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Young white New Zealand staggering around.

UFCreel

New Kit
Found my 14 week old white New Zealand staggering around his cage two days ago. Took him to a rabbit vet. No signs of wry neck or inner ear infection. Vet says to let things run its course for now. Cost of treatments and tests is an issue. Ragnar is eating and drinking. Just walks like he is a touch drunk. Used to raise New Zealand's years ago. But have been out of rabbits for a long time. I have never seen anything like this. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thank You.
 
You need to see a different vet, at a different practice, ASAP. Where are you? Somebody here might be able to point you in the right direction.
 
Just to add... It is often not possible to see signs of an inner ear infection by looking down the ears. The loss of balance does point to either that, or E. cuniculi. If it was my rabbit, I would want antibiotics in case of ear infection, metacam (anti inflammatory medicine) and panacur in case of EC. I can't believe the vet just sent you away! That's insane!
 
One of our buns did this, and I believe the only reason she is still with us today (a year later) is because we acted so fast. Your bun needs to see a vet who understands rabbits - leaving it could prove fatal. It took us three months to nurse her back to health, but when we see her coming charging at us for treats or nose rubs, it was most definitely worth every second.

Best of luck x
 
Found my 14 week old white New Zealand staggering around his cage two days ago. Took him to a rabbit vet. No signs of wry neck or inner ear infection. Vet says to let things run its course for now. Cost of treatments and tests is an issue. Ragnar is eating and drinking. Just walks like he is a touch drunk. Used to raise New Zealand's years ago. But have been out of rabbits for a long time. I have never seen anything like this. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thank You.

Are you saying that you could not afford medication for him? It shouldn't cost too much, and you may not need tests as it would be difficult to pinpoint the problem ...
 
This vet is a rabbit vet in the area. The vet wanted to do mri and other tests in the end with medication bill would have been just north of $400.00. Was $89.00 just for the visit. Told the vet I did not have that kind of money. Have a call into my regular dog vet at this time. Hopefully we will be able to work something out as to meds. As much as we are attached to Ragnar He cost $15.00 to bring him into our home. With children and other obligations. I could not afford what the specialist charged.
 
Those tests are not compulsory to help Ragnar, there seems to be an all or nothing approach with your vet - which is wrong. There is plenty that can be done to try and help him without expensive tests. As has already been stated, panacur, antibiotics and anti inflammatorys. I am going through this same illness with one of my buns. It takes time and patience to find the right treatment. Please dont give up on him, ask for the panacur, antibiotic (suggest septrin to start) and metacam.
 
Those tests are not compulsory to help Ragnar, there seems to be an all or nothing approach with your vet - which is wrong. There is plenty that can be done to try and help him without expensive tests. As has already been stated, panacur, antibiotics and anti inflammatorys. I am going through this same illness with one of my buns. It takes time and patience to find the right treatment. Please dont give up on him, ask for the panacur, antibiotic (suggest septrin to start) and metacam.

I'd echo this. This drug regime worked fine for my bunny, she needed a lot of hands on care & support but went on to live another happy 2 years. Tests are not a priority but the medication is. I hope your vet will be prepared to just prescribe these given you have just paid a hefty consultation fee. Good luck
 
Many tests are not conclusive in rabbits, so some vets will treat symptoms for most likely cause provided the treatment would not cause any additional harm.
Some vets put large markups on medications, so you may need to request a script to be filled elsewhere.
 
Well Ragnar is showing some signs of improvement after being on Panacur, antibiotic and an analgesic. For 2 days now. Thanks to all. Who posted to my question. Fingers are crossed he makes a full recovery. He such a friendly little guy. I am glad my regular vet was able to work with me. As to obtaining the required meds. Again Thank you all for your input.
 
Well Ragnar is showing some signs of improvement after being on Panacur, antibiotic and an analgesic. For 2 days now. Thanks to all. Who posted to my question. Fingers are crossed he makes a full recovery. He such a friendly little guy. I am glad my regular vet was able to work with me. As to obtaining the required meds. Again Thank you all for your input.

Ah so glad you managed to get some meds! A diagnosis can certainly be expensive and also inconclusive, so really good to make a start with something.

Fingers crossed for you!
 
It is good news that one or more of the meds are working to solve his issue. Thank goodness your vet agreed to give you medications without a lot of expensive tests. He sounds like a wonderful bunny.
 
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