Relapse on antibiotics

[cyane182]

My rabbit George was on baytril recently for a suspected infection, the vet said it might be in his chest. He responded well to it and was back to his old self. About a week later he was hiding again and looked very sad. We took him back to the vet and she gave us a longer course of baytril. He's just over halfway through the course and he's been getting better, but today he looks like he's gone backwards again. I'm so upset and worried. Do antibiotics work sometimes and then just stop working?

 

[Shimmer]

Baytril is usually the first line antibiotic for rabbits. If there is a confirmed infection, there may be more suitable antibiotics for those particular bacteria. That's where a sample comes in handy - it can be sent for culture & sensitivity testing to confirm what woud work best - but you need a decent sample, eg a nasal swab if there is gunk there.

Pain relief / an anti inflammatory may also help. eg Metacam.

Other diagnostic tests may also be useful (bloods - for organ function, blood cell counts, etc; x-ray to chack the chest)

You need to have a conversation with your vet about the options available. Also keep an eye on his weight / appetite and take him back if he's losing weight.

 

[InspectorMorse]

My rabbit George was on baytril recently for a suspected infection, the vet said it might be in his chest. He responded well to it and was back to his old self. About a week later he was hiding again and looked very sad. We took him back to the vet and she gave us a longer course of baytril. He's just over halfway through the course and he's been getting better, but today he looks like he's gone backwards again. I'm so upset and worried. Do antibiotics work sometimes and then just stop working?

An antibiotic will only work if the bacteria causing the infection is sensitive to the drug. It is possible for antibiotic resistance to occur too.

You need to contact your Vet again today to let them know that your rabbit appears to be deteriorating. The Vet will need to re-examine your Rabbit and probably prescribe a different antibiotic too. They might also need to give other medications if your Rabbit is not eating/pooping.

https://d12geb6i3t2qxg.cloudfront.net/webinar_resources/uploads/2014/01/Respiratory-Disease-in-Rabbit-webinar.pdf

https://www.veterinarywebinars.com/membership/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Study_Notes_Ear_Nose_Rabbits.pdf

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/Media/Default/small-animal/documents/Rabbits_pasturella_30.11.16.pdf

 

[bunny momma]

I can only add lots of positive vibes that George makes a full recovery.

 

[Barn Yard Bunnies]

Sending millions of vibes.