Osteomyelitis, need advice please

I’ve been lurking (not registered) on this forum awhile since I became rabbit mummy to Thistle and Muffin in 2009.

Muffin suddenly developed an abscess in her jaw 5 weeks ago and since then has been treated with Depocillin (on alternate days) also she has Fibreplex probiotic and Metacam every day .

When the Vet thought she was on top of the infection Muffin was given an x-ray under anaesthetic and the results were sent off to a rabbit specialist in Bristol as the veterinary practice we use are not rabbit savvy, they are a rural practice and mainly treat cows, sheep, cats and dogs.

I need some advice as yesterday the expert advised that muffin had Osteomyelitis and she needs surgery to remove two teeth from her lower jaw.

Her jaw has fractured as its become so thinned with infection, he said that the infection had started in her tooth root rather than from a bone spur problem and the fracture and infection won’t have a chance of healing until the infected teeth are removed.

I was told that the operation, carried out by the specialist rabbit expert, would cost between £500 and £800.

The alternative would be to carry on as we are now and she may live for a few more months, this I also read from Muffins notes on the Vet’s monitor while she was out the room,......Chilling!.

I don’t want to go down the “maintenance” route, she’s only 2 yrs old.

Does anyone know of a rabbit savvy Vet that isn’t going to cost £500/£800, or is it likely that he is her best chance and therefore worth the money? if this is the case, I’ll find the money somehow. Unfortunately I don’t remember the specialists name, I couldn’t take it all in, I’m sure the vet said he is based at Bristol University,

I live in Shropshire but I don’t mind travelling.

Lastly, has anyone else come through the other side of this diagnosis? I would love to hear something positive, I am so worried at the moment.

I'm sorry I don't have any advice, but I can send lots of vibes for Muffin xx

Thanks, she needs lots of positive vibes. I’ve just been looking in on her, she’s comfortable and nibbling on a leaf, I don’t want to let her down, the poor thing has been through so much pain, probably before the abscess had even manifested itself.

Also, I’m not that keen on having to inject her with depocillin for much longer, she’s not the easiest little bun to deal with!

You are probably thinking of Richard Saunders though I didn't think they were running the rabbit clinic at the university anymore? He has done a consultation on my bun Bluebell who has respitory issues and I cannot rate him high enough, his knowledge is excellent.

I'm sure another forum member could point you in the direction of a more experienced bunny vet if you were looking for someone nearer though. Maybe start a new thread titled 'looking for a vet in...'

Hope your bunny feels more comfortable soon.

Richard Saunders, yes I have just had this confirmed by the vet as I have rushed Thistle (Muffin’s Husbun) in this morning, we noticed he was squinting with one eye last night so this morning I rang the vets to book him in for this afternoon then almost immediately the other eye was doing the same.

He’s had dye put in his eyes and a UV(?) light shone in them and they have discovered he has an infection in both eyes!

They have also checked his temperature, Teeth (small bone spurs that I been advised he may has well get done now they have been noticed), his bottoms clean, he’s pooing ok and eating well, the vet thinks it may well be dust causing the eye problem but I cant think how, he has dust free hay and he’s not in a dusty environment!

We have been given Fucithalmic eye drops to give him twice a day.

The vet will ring Richard Saunders again today and have another chat about Muffin, I wouldn’t mind him taking a look at her to be honest.

I've not met him personally as our consult was via email but he has a fantastic reputation so certainly worth a visit if you can afford it.

Hope her husbun feels better soon too.

Hmmmmn, afford it? I was just about to order heating oil for the coming winter, I may well put that off for a while, we could always snuggle up to the buns to keep warm!

Thistle has perked up since this morning but he does occasionally start scratching at his eyes with his back feet, I’ve got my eye on him, though it’s difficult to catch him at it!