Inner ear infection - wamhat treatments are available

So my bunny has been treated for both EC and an inner ear infection. Now day 10 of panacur she still didn't have a tilt (just a sunken face) then day 10 she developed a 90 degree tilt within a matter of half an hour.

My vet then prescribed batril and pain killers.

She's had 3 weeks of those and has been told to carry on for another 3 weeks.

However I know batril isn't strong. My vets told me if she gets worse after stopping batril she'll need surgery to remove her ear canal after a ct scan to check what side the infection is.

I'm planning on getting a second opinion as I know some stronger antibiotics can be injected.

Any suggestions or advice is welcome.

She is improving on batryl.
Thank you

Depocillian injections, anti dizzy meds like meclizine or there is another there here have used but I can't remember the name and metacam were given to my bun with head tilt from inner ear infection. He fully recovered, buy yes I don't think baytril is strong enough either. I would defo be trying the depocillian / penecillian injections way before ear surgery as that is major surgery. Sorry your little bun is poorly, it's quite distressing to see but don't give up. Lots of buns recover. Check out on Facebook the Help for Head Tilt Hoppers page as they are great support and lots of info on buns with this condition.

Bugsthebun said:

So my bunny has been treated for both EC and an inner ear infection. Now day 10 of panacur she still didn't have a tilt (just a sunken face) then day 10 she developed a 90 degree tilt within a matter of half an hour.

My vet then prescribed batril and pain killers.

She's had 3 weeks of those and has been told to carry on for another 3 weeks.

However I know batril isn't strong. My vets told me if she gets worse after stopping batril she'll need surgery to remove her ear canal after a ct scan to check what side the infection is.

I'm planning on getting a second opinion as I know some stronger antibiotics can be injected.

Any suggestions or advice is welcome.

She is improving on batryl.
Thank you

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Hello

As nickybun1 has mentioned there are different/additional medications that the Vet could prescribe. As you mention that Baytril is having some effect then I can understand your Vet's reluctance to move on to off licence antibiotics straight away. Baytril can, in some cases, be the best antibiotic to use but this always depends on the specific individual case.

A second opinion may be useful and as NB1 has pointed out, ear surgery is major so not something to do lightly, IMO.

As well as obtaining a second opinion from a Rabbit Savvy/Specialist Vet it may be useful to take a look at the information on the following links :

http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/m...oads/2016/03/Study_Notes_Ear_Nose_Rabbits.pdf

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Bacterial/BacterialOtitisMediaInterna.htm

https://www.msdvetmanual.com/eye-an...-interna/overview-of-otitis-media-and-interna

WARNING- Very graphic images of surgery on the following link

http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/navc/2006/SAE/617.pdf?LA=1

Bugsthebun said:

So my bunny has been treated for both EC and an inner ear infection. Now day 10 of panacur she still didn't have a tilt (just a sunken face) then day 10 she developed a 90 degree tilt within a matter of half an hour.

My vet then prescribed batril and pain killers.

She's had 3 weeks of those and has been told to carry on for another 3 weeks.

However I know batril isn't strong. My vets told me if she gets worse after stopping batril she'll need surgery to remove her ear canal after a ct scan to check what side the infection is.

I'm planning on getting a second opinion as I know some stronger antibiotics can be injected.

Any suggestions or advice is welcome.

She is improving on batryl.
Thank you

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Hi there Bugs

Sorry to hear about your bunny, but there's lots of hope and Nicky has given you some very good advice

If you'd like a bit more info on the condition, I find these articles very helpful:

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Neurology/Otit/otitis.htm

https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/conditions/ears/c_rb_otitis_media_interna


I also agree with Nicky that in a lot of instances, injectable penicillin is a good option, as it has better penetration than Baytril. Though even on this Forum there have been rabbits for whom Baytril has worked well! So it's really hard to tell. Personally I would go for the bigger guns, but that's the prerogative of your vet


To recap also, the Facebook site that Nicky is talking about is very good ...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelpforHeadTiltHoppers/

..... and a member here (Roxyroller88 - she won't mind a PM from you, I'm sure) is very helpful over on the Facebook group


If you're seeking a second opinion and want some help, you can start another thread here, on the Forum, in Rabbit Chat, you could put this in the title:

Rabbit Savvy Vet needed in (your location) ... and members will give you their recommendations

Alternatively you can search here for a recommended vet:

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/vetfinder/vets-owners-recommendations

And the RWAF have their own suggestions for finding a good vet:

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk

Thank you. I'm going to see Molly vagara she's a specialist in my area and highly recommend on a few FB groups.

Tha ks everyone x

Bugsthebun said:

Thank you. I'm going to see Molly vagara she's a specialist in my area and highly recommend on a few FB groups.

Tha ks everyone x

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An excellent Vet

Bugsthebun said:

Thank you. I'm going to see Molly vagara she's a specialist in my area and highly recommend on a few FB groups.

Tha ks everyone x

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You're really welcome Bugs

Great vet to have chosen :thumb: