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  • Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

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Abscess? Went to vets ........

Stephy

Alpha Buck
........ this evening and I just wanted to ask, is it always necessary to sedate a bunny to ascertain whether the lump is an abscess or not? It seems a huge risk. Any advice on whether to book my little Tommy in for an op would be greatly appreciated. The little fellow is so perky and well in himself I feel I may be putting him at unnecessary risk if he goes in for an operation. Can they not lance the lump without putting him out?

p.s. I tried sending a pm to you Jane but for some reason it won't let me.

Thank you x
 
Hiya

It is generally better to try to remove the entire abscess (under GA) rather than just lancing it. It will give the very best chance of eradicating it. Personally I'd opt for this if Tommy were my Bun.

I dont know why you cant PM me :?
My PM Box isnt full.
 
It is generally better to operate to remove an abscess in a bun, they're not like abscesses in dogs and cats - the pus is very thick (like toothpaste!!) in bunnies which is why lancing generally doesn't work that well.

If they operate they can get right in to the "core" of the abscess and get it out. It's often very successful, depending on where the abscess is of course. They can also get a culture to make sure they use the right antibiotics.

I understand why you're reluctant to go the GA route, but weigh up the pros and cons - the bun will be a lot sicker for a lot longer if you don't.

I know it's hard though, good luck!
 
Hiya you really should take the action sooner as they have a better chance of removing it then when it gets too Big or your bun starts showing pain. I was unfortunate and took my bun to my vet who said it was no hope and very difficult to operate on. I listened to that advice and didn't do anything it's only when it got bigger did I to to a specialist who explained all the options but by this stage it was in her bone and they weren't as hopeful.
 
Thanks so much for your replie everyone - computer went haywire last night again - stupid computers!! I have booked Tommy in for tomorrow morning. Will keep you posted xx
 
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