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Face lifted on one side

dbowes

dbowes

Warren Scout
Hi,

I'm really worried about Jaspy. He is a dwarf lop about 2 years old. Last week he didnt seem himself and his head had a slight tilt so took him to the vets. It turned out he had an ear infection and I have been giving him some ear drops.

I arrived home today and something isnt right. His head isnt tilted but one side of his face looked droopy. After closer inspection I realised that one side isnt droopy, its actually the other side thats raised up which is odd. He isnt eating properly but will have a bit if i put it right in front of him, he is normally a very greedy rabbit. He's not himself he is just kind of sitting about but doesnt look relaxed.

I'll take him to the vets tomorrow, why do these things have to happen on Sundays :?

Anyone got any idea what could be wrong? He also seems to be chewing thngs a lot which could suggest his teeth but the fact he had an ear infection cant be just coincidence can it??

Thanks

Dan
 
Ear infections can effect the facial nerves causing one side of the face to appear to droop.

Is your Rabbit also on systemic antibiotics as well as the ear drops ? In most cases this is essential. Also, did the Vet not prescribe a non steroidal ant-inflammatory such as Metacam ? Ear infections can be VERY painful and a Rabbit in pain wont eat.
 
Thanks for your reply

Nope however the vet i saw has admitted in the past that rabbits arent her speciality. The rabbit specialist wasnt around unfortunately. I was happy with the diagnosis at the time but will make sure i see the other vet tomorrow.

Its not drooping its definitely more raised on one side but i suspect you're right.

Will he be ok? Will is face go back to normal once we find the root of the problem?
 
dbowes said:
Thanks for your reply

Nope however the vet i saw has admitted in the past that rabbits arent her speciality. The rabbit specialist wasnt around unfortunately. I was happy with the diagnosis at the time but will make sure i see the other vet tomorrow.

Its not drooping its definitely more raised on one side but i suspect you're right.

Will he be ok? Will is face go back to normal once we find the root of the problem?
Click to expand...

The problem may be permanent. Effected Rabbits can cope with a wonky face as long as the underlying infection is under control and most importantly good analgesic cover is given. Not sure if you have ever had earache, but if you have you will understand how nasty it can be and pain relief is really something that ANY Vet should have considered.

Hopefully the Vet tomorrow will be more able to offer appropriate treatment. Is he eating a little and passing feces ? Pain and subsequent anorexia can lead to gut stasis which can be serious. So if he has not eaten/poo'd today he cant wait til tomorrow to see a Vet, he would need to be seen this evening.
 
Complete stab in the dark, could it be a bee sting? Why my Toby dog got stung his face went all oo-er for a while?
 
This is very typical of an inner ear infection or absess The facial nerves are affected and cause a droop at first which then tightens. An infection such as this needs to be cultured to find out which antibiotics it may be susceptible to and then treatment. Ear drops will not touch it. Metacam is also usually necessary as jacks Jane says.

I hope you get a more rabbit savvy vet next time. Ear infections can be very nasty indeed so you may be in for a long haul
 
He's had some pellets but not much, a little bit of hay and he's not turning down carrots. I know carrots should normally be fed as a treat but want to make sure he keeps eating.

As for passing faeces I'm not sure, difficult to tell as he shares a litter tray with his wife! I'll try and check. Certainly don't think it warrants an emergency call out but will get up and take him first thing. He has been a bit more relaxed so hopefully isn't in too much discomfort.

Thanks for your help
 
Just an update about Jasper. I had the choice of seeing the rabbit savvy vet at 4:20 today or the same vet as last time first thing. I opted for the later appointment as I was relieved to see him eat this morning. His face is still "wonky" and you know that feeling that all is still not right! He has done a few poops but they are tiny. Problem is i've been fussing over him that much and with the hassle of putting his ear drops in i've managed to stress him out. He just wants to stay in his hideaway box i made for them.

I checked his ear and from what i could see with a torch it looks totally fine now but obviously the vet will be able to see properly later. I hope its resolved quickly, we are on holiday in a few weeks. My parents are great coming round and feeding them etc but are less likely to spot any signs of something not being right.
 
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