Ear abscess

[Orenoko]

Just took Lilac for a checkup at the vet as she's been on metacam for a few weeks for arthritis. No issues with that but we saw a new vet who seems very rabbit-savvy, and she found an abscess at the base of Lilac's ear. She's asked me to have a think about booking her in for a CT scan at RVC. I am minded to do it so that we know what we're looking at, but the vet cautioned me that surgical outcomes may be limited and it's a very major surgery. Many years ago I had to PTS my bunny Frankie as she kept getting repeated facial abscesses, so I have had some experience of this before, just not in the ear. I can imagine it could get very painful and I'm mindful that she's nearing 10. She remains on metacam for now. Anybody had any experience of this (good or bad)? I don't want to put her through major surgery at her age but don't think I have many other options in case it ruptures.

 

[joey&boo]

I'm sorry to hear Lilac has been diagnosed with an ear abscess, poor girlie. I don't have any experience, just know from reading on here they are stubborn to treat & the bilateral ear whatever its you call it, is a big op . Sending her lots of vibes. For what its worth in your shoes with an older bun I'd see what the CT says, see if it can be managed with hardcore antibiotics...I'd be reluctant to put an older bun through the op unless she was in perfect health

 

[Orenoko]

Thanks, since my original post I've asked the vet to make the referral so I can get a CT to at least see where we're at. I don't want her to be in pain unnecessarily so I'd like to know how extensive it is. I won't put her through an op at her age, I have read about it today and I think it's just too much for her. She is in good health with the exception of this and her arthritis, but she's losing a little weight so I don't think it would be fair.

I'm sorry to hear Lilac has been diagnosed with an ear abscess, poor girlie. I don't have any experience, just know from reading on here they are stubborn to treat & the bilateral ear whatever its you call it, is a big op . Sending her lots of vibes. For what its worth in your shoes with an older bun I'd see what the CT says, see if it can be managed with hardcore antibiotics...I'd be reluctant to put an older bun through the op unless she was in perfect health

 

[Shimmer]

If you do a search on here for 'ear abscess', there is a lot of advice on the subject from Inspector Morse.

 

[Orenoko]

If you do a search on here for 'ear abscess', there is a lot of advice on the subject from Inspector Morse.

Thanks Shimmer, Jane has messaged me with some more info I think I'm just looking at managing it as much as possible once I can get her in for a CT.

 

[bunny momma]

I have no experience with ear abscess, yet am sending your and Lilac positive vibes that it can be treated without a big surgery, and so she can remain comfortable.

 

[Orenoko]

Thanks all. We're booked in for a CT scan next Friday, time for a little road trip! Just need to make sure I can get the day off work.