• 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.

10 year old french lop Teddy

nursecroft

nursecroft

Wise Old Thumper
I want some opinions please. My lovely big french lop Teddy has suddenly developed nystagmus, he is 10 years old and eye sight is not brilliant anyway having cataracts in both eyes which doesn't help. I took him straight to the vets on Thursday as an emergency, the vet feels given his age and symptoms it could be a few different neurological problems including a possible stroke. He does have an ear infection which I was hoping could have been the cause but he's been on antibiotics and ear drops since Thursday and showing no improvements :( he's going in circles and can't seem to see anything. He's still eating very well and drinking. I guess I'm trying to get my head around making the best decision for him, he isn't coming out into the run as he's going in circles and I'm really torn as to what to do. I want to try and give him a few more days and hope for a miracle. The vet feels its not appropriate to prod and poke him too much given his age which he thinks is amazing for a giant. Advice welcome :cry:
 
nursecroft said:
I want some opinions please. My lovely big french lop Teddy has suddenly developed nystagmus, he is 10 years old and eye sight is not brilliant anyway having cataracts in both eyes which doesn't help. I took him straight to the vets on Thursday as an emergency, the vet feels given his age and symptoms it could be a few different neurological problems including a possible stroke. He does have an ear infection which I was hoping could have been the cause but he's been on antibiotics and ear drops since Thursday and showing no improvements :( he's going in circles and can't seem to see anything. He's still eating very well and drinking. I guess I'm trying to get my head around making the best decision for him, he isn't coming out into the run as he's going in circles and I'm really torn as to what to do. I want to try and give him a few more days and hope for a miracle. The vet feels its not appropriate to prod and poke him too much given his age which he thinks is amazing for a giant. Advice welcome :cry:
Click to expand...

Did the Nystagmus come on after starting the ear drops ?
 
No but he had his annual vaccinations two weeks before and over the counter mite drops as he's moulting and looks scurfy.
 
I have never before heard of a French lop reaching ten years of age. I remember your Teddy very well. My best wishes and vibes to him, whatever comes next. x
 
nursecroft said:
No but he had his annual vaccinations two weeks before and over the counter mite drops as he's moulting and looks scurfy.
Click to expand...

I suspect that the ear infection is causing the symptoms. Middle ear infections can take weeks of abx treatment. Is he on an injectable Penicillin or is it just oral Baytril ? IME the latter is seldom beneficial when treating a severe middle ear infection. At least not as the only systemic abx. Also, is he on an NSAID ? Inflammation is what causes the symptoms. Whilst I doubt that EC is involved it may be worth asking the Vet if starting Teddy on a 28 day course of Panacur may be a good idea.

However, if Teddy is very distressed by his situation and not eating and given his age then it may be that a prolonged (several weeks) course of treatment that carries no guarantee of a good outcome is not appropriate for him.

I am really sorry that he has become so poorly. I am sure that you will do whatever you feel to be right for him xx
 
Jack's-Jane said:
I suspect that the ear infection is causing the symptoms. Middle ear infections can take weeks of abx treatment. Is he on an injectable Penicillin or is it just oral Baytril ? IME the latter is seldom beneficial when treating a severe middle ear infection. At least not as the only systemic abx. Also, is he on an NSAID ? Inflammation is what causes the symptoms. Whilst I doubt that EC is involved it may be worth asking the Vet if starting Teddy on a 28 day course of Panacur may be a good idea.

However, if Teddy is very distressed by his situation and not eating and given his age then it may be that a prolonged (several weeks) course of treatment that carries no guarantee of a good outcome is not appropriate for him.

I am really sorry that he has become so poorly. I am sure that you will do whatever you feel to be right for him xx
Click to expand...

He's eating and drinking so I really don't want to give up yet, I think I will ring a bunny savvy vet tomorrow I've been recommended as I don't feel perhaps this vet has enough experience with rabbits. Your suggestions sound sensible so I think I will be better armed to quiz the vet. He's on Baytril and ear drops only currently. xx
 
happybun said:
I have never before heard of a French lop reaching ten years of age. I remember your Teddy very well. My best wishes and vibes to him, whatever comes next. x
Click to expand...


Thats what the vet said! He's done so well if I thought he was in pain or suffering I would make the hard decision to let him go but it doesn't feel right, I feel I owe him a chance to see if he has any longer left. He's slow but eats well and was still shaking his head (his binky now) up until recently. x
 
nursecroft said:
He's eating and drinking so I really don't want to give up yet, I think I will ring a bunny savvy vet tomorrow I've been recommended as I don't feel perhaps this vet has enough experience with rabbits. Your suggestions sound sensible so I think I will be better armed to quiz the vet. He's on Baytril and ear drops only currently. xx
Click to expand...

Not sure what part of Surrey you are in but if you are anywhere near Windlesham Gill Tose is very Rabbit Savvy

http://www.windleshamvet.com/
 
Oh nursecroft it is lovely to see you posting again. I wish it were under better circumstances.

Adding my vibes for Teddy. I hope he will make a full and swift recovery. xxxxx
 
nursecroft said:
I want some opinions please. My lovely big french lop Teddy has suddenly developed nystagmus, he is 10 years old and eye sight is not brilliant anyway having cataracts in both eyes which doesn't help. I took him straight to the vets on Thursday as an emergency, the vet feels given his age and symptoms it could be a few different neurological problems including a possible stroke. He does have an ear infection which I was hoping could have been the cause but he's been on antibiotics and ear drops since Thursday and showing no improvements :( he's going in circles and can't seem to see anything. He's still eating very well and drinking. I guess I'm trying to get my head around making the best decision for him, he isn't coming out into the run as he's going in circles and I'm really torn as to what to do. I want to try and give him a few more days and hope for a miracle. The vet feels its not appropriate to prod and poke him too much given his age which he thinks is amazing for a giant. Advice welcome :cry:
Click to expand...

I've experienced this with rabbits, and to give him a few more days is a very wise decision.

I'm sure this has been mentioned, but has he had a course of Panacur?

I also feel in my bones that there may be some connection with a challenged immune system as you mention that he had his vaccinations only two weeks ago, and some treatment for mites.

In my experience, when mites come on the scene, there's often something deeper going on.

What are the antibiotics? Apologies if you've already said :)
 
Teddy sounds adorable. So pleased you are seeing a specialist with him. A million get well Teddy vibes
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Moonstone
Older mini lop going off food - probable lymphoma
3 4 5
Replies
83
Views
1K
Moonstone
Moonstone
dex179
Head tilt but it's not E Cuniculi - Help!
2 3 4
Replies
70
Views
2K
InspectorMorse
InspectorMorse
J
Advanced EC suspected in elderly rabbit
Replies
2
Views
82
dex179
dex179
Back
Top