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My poorly old rabbit

chookmom

Young Bun
My Rolo (around 7yrs old) has chronic snuffles. He was lasting only 2 months between episodes until my new vet, in April, suggested a 6 week course of Dopecillin which worked well.
3 weeks ago I noticed that his chin was wet and so made him an appointment to see the vet the next day. By the next morning I could tell from the noise he makes breathing that the snuffles was back.
At the vets we couldn't tell if the moisture on his chin was from his nose or his mouth. She checked his teeth as best she could but nothing to see and so, as we needed to treat the snuffles anyway, she suggested Metacam for 4 days and back on the Dopecillin. Because I still had loads of Dopecillin she said to use this. Although it was past the expiry date she said there was a good chance it would be OK.
He is never really ill with the snuffles because it is easy to pick up on it very quickly because of the noise in his nose. The discharge is always thin and clear and resolves very quickly with antibiotics.
After a week, however, I could still hear the noise, could see that he was dribbling a little when he ate and was worried that the expired antibiotic had lost it's potency and so asked for another supply from another vet at the practice while I waited the few days for the original vet to come back from leave.
She gave me Cristapen. He had 5 days of this and was seen again.
The original vet said while he is eating well (which he is) not to worry about the dribbling but concentrate on the snuffles. She gave me more Dopecillin and added in twice daily Septrin.
I shall be talking to her tomorrow as he still has both the dribbling and the noisy breathing despite 3 weeks of antibiotics
He lives in a shed with a doe who loves him.
I am so worried about him. I have to do my best for him. I would be grateful for any guidance.
 
So sorry your Rolo is poorly. First question is has your vet ever taken a sample for culture? This is usually one of the first steps to show what abx will work best, Secondly, with a wet chin and dribbling I would immediately think maybe dental problem and would want a thorough check with possibly Xrays to check for root problems. Is your vet pretty rabbit savvy?
 
I would also be looking at dental issues. A wet chin and dribbling rings alarm bells for molar problems. They can't always be seen using an otoscope, even when you know they are there from past experience. It may mean sedation / a general anaesthetic to get a proper look / sort out. In which case, xrays would also be useful to look at the tooth roots as well just to make sure.
 
From one Rolo's mum to another. Sending lots of vibes. Hope Rolo is feeling better soon. Hugs for you both. xx

Rach & Rolo xx
 
No, no cultures taken because he has responded well to Depocillin in the past. Can snuffles become resistant to antibiotics?
Yes, there must be underlying dental problems but I accepted that she was right that the snuffles needed to be sorted first. Is this incorrect?
I think she is rabbit savvy. She attends the conferences of BRS.
Thank you for your replies.
 
If the rabbit is in pain he will likely be stressed and his immune system lowered. Personally, having a snuffles and dental bun, I would see if the dribbling stops or lessens when on metacam for a few days. If it does, it is pain related. My buns snuffles usually flares up when he needs a dental.

The problem with a c&s test is that he has to be a antibiotic free for a certain amount of time before having it done.

When you do have him put under GA, take the oppurtunity to get an xray done of his tooth roots at the same time, and if possible a c&s test. The test can be done conciously, but there is a better chance of getting a result if its done unconciously, as they can get it further up his nose.

I would talk to your vet about maybe using antibiotics in conjunction with each other and possibly metacam. I would also ask about using Bisolvon. Longterm daily bisolvon has more effect on my bun's snuffles than antibiotics did. You could also ask about nebulising the antibiotics to get them right to the source of the problem.
 
I went and gave him an injection of Metacam staight away (I still had some) and by the evening the dribbling was a lot better.
I spoke to the Vet and he is now on Oxytet., Bisolven, Metacam and Septrin. To try and get his breathing as good as we can so that she can give him a GA to see whats going on with his teeth after the W/E.
I feel a tiny bit more optimistic.
My poor boy.:cry:
 
Sending lots of positive vibes for your bun!

My bunny has a similar problem at the moment so I know how you feel! I hope bunny starts to feel better soon :)
 
Thats good. Hopefully with the metacam he'll be feeling better and the combination of meds will help clear the airways.
 
Well, he is no different despite all that.
He is to go Thursday for a GA to see what is going on with his teeth.
I wonder if the noisy breathing is as a result of the teeth problem rather than Snuffles. Surely an infection would have responded to one of the antibiotics he has had.
I feel pessimistic but he can't go on as he is:(
 
Not necessarily, you have to get the right antibiotic for the right bacteria, and the right strength too. Many vets that arent exotic vets or qualified in rabbits give doses which are too low, from what I've read on here.

Is his breathing not any better? I guess he has to have the dental if hes in pain, but bad breathing can make GAs more risky. I would take advantage of the fact that he is going under, and ask them to do xrays. And as he's going under could you see if its possible (ie how long he would have to be off the antibiotics for) for them to do a C&S test?

But it has to be done, as if his gut slows down or he goes into stasis because of his teeth it will be a lot more risky.

If the vet cant find a solution for you, you can ask for a referral to a specialist.
 
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