bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
Sending more vibes for Dexter.
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Thank you all for your concern
Update: His appetite is improving still and he's able to eat by himself if you put the food bowl either side of him. Sadly he still has the head tilt which is the most likely cause of him not moving too much. He literally can do a 360 but won't really move much from that spot. The only lucky thing is that he hasn't soiled himself every day.
I'm continuing with the panacur, anti biotics for middle ear infection, and metacam for the time being.
I have a question if you don't mind helping me with - if it's not EC or middle ear infection, what do you think could be the cause of his head tilt? The vets thing it's something in his brain. Or do you think it could be EC or middle ear infection, but I need time for it to clear up? My main concern is his lack of mobility
Another question I have - is it harmful for rabbits to be on metacam longer term? I'm just wondering whether that is what is helping him with his appetite, but I don't want to keep giving it to him if overall it is detrimental is to health. Any thoughts?
Thanks
If the Medicam is dosed correctly, your bunny can be on it long term. High doses may impact kidney function if given long term, depending on the age and health of the bunny, so your vet may want to monitor him.
If he is eating, that is always a good sign. It is also good he is keeping himself clean.
Even after the infection or ec clears, there may be residual inflammation and discomfort which the medicam can help. Though he also may need more time for the medication to continue to work, and a different abx may be an option.
Dexter may need time to get used to his new perspective of the world. His head tilt can still improve. Does he have any eye movements, rolling, twisting, or falling over; that may or may not be related to handling?
Sending lots of positive vibes he will continue to improve.
Yes, I always call him my first born (I also have a human daughter who is younger!)Poor boy! He looks very sorry for himself doesn't he. 10 is a good age for a Rabbit and you are trying so hard to help him get better. You obviously care deeply for him. x
Has the Vet checked his eyes for corneal ulceration ? Isathal isn’t very helpful for treating corneal ulcers, chloramphenicol is better as it penetrates the cornea.
His nasolacrimal ducts might be blocked too, which would exacerbate the problem.
When was the last time a Vet looking INTO his ear canals ? If there is infection in the middle ear by now there could also be some visible pus in the outer ear which can be seen using an otoscope or, in severe cases, just with the naked eye.
What strength Metacam are you giving ? The 0.5mg/ml Cat one or the 1.5mg/ml Dog one ?
I'm going to the vets shortly so will discuss the eye problem. i thought the isaathal was treatment for the ulcer? Will need to check
His ducts have always been blocked - is it the case he needs to flush it?
To be fair the vets looked into his ear last time and there wasn't any pus - so sounds like this isn't the case that he has a middle ear infection?
I'm using the 1.5mg/ml dog metacam. I looked at the leaflet yesterday again and it says that the dosage should be 1kg=0.2mg meloxicam. So if Dexter is 1.7kg, I should be giving him 0.34ml of metacam?? The vets prescribed 1ml and I'm not sure why the high dosage apart from maybe to really give heavy pain relief? I'm confused
@InspectorMorse - could you give me more details on how to bathe the eye, what ointment I could use and what eye drops you think I should think about?So the symptoms would just have to be managed - twice daily eye bathing, using a barrier ointment around the eyes to protect the skin, apply abx eye drops if active infection present
Regarding stopping the Panacur, I would take note of what Shimmer says based on her experience. It's sometimes very difficult to diagnose EC, even after a blood test. Sometimes it's the case that it's better to assume that it's a strong possibility and therefore, if not contra-indicated, it is better to continue the medication.I would also ask about eye meds.
You may need to keep going with the Panacur. It can take more than one round of (28 day) treatment to get on top of the EC (if it's confirmed / likely to be EC). Check with your vet, but if there's no other reason to stop (ie liver / kidney issues), I would keep going. Panacur just reduces the parasite loading - it doesn't get rid of it completely. There's also the risk of reinfection through contaminated urine as the parasite is shed in urine.
My worst case of EC was on meds for around 9 months. She eventually got back on her feet and outside again, with a minor head tilt and a slight limitation on jumping on things - but otherwise most people wouldn't have noticed anything wrong. She hopped through the front door one day as normal, and by the time she had gone through the lounge, she had lost the use of her back legs. By the time she got to the kitchen, her head was practically stuck to her shoulder and she was unable to do anything for herself. So there is hope, and Dexter does seem to be improving. I found it best to compare progress week on week, but expect some weeks to go backwards.
You are doing a brilliant job of caring for him.
No he doesn't fall over or roll. He's actually been a tiny bit more active today - getting up, lying down, inching around a bit moreThe tear duct flushing can be attempted whilst the Rabbit is awake. I am doubtful that it would be successful if it is due to dental problems. Some pus might be cleared, but it will just recur. I would suggest managing symptoms as described in my previous post would be the best way forward. If he tries to move does he fall over or roll ? If his immobility is due to him feeling very dizzy then giving a travel sickness drug such as meclizine can help.
Regarding stopping the Panacur, I would take note of what Shimmer says based on her experience. It's sometimes very difficult to diagnose EC, even after a blood test. Sometimes it's the case that it's better to assume that it's a strong possibility and therefore, if not contra-indicated, it is better to continue the medication.
Has the vet said if the problem with Dexter's eye is definitely an ulcer?
If the vet doesn't think it's an ear infection and also doesn't think it's EC, has he said what he thinks it is?
Personally, I would be cheered by the fact that Dexter has made some improvement.
Does your vet see and treat a lot of rabbits?