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Please Note - Medical Advice
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Dotty had an accident :(
- Thread starter Preitler
- Start date
Preitler
Alpha Buck
Thanks for the wishes and vibes..
That cat body was a good idea in principle, but there are problems. the sewn on leg stumps are too small in diameter, and the seams of them are pretty big, protrude inward and unlike the legs are not flexible at all. Unfortunatly that pressed on the wound. I cut all the seems across several times to make that rings stretchy, and made a cut to make the opening bigger. Fits now rabbit legs without putting on pressure. I removed some fabric in the rear and between the legs so the pee and poo can get out, which didn't work too well.
Also, I now put it on inside out so that the rather bulky seams are on the outside where they can't hurt.
Canibalized my cars first aid kit for sterile wound dressing (looks like I wont need it too soon anyway), washed her with cammille tea, slathered everything with Mirfulan. put on the sterile pad and her fancy dress, seems to work. Without it she would instantly start licking.
Of course she gets pain relief, that's the first thing I do when something is amiss.
Me, dang, I read up a little on my condition and it isn't as trivial as I thought, not just taking pills for a week. Seems, even if that balance organ starts up again - what I've read chances are 80-90% - it will start from zero, has to learn all the balancing stuff again. But if I ever get where I was after training that little thing for 53 years is not guranteed. I'm lucky that I do not get motion sickness, or this could have been way worse at the start.
Began taking the pills, had the bad idea to read the leaflets in the packages and decided after the first one that this is a bad idea and just took the pills. I don't need to know stuff I can't weight properly and that doesn't help me now anyway.
One day you hop from stone to stone across the brook like a goat, a scythe in one hand, some branches in the other and 15kg of forage on your back, climb trees swinging the chainsaw - the next day you are one of those goats that keel over like a block of wood when scared and that surefootedness is a fading memory
. Dang. I really hope that get's well enough soon.
Talked to my sister today, she had never told me that when she had an MRT after a car accident she was told that she had two tumors in her head - inactive ones that never caused, or will ever cause problems, I really would prefer not to hear any such findings unrelated to the problem at hand, my platter is full.
The first docter, the one my colleaugs brought me to, referred me to two specialists, the one for ears and head stuff I went to, the other is a psychiatrist. I reckon in that unfamiliar situation I had a little emotional breakdown and let my mask slip, she didn't put a date on the referral so I can think that one over.
That cat body was a good idea in principle, but there are problems. the sewn on leg stumps are too small in diameter, and the seams of them are pretty big, protrude inward and unlike the legs are not flexible at all. Unfortunatly that pressed on the wound. I cut all the seems across several times to make that rings stretchy, and made a cut to make the opening bigger. Fits now rabbit legs without putting on pressure. I removed some fabric in the rear and between the legs so the pee and poo can get out, which didn't work too well.
Also, I now put it on inside out so that the rather bulky seams are on the outside where they can't hurt.
Canibalized my cars first aid kit for sterile wound dressing (looks like I wont need it too soon anyway), washed her with cammille tea, slathered everything with Mirfulan. put on the sterile pad and her fancy dress, seems to work. Without it she would instantly start licking.
Of course she gets pain relief, that's the first thing I do when something is amiss.
Me, dang, I read up a little on my condition and it isn't as trivial as I thought, not just taking pills for a week. Seems, even if that balance organ starts up again - what I've read chances are 80-90% - it will start from zero, has to learn all the balancing stuff again. But if I ever get where I was after training that little thing for 53 years is not guranteed. I'm lucky that I do not get motion sickness, or this could have been way worse at the start.
Began taking the pills, had the bad idea to read the leaflets in the packages and decided after the first one that this is a bad idea and just took the pills. I don't need to know stuff I can't weight properly and that doesn't help me now anyway.
One day you hop from stone to stone across the brook like a goat, a scythe in one hand, some branches in the other and 15kg of forage on your back, climb trees swinging the chainsaw - the next day you are one of those goats that keel over like a block of wood when scared and that surefootedness is a fading memory
. Dang. I really hope that get's well enough soon.Talked to my sister today, she had never told me that when she had an MRT after a car accident she was told that she had two tumors in her head - inactive ones that never caused, or will ever cause problems, I really would prefer not to hear any such findings unrelated to the problem at hand, my platter is full.
The first docter, the one my colleaugs brought me to, referred me to two specialists, the one for ears and head stuff I went to, the other is a psychiatrist. I reckon in that unfamiliar situation I had a little emotional breakdown and let my mask slip, she didn't put a date on the referral so I can think that one over.
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bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
You were very creative in adjusting the cat body so it works better for Dotty. Well done.
I try not to read all the side effects in medication (other than contraindications related to allergies and medical conditions I have or major side effects), especially when meds are the best option.
It can be hard not to think the worst and I agree your sister's timing on informing you of her tumors was not appropriate. I hope the cause of your vertigo is easily treated.
Sending you and Dotty more vibes.
I try not to read all the side effects in medication (other than contraindications related to allergies and medical conditions I have or major side effects), especially when meds are the best option.
It can be hard not to think the worst and I agree your sister's timing on informing you of her tumors was not appropriate. I hope the cause of your vertigo is easily treated.
Sending you and Dotty more vibes.
Cinnabun14
Warren Scout
I'm sorry this has happened to you, Preitler. I hope you and Dotty get better soon
Preitler
Alpha Buck
Next change of the dressing, well, the skin where the body pinched looks somewhat angry and wettish, decided to put a little antisepticum on it. Only one I had at hand I reckon is reasonable safe is Methylene Blue, tried to limit it to the points in question. Dotty is in good spirits and puts up quite a fight, had to wash her feet and privy parts too, got peed on. The body works now, taped the wound dressing in place underneith it.
I hope i don't have to keep that up for too long.
I hope i don't have to keep that up for too long.
bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
Dotty sounds like a strong bunny. I hope she heals quickly with the wonderful care you are providing.
Preitler
Alpha Buck
Update: (Warning, not pretty picture...)
As had to be expected the wound opened up today, the dead skin came apart - it was either dry or jellylike depending on moisture. Looks gross, it's not daisys for sure. Just washed and desinfected it. I hope that body sock I made from leggins keeps a wound dressing in place, and her from licking.
Please don't judge my skills with needle and scissors, she looks like a botched bank robbery attempt by Edward Scissorhands. I sewed triangular pleats at the leg hole so the fabric goes down the leg a little, the holes in the back are just to reduce the pressure. I might worry too much about that considering how tight the vet bundled her up. For now, it looks like those thermo leggins are a pretty good material for that.
I put double sided tape on the outside of the wound dressing so it should stick to the fabric, it's also completly covered now.
Contacted my sister again (who works in a vet clinic in the US), she sent the story and pictures to one of their doctors, she thinks antibiotics might be useful there. Will ring up my vet on monday about that. I have the impression that vets, or doctors in general here are way more reluctant with antibiotics than in the US, but asking doesn't cost anything.
I don't mind how long this needs, I just hope there are no complications...
Otherwise, Dotty is fine. Eats, drinks, comes running for a treat, and today she didn't even try to shred me. Good girl. Don't think keeping her in the house tomorrow would help, we have warm and dry weather, she'll not get out on Monday when rain is forecast.
As had to be expected the wound opened up today, the dead skin came apart - it was either dry or jellylike depending on moisture. Looks gross, it's not daisys for sure. Just washed and desinfected it. I hope that body sock I made from leggins keeps a wound dressing in place, and her from licking.
Please don't judge my skills with needle and scissors, she looks like a botched bank robbery attempt by Edward Scissorhands. I sewed triangular pleats at the leg hole so the fabric goes down the leg a little, the holes in the back are just to reduce the pressure. I might worry too much about that considering how tight the vet bundled her up. For now, it looks like those thermo leggins are a pretty good material for that.
I put double sided tape on the outside of the wound dressing so it should stick to the fabric, it's also completly covered now.
Contacted my sister again (who works in a vet clinic in the US), she sent the story and pictures to one of their doctors, she thinks antibiotics might be useful there. Will ring up my vet on monday about that. I have the impression that vets, or doctors in general here are way more reluctant with antibiotics than in the US, but asking doesn't cost anything.
I don't mind how long this needs, I just hope there are no complications...
Otherwise, Dotty is fine. Eats, drinks, comes running for a treat, and today she didn't even try to shred me. Good girl. Don't think keeping her in the house tomorrow would help, we have warm and dry weather, she'll not get out on Monday when rain is forecast.
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bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
Dotty looks adorable in her little outfit! It fits well too. Adding the holes to reduce pressure was very smart.
Where I am in USA pet vets are cautious about abx, yet they prescribe some of them quicker than others. They also do not give them as long for most conditions.
Though I think many corporate farms still use abx on their entire herd as preventative measures which encourages abx resistance, though some consumers are fighting against that practice.
Where I am in USA pet vets are cautious about abx, yet they prescribe some of them quicker than others. They also do not give them as long for most conditions.
Though I think many corporate farms still use abx on their entire herd as preventative measures which encourages abx resistance, though some consumers are fighting against that practice.
Preitler
Alpha Buck
Update:
Another vet visit to remove the dead tissue and to clean out the pus from the abcess. I'm so glad this is no financial hurdle, this visit was less then 30€, including a few supplies to keep the cleaning up.
I now soak and flush it with about 2% hydrogenperoxide, put some betadona in the cavity and Mirfulan on the surrounding skin. Apart from a few scabs it's all a rather healthy pink now.
Since licking doesn't seem to be much of a problem, and removing any pus is a proiority anyway I dont dress her up anymore, she's more comfortable that way.
When I came home today she was laying on her side and Pacino cleaning her with dedication, so sweet.
Me, well tomorrow I have 2 appointments, one at the specialist to get the results of the MRT, I don't think there will be any finds, and afaik there isn't a treatment indicated anyway now that the course of cortison is finished, it's just waiting and training. Only problems I now have is when moving in the dark or with closed eyes, brain switched to optical input and tactile feedback for balance. Mowing grass with the scyth on the slope after nightfall is a serious challange, even with a flashlight. A stationary kerosene lamp works better.
The other referral, the general practitioner my colleagues made me see, gave me is for a psychiatrist. This whole episode knocked me off the rails enough to let my mask slip, got me on the wrong foot, don't think that could happen again. Put it off for two weeks, but everyone I talked to about it uttered a sigh of relief and encouraged me to get an appointment, more like an ultimatum, either I do it or them. Called yesterday, got one, for end of January. By then I sure am back to normal, back on track, and no way I would show up. A colleague and friend intervened, so, now it's tommorow morning, I don't even want to know what he told them. No time to think about it too much. Guess they are right, I was going downhill for years now, to the point where functioning normal enough got difficult or didn't really work. Might be the only window that'll ever open were I'm able to accept it at least for now. My treshold to accept help kept rising, even a few years back I fixed that chainsaw cut to the leg myself with band aids, tape and superglue, the GP would have just sent me to the hospital, too much trouble.
Now I'm sitting here, watching my bunnys cuddle and tearing up at the thought that someone cares.
Another vet visit to remove the dead tissue and to clean out the pus from the abcess. I'm so glad this is no financial hurdle, this visit was less then 30€, including a few supplies to keep the cleaning up.
I now soak and flush it with about 2% hydrogenperoxide, put some betadona in the cavity and Mirfulan on the surrounding skin. Apart from a few scabs it's all a rather healthy pink now.
Since licking doesn't seem to be much of a problem, and removing any pus is a proiority anyway I dont dress her up anymore, she's more comfortable that way.
When I came home today she was laying on her side and Pacino cleaning her with dedication, so sweet.
Me, well tomorrow I have 2 appointments, one at the specialist to get the results of the MRT, I don't think there will be any finds, and afaik there isn't a treatment indicated anyway now that the course of cortison is finished, it's just waiting and training. Only problems I now have is when moving in the dark or with closed eyes, brain switched to optical input and tactile feedback for balance. Mowing grass with the scyth on the slope after nightfall is a serious challange, even with a flashlight. A stationary kerosene lamp works better.
The other referral, the general practitioner my colleagues made me see, gave me is for a psychiatrist. This whole episode knocked me off the rails enough to let my mask slip, got me on the wrong foot, don't think that could happen again. Put it off for two weeks, but everyone I talked to about it uttered a sigh of relief and encouraged me to get an appointment, more like an ultimatum, either I do it or them. Called yesterday, got one, for end of January. By then I sure am back to normal, back on track, and no way I would show up. A colleague and friend intervened, so, now it's tommorow morning, I don't even want to know what he told them. No time to think about it too much. Guess they are right, I was going downhill for years now, to the point where functioning normal enough got difficult or didn't really work. Might be the only window that'll ever open were I'm able to accept it at least for now. My treshold to accept help kept rising, even a few years back I fixed that chainsaw cut to the leg myself with band aids, tape and superglue, the GP would have just sent me to the hospital, too much trouble.
Now I'm sitting here, watching my bunnys cuddle and tearing up at the thought that someone cares.
bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
I am pleased to read that Dotty's vet visit went well and she is on the road to recovery. It sounds lovely that Pacino is helping her clean her injury.
Sending lots of positive vibes for the results of your scan and your other appointment. You are fortunate to have such a caring friend and colleague.
Sending lots of positive vibes for the results of your scan and your other appointment. You are fortunate to have such a caring friend and colleague.
Cinnabun14
Warren Scout
It's good Dotty's healed up nicely! I didn't realize her injury was that bad until I saw the picture, but it looks like you're a good nurse in your own right!
Sometimes psychological or mental issues manifest themselves in physical ways (anxiety and stomach issues is just one example out of many). I wonder if that's what's going on with your vertigo, BUT I am no doctor at all, so please take this with a huge grain of salt. I just have experience myself with a mental health issue showing up in my physical body, but it honestly might not be the same thing at all. At any rate, I hope your appointment psychiatrist goes well. Mental health is just as important as physical health my friend, and I hope you get better in that way too
I'm glad to hear you have friends who take care of you Preitler
Sometimes psychological or mental issues manifest themselves in physical ways (anxiety and stomach issues is just one example out of many). I wonder if that's what's going on with your vertigo, BUT I am no doctor at all, so please take this with a huge grain of salt. I just have experience myself with a mental health issue showing up in my physical body, but it honestly might not be the same thing at all. At any rate, I hope your appointment psychiatrist goes well. Mental health is just as important as physical health my friend, and I hope you get better in that way too
I'm glad to hear you have friends who take care of you Preitler
Preitler
Alpha Buck
Well, time has passed and it's looking good.
Didn't dress her up anymore, let her and her partner lick, which they didn't excessivly.
I'm still cleaning the abcess pocket daily, but it got a lot smaller, to the point where it gets difficult to get a Q-tip in without irritating the new skin inside. There is just a little white secretion there, doesn't look or smell like pus. Everything is a rather healthy pink.
One question, how is this pocket going to heal, I assume that it should flatten out and close up, and not close with a pocket remaining? Can't be long until I can't do much anyway, so, does this look all right to you? That's before cleaning.
Didn't dress her up anymore, let her and her partner lick, which they didn't excessivly.
I'm still cleaning the abcess pocket daily, but it got a lot smaller, to the point where it gets difficult to get a Q-tip in without irritating the new skin inside. There is just a little white secretion there, doesn't look or smell like pus. Everything is a rather healthy pink.
One question, how is this pocket going to heal, I assume that it should flatten out and close up, and not close with a pocket remaining? Can't be long until I can't do much anyway, so, does this look all right to you? That's before cleaning.
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InspectorMorse
Wise Old Thumper
In my unqualified opinion unfortunately that wound does not look likely to heal without surgical debridement of necrotic tissue and pus.There is some pus still being produced, it may not smell as Rabbit pus can be sterile. Every time the wound is licked it risks more bacteria being introduced.
The wound may well close up but unless the underlying tissue is healthy a new abscess will form.
After surgical debridement the Vet might close most of the wound leaving a small opening to allow daily flushing. I can’t tell the exact location of the wound, but if it is in an area where the skin will be stretched as the rabbit moves healing can be more complicated and if prompt debridement of diseased tissue is not carried out it might not be possible to close the wound because too much tissue would need to be removed to ensure only healthy tissue remains. There might not be enough healthy tissue to close together in an area that is frequently stretched with every movement the Rabbit makes.
Personally I would take the Rabbit back to a good Rabbit Vet for re-assessment. Is the Rabbit on any pain relief or systemic antibiotics ?. Sorry, I have been unable to read through the whole thread. My response here is based on your latest update and photo. And of course it’s not possible to get a truly accurate assessment of a wound from a photo.
in short my advice would be to seek further qualified Veterinary help.
Good luck
The wound may well close up but unless the underlying tissue is healthy a new abscess will form.
After surgical debridement the Vet might close most of the wound leaving a small opening to allow daily flushing. I can’t tell the exact location of the wound, but if it is in an area where the skin will be stretched as the rabbit moves healing can be more complicated and if prompt debridement of diseased tissue is not carried out it might not be possible to close the wound because too much tissue would need to be removed to ensure only healthy tissue remains. There might not be enough healthy tissue to close together in an area that is frequently stretched with every movement the Rabbit makes.
Personally I would take the Rabbit back to a good Rabbit Vet for re-assessment. Is the Rabbit on any pain relief or systemic antibiotics ?. Sorry, I have been unable to read through the whole thread. My response here is based on your latest update and photo. And of course it’s not possible to get a truly accurate assessment of a wound from a photo.
in short my advice would be to seek further qualified Veterinary help.
Good luck
bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
I never dealt with this type of wound, yet I still want to send lots of positive vibes that Dotty continues to do well.
Preitler
Alpha Buck
Well, I'm doing what the vet showed me to do, flushing and cleaning, and at the last visit all dead tissue got removed.
No antibiotics, vets and doctors are rather reluctant to give those here, and a phased out the painkiller - she's fine without it. Even the cleaning doesn't bother her much, don't have to restrain her at all, I just do it in a confined area.
It's healing better than I expected, I'm just a little nervous that I miss something when everything seems to go right, maybe it's just paranoia
No antibiotics, vets and doctors are rather reluctant to give those here, and a phased out the painkiller - she's fine without it. Even the cleaning doesn't bother her much, don't have to restrain her at all, I just do it in a confined area.
It's healing better than I expected, I'm just a little nervous that I miss something when everything seems to go right, maybe it's just paranoia
