor balance before becoming extra drowsy would have me leaning towards a neurological cause or perhaps an ear infection. It could be worth trying naloxone to see if things improve, its not harmful if opiate toxicity is not the cause but if it was effective it would prove that it was the cause and then that could be managed quite easily I would think (it certainly is in humans). How long has it been since she was given the drugs?

[LBJ10]

I was going to say it sounded like something neurological at first as well.

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