• Forum/Server Upgrade If you are reading this you have made it to the upgraded forum. Posts made on the old forum after 26th October 2023 have not been transfered. Everything else should be here. If you find any issues please let us know.

  • Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

    You should always consult your vet before following any suggestions for medication or treatment you have read about. The wrong treatment could make your rabbit worse or mean your vet is unable to give the correct treatment because of drug interactions. Even non prescription drugs can do harm if given inappropriately.

    We are very grateful to members who take time to answer other members questions, but please do be clear in your replies that you are sharing personal experience and not giving instructions on what must be done.

    Urgent Medical Advice: If you need, or think you might need, urgent medical advice you should contact a vet. If it is out of working hours phone your vet's normal number and there should be an answer phone message with instructions on what to do.

Nasal endoscopy and X-rays - UPDATE

toria

toria

Warren Scout
Hello,

My 10 year old rabbit is booked into the Vets on Friday to have a Nasal endoscopy, X-rays and Swab.
He has a bit of a runny nose, - clear runny but has some discharge up one nostril only and this has not changed.
He sneezes; petite sneezes and then sometimes more gruffer sneezes.
Other than this, he is very happy and eating and drinking etc fine.

He is having this procedure done by one of the best rabbit Vets mentioned on here who sounds very confident about the procedure and tells me they do it often there on older bunnys. Apparently there isn't a less invasive way to find out what is causing the runny nose and sneezing.

I am not the slightest bit keen on my rabbit having an anesthetic.
I am also worried as he had Gut Stasis this time last year.
I can not stress enough how worried I am and how I am completely undecided about what I should do for the best. I am hoping that it turns out to be something simple, like something stuck. I'm worrying about the procedure itself never-mind the findings.
He's happy and I don't want to upset him or risk anything. I have been thinking about it a whole week and still am unsure.

Has anyone had any experience with this procedure in older bunnys?
Thank you.
 
Last edited:
I completely understand your anxiety, I too would be extremely reluctant to procede with a GA on a 10 year old Rabbit unless it was 100% essential. I am assuming non invasive treatment has already been tried- ie antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, nebulising, giving a mucolytic etc ? I also assume a full blood profile has been run to assess major organ function. Some renal insufficiency is often seen in elderly Rabbits and this would definitely impact on the GA risk factor.

Whilst I am not in any way saying you should not follow the advice of a Specialist Vet I do feel that in some cases just because a procedure may be possible to do it is not always right to do it. You say that at the moment your Rabbit is 'well within himself' and the only issue is the sneezing. So in such circumstances I would certainly not agree to the procedure if non invasive treatments had not been completely exhausted.

Obviously I am in no position to tell you (or anyone else) what to do, I am simply trying to express what I would do in a similar situation. I would need a lot of convincing that the procedure was A- 100% essential and B- Could offer the Rabbit treatment options not yet tried. I would also want pre-op blood tests run.

I wish you and your Rabbit well, I know exactly how stressful it can be to be faced with such a big decision for a much loved Rabbit xx
 
i haven't had experience with older bunny having it, but matt had it back in 2009, along with other nasal draining later on. he coped very well (although he looked a bit worse for wear after but this is normal) and it did give us some good information. it also cleared the stubborn build up of mucus and gave us a head start with it.

if you're in south manchester then you may be talking about ashleigh vets and aidan. if so, then you won't be in better hands if you do decide to go ahead. but aidan is very much ok with working with you, so even though he may suggest what he feels is the best course of action, he does take what the owner feels into account aswell, because he says no-one knows that rabbit as much as they do (the very attentive owners anyway) - and i'm sure he would be happy to discuss it with you again and come up with an alternative if your gut feeling is that you don't think it's the right thing.

i know what you mean though, he's very laid back about things and very confident in what he is doing which is reassuring but it's still an anxious time for us owners.
 
Just sending vibes to help you make the right decision. I have read the previous posts and if it were me I would postpone any invasive treatment for a while - but this is me. How long has he had the runny nose because sometimes it can take a while for something to become unstuck, if that is what it is.
 
toria said:
Hello,

My 10 year old rabbit is booked into the Vets on Friday to have a Nasal endoscopy, X-rays and Swab.
He has a bit of a runny nose, - clear runny but has some discharge up one nostril only and this has not changed.
He sneezes; petite sneezes and then sometimes more gruffer sneezes.
Other than this, he is very happy and eating and drinking etc fine.

He is having this procedure done by one of the best rabbit Vets mentioned on here who sounds very confident about the procedure and tells me they do it often there on older bunnys. Apparently there isn't a less invasive way to find out what is causing the runny nose and sneezing.

I am not the slightest bit keen on my rabbit having an anesthetic.
I am also worried as he had Gut Stasis this time last year.
I can not stress enough how worried I am and how I am completely undecided about what I should do for the best. I am hoping that it turns out to be something simple, like something stuck. I'm worrying about the procedure itself never-mind the findings.
He's happy and I don't want to upset him or risk anything. I have been thinking about it a whole week and still am unsure.

Has anyone had any experience with this procedure in older bunnys?
Thank you.
Click to expand...

If your gut instinct is telling you 'not now' or even maybe 'not at all' then I would listen to it.

I have a very precarious situation with one of my own rabbits at the moment and although the only way forward for him to have quality of life is to have an extremely major operation, there are several complicating factors and it's unlikely he will make it through.

From what you say, your bunny is happy bar the sneezing? Have you tried using Bisolven to try and loosen the mucous and get it to come out more easily? Have you tried Echinacea to boost his immune system to help him fight whatever it is himself?

Yes it could be a foreign body causing irritation, but it's quite rare. Whilst there are other things you may be able to do to help the situation, I myself would think long and hard before an invasive procedure. But if you think it's necessary, then make your peace with all possible outcomes.
 
Thank you for your replies.

Toby has not had anything previously for the sneezing but it has been brought to the Vets attention on previous visits.
Only when I took him last week, did the Vet cause him to snort out some gunk from his nose and then he sounded funny. But before and since, it's only been a wet nose and white blob up the left nostril.
Toby has got exposed third eyelids. Not continuously but the majority of the time. He's not bothered by it.
Again this has been seen by the same Vet on many occasions previously.

I asked at the time, could he not have any medicine etc but was told it could be a temporary fix and not cure the source of the problem.
I don't know why a swab can't be done without the anaesthetic.

I am still very torn as to what to do.
 
toria said:
Thank you for your replies.

Toby has not had anything previously for the sneezing but it has been brought to the Vets attention on previous visits.
Only when I took him last week, did the Vet cause him to snort out some gunk from his nose and then he sounded funny. But before and since, it's only been a wet nose and white blob up the left nostril.
Toby has got exposed third eyelids. Not continuously but the majority of the time. He's not bothered by it.
Again this has been seen by the same Vet on many occasions previously.

I asked at the time, could he not have any medicine etc but was told it could be a temporary fix and not cure the source of the problem.
I don't know why a swab can't be done without the anaesthetic.

I am still very torn as to what to do.
Click to expand...

the swab has to be taken from very deep inside the nose so a light GA is needed. it also gives them a chance to beable to properly check that whole area :wave:
 
Hello,

Toby had the endoscopy, culture swab and X-rays 4 weeks ago.
He was fine afterwards although it almost made him worse for a couple of days as his nose had been irritated but was fine otherwise.
Th Vet told me he could see from the Xrays that the incisor root area was infected and eroded up into Toby's nasal cavity.
Toby does not have ANY incosors whatsoever. He only ever had the top 2, which is where the left one has become infected. He lost one (no idea where) and the other was removed BUT this was 8 years ago!!!

During the week that followed, the discharge in his nose started almost dripping out of his nose and I had to take him back to the Vets. Eventually the Vets got the results from the swab and it was confirmed to be a bacterial infection that was sensitive to 3 antibiotics.
So Toby was on Metacam twice a day, powder to loosen the discharge and oral antibiotics. He was on the oral antibiotics for 2 weeks until he had a check up to see how he was doing but I had witnessed him sneezing very badly and the discharge was still present.

So, his antibiotics were changed to an injectable one twice a day.
He has been on this 5 days now. This morning I got up to give it to him and he sounded like Darth Vador; a noise was being made by the air as it passed the discharge sitting in his nose. It sounds awful. Toby is eating and drinking etc fine.
I rang the Vets who told me to try putting him in his carrier box with hot water in a bowl outside the door, cover in towel for 15 mins to see if that would help.
It didn't seem to make a difference.
He's still sounds a bit the same now, 5 hours on and although he seems fine, it's really worrying me.
It's almost like he needs a really good sneeze to get the discharge that I can see out. I don't know what to do, I feel helpless.

I am also not very confident with the injections, having never injected anyone before, I was shown several times at the Vets how to do it and did it there for them to see. But I know I have completely missed a few times (not even gone in) or some has. So I feel awful as I am not helping matters.
I'm not good with needles myself and it's quite a deal to have to do it but I am, just not very confidently.
 
Last edited:
toria said:
Hello,

Toby had the endoscopy, culture swab and X-rays 4 weeks ago.
He was fine afterwards although it almost made him worse for a couple of days as his nose had been irritated but was fine otherwise.
Th Vet told me he could see from the Xrays that the incisor root area was infected and eroded up into Toby's nasal cavity.
Toby does not have ANY incosors whatsoever. He only ever had the top 2, which is where the left one has become infected. He lost one (no idea where) and the other was removed BUT this was 8 years ago!!!

During the week that followed, the discharge in his nose started almost dripping out of his nose and I had to take him back to the Vets. Eventually the Vets got the results from the swab and it was confirmed to be a bacterial infection that was sensitive to 3 antibiotics.
So Toby was on Metacam twice a day, powder to loosen the discharge and oral antibiotics. He was on the oral antibiotics for 2 weeks until he had a check up to see how he was doing but I had witnessed him sneezing very badly and the discharge was still present.

So, his antibiotics were changed to an injectable one twice a day.
He has been on this 5 days now. This morning I got up to give it to him and he sounded like Darth Vador; a noise was being made by the air as it passed the discharge sitting in his nose. It sounds awful. Toby is eating and drinking etc fine.
I rang the Vets who told me to try putting him in his carrier box with hot water in a bowl outside the door, cover in towel for 15 mins to see if that would help.
It didn't seem to make a difference.
He's still sounds a bit the same now, 5 hours on and although he seems fine, it's really worrying me.
It's almost like he needs a really good sneeze to get the discharge that I can see out. I don't know what to do, I feel helpless.

I am also not very confident with the injections, having never injected anyone before, I was shown several times at the Vets how to do it and did it there for them to see. But I know I have completely missed a few times (not even gone in) or some has. So I feel awful as I am not helping matters.
I'm not good with needles myself and it's quite a deal to have to do it but I am, just not very confidently.
Click to expand...

Hi Toria :wave:

Your bunny is very lucky to have you taking such care over him, even if you're struggling with the injections right now! It could be that you're not seeing an improvement either because all of the meds isn't getting into him, or it is taking a few more days to kick into his system.

I take it the powder you're using is something like Bisolvon? I agree with your vet about the hot water, but nebulising is a much better way to get into the nasal passages.

I'm hoping you will see an improvement in the next few days with Toby. Poor little man!

You are far from helpless, you are saving his life and getting the correct antibiotics to hit the spot. I think you're doing really well.

Please report back with how things are going :wave:
 
toria said:
Hello,

Toby had the endoscopy, culture swab and X-rays 4 weeks ago.
He was fine afterwards although it almost made him worse for a couple of days as his nose had been irritated but was fine otherwise.
Th Vet told me he could see from the Xrays that the incisor root area was infected and eroded up into Toby's nasal cavity.
Toby does not have ANY incosors whatsoever. He only ever had the top 2, which is where the left one has become infected. He lost one (no idea where) and the other was removed BUT this was 8 years ago!!!

During the week that followed, the discharge in his nose started almost dripping out of his nose and I had to take him back to the Vets. Eventually the Vets got the results from the swab and it was confirmed to be a bacterial infection that was sensitive to 3 antibiotics.
So Toby was on Metacam twice a day, powder to loosen the discharge and oral antibiotics. He was on the oral antibiotics for 2 weeks until he had a check up to see how he was doing but I had witnessed him sneezing very badly and the discharge was still present.

So, his antibiotics were changed to an injectable one twice a day.
He has been on this 5 days now. This morning I got up to give it to him and he sounded like Darth Vador; a noise was being made by the air as it passed the discharge sitting in his nose. It sounds awful. Toby is eating and drinking etc fine.
I rang the Vets who told me to try putting him in his carrier box with hot water in a bowl outside the door, cover in towel for 15 mins to see if that would help.
It didn't seem to make a difference.
He's still sounds a bit the same now, 5 hours on and although he seems fine, it's really worrying me.
It's almost like he needs a really good sneeze to get the discharge that I can see out. I don't know what to do, I feel helpless.

I am also not very confident with the injections, having never injected anyone before, I was shown several times at the Vets how to do it and did it there for them to see. But I know I have completely missed a few times (not even gone in) or some has. So I feel awful as I am not helping matters.
I'm not good with needles myself and it's quite a deal to have to do it but I am, just not very confidently.
Click to expand...

Sorry this will be a brief reply, but has your Vet mentioned using a topical abx treatment -ie abx nose drops ? Are Toby's nasolacrimal ducts draining OK ? If so using an abx eye drop such as Tiacil might be an option, the Tiacil would drain down the nasolacrimal ducts. If the Rabbit will tolerate it the drops can be applied directly into the nostrils. I have known this to be very beneficial in some cases of 'Snuffles'

See bottom of page 395 of the new addition of the Textbook of Rabbit Medicine :

https://books.google.co.uk/books?id...VIavbCh3WigB5#v=onepage&q=tiacil nose&f=false

Abx can also be administered via a nebulise -ie via an inhaled vapour. Hitting the infection both systemically (the abx injections) and topically might be more effective

Nebulising a Rabbit :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JpVeWhJ8RA

You can buy a basic nebuliser for about £40.00. I have this one

http://www.evergreen-nebulizers.co....N_B3_FF_V1q1FB6IJLcyFu5r1gD-LncLoXhoCUOHw_wcB

I believe there are cheaper options which are meant to be just as effective. Mine was given to me so I didn't shop around as such.
 
Hi, Thank you both for your replys.

The Vet thinks his tear ducts have been damaged but Toby is a very good rabbit and would possibly tolerate straight into nostrils although I'm not sure how with the plugs of pus/mucas there.
Since my last post Toby was hospitalised on Sunday as I was extremely concerned with his conjestion. He was in the nebulizer 3 times on Sunday. By Monday they said he was sounding better and to continue with the antibiotics, metacam and powder that someone mentioned the proper name of above.
But I could hear him when I got home.
The Vet said as long as he is eating, etc then I'm to continue with medicine, as this was to be expected.
It was also suggested that I put him in his carrier with a towel over and steam twice a day.
I did this on Tuesday morning, when I got home from work, he sounded better then I put him in the steam and he sounded worse again.
I know that it is loosening all the gunk but it's awful to hear him sound worse again.

I have just put him in the steam again for 20 mins and again, he sounds bad.
I think it is distressing me more than it is him.

Can I ask:
*Is the nebuliser you have linked too more effective than just a tub of hot boiling water?
*Noisey
*Can it be used with just water if the Vets does not recommend topical treatment?

Thank you for your help, I really do appreciate it. I feel totally alone and just want to get him better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

KCG
Sneezing that does not stop for years
Replies
13
Views
468
KCG
KCG
P
Bunny still off food and hay, drooling and teeth chattering
2 3
Replies
49
Views
977
twistedtiggerz69
twistedtiggerz69
Happy Hopping
Is there any vet in Medway UK that has Penicillin G?
Replies
9
Views
271
Happy Hopping
Happy Hopping
Back
Top