Update on Lilac

Lilac hasn't improved with a course of antibiotics and painkillers. She's still behaving normally, eating like a champ and drinking well, her output is normal too. Behaviourally there's no change, no signs of pain, hunched up posture or tooth grinding. She seems absolutely fine in herself, but she's still making the horrible oinking noise a lot. I noticed yesterday her eye was a bit weepy too.

Popped her back to the vet this morning, they now think it could potentially be a growth pressing on her tear duct or similar that might be causing the issues. They felt that if it was an infection or a tooth problem then the symptoms would've improved at least a little by now, which makes sense. Next step is a head xray on Wednesday to see if they can see anything, we also discussed a potential referral to a specialist for a CT or MRI, I opted to go with the xray first. I was going to cancel her insurance so I'm glad I didn't now!

I know next to nothing about outcomes for stuff like this (if that is what it is) but I'm guessing it might not be great. Lilac has a history of tear duct blockages, most recently in August last year I think, she has a very flat face (she's a mini lop) so I wonder if perhaps the most recent infection may have been a sign of whatever this issue is. The main thing for me is that she doesn't seem to be affected or bothered by what's going on and she doesn't seem to be in any pain. Just have to wait and see what Wednesday brings.

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It could be elongated tooth roots. Common in brachycephalic Rabbits such as Mini Lops. Elongated tooth roots should be evident from skull radiographs.

InspectorMorse said:

It could be elongated tooth roots. Common in brachycephalic Rabbits such as Mini Lops. Elongated tooth roots should be evident from skull radiographs.

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I've just terrified myself by googling sinus abscess so I won't even go there googling tooth roots at the moment! I'm always anxious whenever one of them so much as sneezes so I'm just thinking worst case scenarios. I guess tooth root problems could potentially be slightly "easier" to treat than a sinus abscess or other growth... I lost a rabbit to a recurring dental abscess about 10 years ago and she went through so much beforehand that I would hate to put Lilac through something similar. But we'll see, I need to think positive!

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Orenoko said:

I've just terrified myself by googling sinus abscess so I won't even go there googling tooth roots at the moment! I'm always anxious whenever one of them so much as sneezes so I'm just thinking worst case scenarios. I guess tooth root problems could potentially be slightly "easier" to treat than a sinus abscess or other growth... I lost a rabbit to a recurring dental abscess about 10 years ago and she went through so much beforehand that I would hate to put Lilac through something similar. But we'll see, I need to think positive!

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Whilst tooth root elongation cannot be cured it can be managed. It is certainly not an immediate and automatic death sentence. I had a Mini Lop live to be almost 11 with chronic runny eyes and sometimes a snotty nose due to elongated tooth roots.

InspectorMorse said:

Whilst tooth root elongation cannot be cured it can be managed. It is certainly not an immediate and automatic death sentence. I had a Mini Lop live to be almost 11 with chronic runny eyes and sometimes a snotty nose due to elongated tooth roots.

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Thanks, my main worry is whether her airway could be affected more than it might be at the moment, not that it's bothering her right now. Hopefully the xray will show what the problem is!

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Hi there. Have you tried nebulisator? OTC antibiotic shots, Novasul and meloxicam? Consult vet. Some buns need 2x daily of saline nebulisatior all their life. There is also herbal syrup Rodicare Pulmo. Wishing all the best.

Oh those darn root elongation. I will open new thread.

Sending lots of vibes for Lilac. I hope that the x-ray identifies what the problem is and that it is manageable.

AnjaSanja said:

Hi there. Have you tried nebulisator? OTC antibiotic shots, Novasul and meloxicam? Consult vet. Some buns need 2x daily of saline nebulisatior all their life. There is also herbal syrup Rodicare Pulmo. Wishing all the best.

Oh those darn root elongation. I will open new thread.

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Thanks, haven't tried anything you've mentioned yet as the symptoms only started last week and we're trying to get yo the bottom of it. I'll update following xray as some of your suggestions might be helpful once I know more.

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Omi said:

Sending lots of vibes for Lilac. I hope that the x-ray identifies what the problem is and that it is manageable.

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Thanks Omi [emoji4]

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Sending vibes she will improve or remain stable a long time.

I hope the source of the problem is found and she recovers quickly. I send a lot of vibrations for her. Xxxxxxx

Thanks all, she's currently sulking in her cardboard house, she absolutely hates the vet lol.

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Sending love to you & your bun. I’m sorry to hear she’s been unwell & hope you get some answers. Dental can be hard going in itself but sounds like you have a good vet & doing all you can xx


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Sending lots of vibes for Lilac and am pleased she is acting as normal. Maybe it is as Jane suggested.

Update 12/1/22

Update on Lilac following her vet visit. Xrays of her head and chest came back clear. While she was under they checked her teeth and burred them as she had a few spurs but nothing major and nothing that they thought would be contributing to her presenting issues. They flushed her tear ducts and got lots of gunk out apparently. They've also done a nasal swab, should have the results next week. The vet suspects it could be pasteurella so we're going to carry on with baytril and metacam as the vet said it can take quite a long time to clear. She'll be having regular check ups in the meantime to monitor her chest etc. I need to read up more on pasteurella in the meantime.

I'm really so pleased that her x-rays came back clear! Hopefully continuing with the medication will help her.

I'm glad all the tests are done and the x-rays are clean. I hope Lilac recovers quickly from her medicines and treatment. Xxxxxxx

Sending lots of vibes, I’m glad the xrays were clear :wave:

I'm glad it went well even though Lilac doesn't agree. Vibes for sulky chops - sure she'll feel better for having the gunk out (I'd do anything to have non gunky eyes right now :lol

Thanks all for the vibes! Yes she is very grumpy this evening. Rupert went with her and even he is grumpy, he was flicking his feet at me earlier haha.

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