Fast breathing/odd posture: UD 22/3 Gone to the Bridge

[Liz47]

Thanks both. BattleFlats referrals is gold on the RWAF list and the website says they're happy to discuss cases over the phone, so that's an option if we need it.

I'm just worrying the current vets won't prescribe more abx, as we've had to push for these since they said the fluid amount was really small and her breathing has apparently been normal whilst she's there. They seem quite strict on abx, like with Jake when baytril didn't work for him rather than just trying a switch he had to have a swab first.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Thanks both. BattleFlats referrals is gold on the RWAF list and the website says they're happy to discuss cases over the phone, so that's an option if we need it.

I'm just worrying the current vets won't prescribe more abx, as we've had to push for these since they said the fluid amount was really small and her breathing has apparently been normal whilst she's there. They seem quite strict on abx, like with Jake when baytril didn't work for him rather than just trying a switch he had to have a swab first.

I know it’s frustrating, but I do understand why many Vets have become a lot stricter in the use of abx. Abx resistance is such a major problem and some Vets do seem to dish them out like smarties when presented with an ill Rabbit with no definitive diagnosis.

https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/responsible-antibiotic-use-under-the-cascade/

Maybe if you said to the Vet that you understand their POV but that you do think that a longer course of abx in this particular case is justified. Perhaps politely suggest they seek the opinion of the Specialist Vet.

 

[Liz47]

That is very true, at work we've recently had to display something in our dispensary about abx and it does say wherever possible we should always do a swab etc before just dispensing etc. The vet is happy to seek another opinion, so I think I'll give her a call Monday to ask Petplan have already received my insurance claim so that's a positive.

 

[InspectorMorse]

That is very true, at work we've recently had to display something in our dispensary about abx and it does say wherever possible we should always do a swab etc before just dispensing etc. The vet is happy to seek another opinion, so I think I'll give her a call Monday to ask Petplan have already received my insurance claim so that's a positive.

:thumb:

 

[Liz47]

So Bigwig is generally eating more and her poo's are almost back to normal. She happily binky's around as usual and follows us around, is sneezing less. But she still has periods each day where she'll sit like this for quite long periods and her breathing still doesn't seem right, although it has slowed down. I'm going to email the video to the vets tomorrow and see if reception will let the vet see it.

VID_20210130_132535136 by Hliz, on Flickr

 

[CarelessSquid07]

Rodney actually does something similar sometimes. I actually thought the video was him although Bigwigs eyes look a bit more beseeching.

But usually his breathing is calm and he often appears asleep while rocking. Or sometimes as if he's scanning try to focus on something like the tv.

Our vet said Rodney has scarred lungs from a previous untreated infection pre rescue that shouldn't affect him when he's well and I wonder if he learned to sleep in that way when he was ill to help him breathe.

Its often his late afternoon nap pose. Then eventually he settles into a muffin or loaf after a while.

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[Liz47]

Rodney actually does something similar sometimes. I actually thought the video was him although Bigwigs eyes look a bit more beseeching.

But usually his breathing is calm and he often appears asleep while rocking. Or sometimes as if he's scanning try to focus on something like the tv.

Our vet said Rodney has scarred lungs from a previous untreated infection pre rescue that shouldn't affect him when he's well and I wonder if he learned to sleep in that way when he was ill to help him breathe.

Its often his late afternoon nap pose. Then eventually he settles into a muffin or loaf after a while.

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Thank you. I was stood the other side of the clothes rack and table or any closer and she hops over interested. That's interesting, I just can't decide if I should be ringing the vets again or if this could be normal for some bunnies. Jake and Jasmine's sides barely move, that you can see anyway so Bigwig just seems really obvious. She does usually loaf afterwards and her breathing does become less obvious.

 

[CarelessSquid07]

I don't think I have a video. Rodney is very good at detecting the camera but he's actually doing it now so I'll give it a go.

I have a couple of shots of how he usually looks when he does it.

He starts off ears forwards, then if undisturbed they sink back and then eventually down into relaxed.

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[CarelessSquid07]

https://youtu.be/0qaUaJTMdA4

Not the best quality and someone cat started crying outside at the end and disturbed him!

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[twistedtiggerz69]

Sorry I've not posted but been unwell. Have been thinking of Bigwig though and wondering how she is.

I can't watch the videos as my phone is really old and full up so they won't load up. Her breathing does seem a bit fast still. Have you tried counting the breaths per minute? It is a good way of assessing her breathing to check.

How long has she been on the diuretics though and the antibiotics? Although Mischief did improve straightaway his breathing did not become a more normal rate for weeks. His breathing is still a bit noisy and slightly faster than normal sometimes even after a month of treatment.

If the diuretics and antibiotics are near the end of their course perhaps a vet would prescribe some more?

Good luck and sending vibes xx

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[Liz47]

Thanks both. Aww Rodney and Bigwig do look really similar don't they! Interesting that he breathes that way too.

Initially counting her BPM was hard as it was so fast, now it's normal apart from when she's sat as in the video it can go up. We've finished the diuretic but still have abx, although the vet said after the course we should consider a referral as the X rays to her were mostly normal.

 

[CarelessSquid07]

It really is amazing how alike they look.

I did wonder if its because they're body shape is quite stocky and their fur thicker compared to other buns. So when they're sat like that it's more obvious. Rodney's breathing has always been more visible than my other buns.

Our exotics vet picked up Rodney's scarred lungs from his xray last year when he had a long stasis episode. So it may be with that referral just to have a 2nd opinion on your current xrays.

Our vets are in the process of getting a ct scanner and I know she plans to have him checked once it's up and running so she's got a baseline if he struggles in future.



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[Liz47]

Thank you. Yeah that's true, I have always thought her breathing is more noticeable but never been this fast/deep before. Perhaps I'm over worrying but I'm going to ring the vets today and see what they say regarding more antibiotics or a referral.

ETA: a CT would be good! I think more vets are upgrading and able to offer things like that now.

 

[twistedtiggerz69]

Thanks both. Aww Rodney and Bigwig do look really similar don't they! Interesting that he breathes that way too.

Initially counting her BPM was hard as it was so fast, now it's normal apart from when she's sat as in the video it can go up. We've finished the diuretic but still have abx, although the vet said after the course we should consider a referral as the X rays to her were mostly normal.

Sorry I've not been on here again but I've not been too great this week.

I had the same with Mischief's breathing but I guess if it's too fast to count it is probably too fast full stop [emoji45]

I would most definitely ask the vets if the diuretics can be extended. I found Mischief got better on each injection and the tablets straightaway. And as soon as they were stopped his breathing got faster.

I don't know about the antibiotic. Is he still on Baytril? Sorry I can't remember. Maybe a different abx would be better as Baytril is sometimes not strong enough?

Perhaps a referral to an exotic vets would give you peace of mind. They can give you a second opinion plus listen to her breathing again and they may be more inclined to try a stronger abx aswell xx

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[twistedtiggerz69]

Thank you. Yeah that's true, I have always thought her breathing is more noticeable but never been this fast/deep before. Perhaps I'm over worrying but I'm going to ring the vets today and see what they say regarding more antibiotics or a referral.

ETA: a CT would be good! I think more vets are upgrading and able to offer things like that now.

Mischief's breathing has always been faster than other rabbits I've had. Maybe this makes them more prone to problems? He is a big, hefty rabbit as per his breed. I guess that makes them more likely to have problems with their lungs? [emoji22]

I hope Bigwig is better soon xx

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[Liz47]

Thank you, I hope you're feeling better. Larger breeds do tend to be more prone to these problems. Bigwig is average size I'd say, despite her name haha. She's still the same really, I have more abx which is high dose baytril.

 

[CarelessSquid07]

Aww bless her Rodney is teeny compared to Mischief at 2.1kg.

I hope Bigwigs antibiotics continue to do the job!

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[Liz47]

Thank you. She was good yesterday. Bigwig weighed 1.8kg at the vets last Wednesday, I think this is lighter than she used to be and she feels skinnier so I'm going to weigh her regularly. So far in a week she's now gone down to 1.65kg but is eating again Will weigh every 2 days now.

 

[twistedtiggerz69]

Aww bless her Rodney is teeny compared to Mischief at 2.1kg.

I hope Bigwigs antibiotics continue to do the job!

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Ah Mischief is 5.8kg now as he has lost some weight which he needed to do. Although he is a french lop he is longer legged and not as chunky as my other french lops. They were females though so I don't know if it makes a difference but he is a powerhouse. So strong and fast.

But Bigwig is not really large breeds is she? Is she a bit stockier in type of build than some of the finer breeds? I wonder if this puts more pressure on their lungs or something?xx

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[twistedtiggerz69]

Thank you. She was good yesterday. Bigwig weighed 1.8kg at the vets last Wednesday, I think this is lighter than she used to be and she feels skinnier so I'm going to weigh her regularly. So far in a week she's now gone down to 1.65kg but is eating again Will weigh every 2 days now.

Awww bless her 0.15kg doesn't sound a lot but when she is so dinky I guess it is! Mischief lost 0.6kg at one point so that is 10% of his body weight and he was skin and bone. Just felt like fur over a skeleton. I got really worried! But he has put it back on again [emoji4]

Inspector Morse gave me some great advice with his diet when he lost a lot of weight. She said to feed him more protein to gain weight and not to feed him too much veg as the carbs will stop him eating the hay and pellets and so gain weight [emoji6]

Obviously it depends if Bigwig needs to gain weight but if she does then maybe talk to Inspector Morse about this? Bigwig is smaller than Mischief so I would check the amounts to feed her plus whether this diet is for her first....

However she suggested a handful of Alfafa and a handful of Readigrass in with usual hay and mix it up.

Also it depends what feed she is on but Mischief is on Excel so she suggested the junior Excel instead as has more protein in it. I don't know if they do a junior or higher protein feed in your brand of pellets? What pellets is she on if any?

It has worked a treat. He has now put on weight and is a lovely weight and we are gradually reducing the protein levels down again. The good thing is with this is we can up the protein again if he becomes poorly again which unfortunately he has at the moment [emoji20]

It also meant he had more energy out of every little mouthful he ate and so he seemed to get stronger quicker.

She also recommended probiotics which we are getting on Monday when we get paid as we are on benefits so couldn't afford it before but if IM advises it I'm sure it is a good thing. I would recommend asking her for advice on Bigwig if you are worried at all plus it's better to act before she gets too skinny I guess? [emoji175]

I'm sure she will put the weight back on soon. I hope the antibiotics work. I would suggest getting more diuretics though. Mischief is still on them. His breathing is still not right. It takes time like if we get a bad chest infection I guess. If you get no joy with your vets maybe you should seek that second opinion?

I hope Bigwig feels better soon. I totally get how awful it feels watching their breathing constantly. Mischief's cage is right next to my bed and at night I would keep shining the torch on him and count his breathing. I just could not sleep! Was a horrible time. Sending you vibes and hugs plus nose bumps from Mr Chief [emoji178]

Ps scuse the essay! I like to chat [emoji87][emoji23]

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