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An opinion of Dusty's behavior

Whitelighter

Warren Scout
So little Dusty is getting better. But some of his behaviours lead me to suspect he might have some neurological issues.

Mainly he chews constantly. Also he moves his head around while doing it and sometimes it looks like he's rolling his eyes. I've never had a rabbit do this. I've got a short video and I would appreciate your thoughts.

 
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I thought they probably were.

Non of his siblings or parents are displaying any symptoms of anything.

He nearly passed through starvation - if you recall he was stargazing and flipping because he'd stopped eating. I've heard stress can bring on EC - he's gad one course of panacur. Do you think this just may be what he's left with?
 
I thought they probably were.

Non of his siblings or parents are displaying any symptoms of anything.

He nearly passed through starvation - if you recall he was stargazing and flipping because he'd stopped eating. I've heard stress can bring on EC - he's gad one course of panacur. Do you think this just may be what he's left with?

Unfortunately it may be, yes. I would keep a close check on his water intake and his weight. EC can effect the Kidney's too.
 
Thanks jane.

I'm closely monitoring his weight anyway as he was so ill I'm not happy to leave him be just yet.

He seems to be drinking ok but I will keep an eye on his intake as well. I take it damaged kidney would resulting in over drinking?

Other than that he seems fine - currently being a nutter and doing high speed laps if the living room stopping only for the odd string of binkies
 
Thanks jane.

I'm closely monitoring his weight anyway as he was so ill I'm not happy to leave him be just yet.

He seems to be drinking ok but I will keep an eye on his intake as well. I take it damaged kidney would resulting in over drinking?

Other than that he seems fine - currently being a nutter and doing high speed laps if the living room stopping only for the odd string of binkies

Yes, drinking a lot would be one sign of renal problems. At least he is obviously feeling OK within himself :)
 
I would definitely say yes to the neurological problems, as this is much what Dipsy is like, who has confirmed neurological issues.

My vet who is very much a rabbit specialist, strongly suspects that initially Dipsy had a very severe ear infection, that then spread into both ears, which is why he is now why he is like he is. If it had only been the one ear that was so severely infected, he would have had a 'head tilt' then.

I wonder though, if it may be possible for Dusty to be treated, as he is so young. Dipsy is now classed as a 'special needs' bunny, and will remain how he is, but if he becomes worst, then he will of course be treated accordingly. He has been stable for approx. 18 months now, and has an excellent quality of life, and is a very happy bun.

Of course, when Dusty is neutered, he will be a very high risk for administering a GA too, and I would just make sure, that you have your very best rabbit savvy vet carry out the procedure. Dipsy was neutered with no problems, however, additional care was taken, and additional people available to assist. 2 induction agents were used as well instead of the usual one, as it is much easier to control the flow and amount administered then. Simon explained everything fully to me, in as far as that Dipsy would be kept comfortable and pain free, but very 'light' so that in the event of any problems, the reversal drug could be given, and Dipsy woken up really quickly. He also had key hole surgery which is far less intrusive, and much quicker as well.

To be honest, the incision was so very, very tiny, that on trying to check the wound on subsequent days, I couldn't actually see it, only feel a tiny piece of what I suspected to be scar tissue, and that has now fully disappeared.

Dusty must absolutely be intubated whilst having a GA as well, and I personally would find it totally unacceptable for that not to be done, because if he does have a 'blip' at all, he will be long gone before your vet has a chance to maintain and secure an airway.

Simon routinely intubates ALL of his bunny patients for that very reason, and any vet that maintains 'intubation' is not necessary, because it is such a routine, quick procedure, is an absolute idiot and should be avoided at all costs.

You will often hear of people loosing buns through neutering, and I would stake my life, that it was because, either vet was inexperienced in anaesthetising rabbits, bun was not intubated, or too much induction agent was used, and reversal agent couldn't wake bunny up quickly enough, and he therefore slipped away. Simon has only ever lost one bunny through routine neutering, in his 10 years of working with only rabbits, and that was down to very serious underlying health conditions, that he and the owner were aware off, and I know he will have tried his very best, but sadly the bunny was just too poorly.

I spent about 6 years working in anaesthetics as an Operating Department Practitioner, and to be honest, there isn't a lot of difference in anaesthetising animals or people, and the same drugs are used, and the surgical instruments used, although the same, ideally Paediatric ones should be used on rabbits, which is the only ones that Simon uses.
 
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I have no huge amount of neuro experience to share but I agree they are neuro symtpoms from that I do know.

I just wanted to say what a beautiful little fellow he's turning into and wish you and him well. I have everything crossed for this little guy. As you may have gathered, I have a soft spot for him and always look out for his threads. Others out there may not have tried as hard for him as you have.

:wave:
 
I too want to say how lovely Dusty is. :love: Neuro issues or not (and I'm not qualified to say one way or other) he has come along so well due to the excellent care you've given him. :)
I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. xxxx
 
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