I would get critical care. I would also get pain meds. I always do pain meds and metroclopramide for Pepe after each dental visit. And critical care as needed.

I would ask if the spurs are because of maloclusion and if she feels this is going to be ongoing as well. Pepe gets trims every 4 weeks so be prepared at least in the beginning that this could be the case for Mimzy.

MM, Pepe has had a few loose molars pulled as well.

I really feel for you with these dental problems. But I’m glad you know what you are dealing with. Dental problems are many a cause of stasis and also poopy butt – these things go hand in hand with dental problems.

At least you know what you are dealing with now.

oh geez, I have nothing but healing vibes for you guys, but here’s lots of them ((((((((MM and Mimz)))))

MM – metroclopramide is a gut motility drug. I’ve found that giving this to him for a few days after his dental procedures keeps his gut moving – I actually got this advice from Kathy Smith who wrote “Rabbit Health in the 21st Century” and I’ve followed it. Pepe has had 2 bouts of serious stasis so I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give him this and it might help. So far, I’ve been pleased with the results of giving this to him after his dental and my vet agrees as well. Kind of a preventative.

Keep us update on Mimzy’s recovery.

Mimz!! *HUGS*

Yes I agree-get some critical care just in case. If you can grab some pedialyte and baby food Often they’ll gobble baby food just as is Hey and if you don’t/can’t get baby food-make it! I found out moms do this all the time for babies (lol I’m such a tool hey? You can tell I will never have real children-it would be a disaster! hehehe) just put whatever in the blender pumpkin, or squash or apples or all of them

I believe debridement (of the abscess) means getting rid of all the gunk so that sounds GREAT

I don’t have a lot of advice (knocking on all the wood I own) as we’ve not had dental problems yet-but it sounds like your vet is great and I can’t say enough about having their on call numbers just in case

Oh and something I found totally useful-type the drug name into wikipedia-it gives you the trade name and drug name and then an explanation of what it is, what it does, and what side effects-animals its used in etc. (When I first heard of wikipedia I thought it sounded bogus but it’s a great resource when properly cited)

Also with antibiotics-and likely pain meds-expect messy poops so if you have cornstarch on hand for dry bathing that’ll be a bonus

Keep us posted and lots of {{{Healing Vibes}}} from us

Great to hear he came thru it all ok!!! Hope you have him home soon, chowing down on some food.

I hope this doesn’t sound bad but I’m sort of hoping the nasal and stasis issues were from the teeth issue. At least that way you can go straight to the source of the problem.

Did the vet have any more idea on the mucus in the mouth?

(((Mimzy & MimzMum)))

I also ditto the critical care and the fact that Mimz may have some poopy butt/icky poo for a couple of days.  If Mimz continues to have poopy butt though on the antibiotics (like an everyday occurance after the first few days) then you will need to notify your vet so she can be aware and decide whether Mimz should continue on that particuliar antibiotic.

Rucy would always come home and be tired and her mouth would be sore for a couple of days (even on pain meds). She would try and eat and she’d “pop” up quickly, like she was saying “OUCH!”.   She was not choking at all, just a litttle “yeeouch” movement.   I also  had the gut motility drug for the first day, but she always had her appetite by the second day thank goodness. Critical care really helped her get the needed nutrition and keep her gut on the move.

I would always try and keep things quiet and peaceful and let Rucy sleep like a log for the first couple of days.  I, of course would have to check in on her to see how she was breathing, listen to her gut and feel her body to make sure she wasn’t too cold (though that’s not the most reliable way, but just an overall looksee feelsee kind of thing (sometimes a litte T-Touch massage) , and then I would let her continue sleep in peace.    After two days, she was happy and spunky again. (with surgeries, it took a little longer, but she really recovered well normally)

The medicine you are talking about (where you have to use gloves) is something I had to use as well at one point.  But I cannot remember what it was called. It was several years ago. I also remember its smell was kind “ech”.   It’s not like it burns  your skin or anything, it’s just not good to absorb alot of  it into your system.   Wish I could remember what it was called.  

I am glad that maybe you will be finally getting to the real source of problem here.  (keeping fingers crossed) as this has been a long road for you and Mimz I know!

Hugs to you and healing vibes to Mimz. 

Keep us updated.

Posted By MimzMum on 01/29/2010 03:31 PM . She also mentioned some nasty sounding antibiotic that works in conjunction with the Pen-G (something that has to be handled with gloves, btw, it started with a “c” but the name was so long I can’t remember it) to help clear the abscess, but we’d have to get that from the North Pole pharmacy tomorrow, they don’t have it ready on hand.

Chloramphenicol?  That’s one of the ones we tried for Pepper’s pasteurella.  I was pretty freaked out about the “handle with gloves” thing at first, but eventually I just handled it quickly and neatly and washed my hands right away afterwards.  She was on it for 8 months and she never really had any gut issues, although we were using a pro-biotic.

Pepper’s never had anything that extensive for dental, but also maybe you could make a sort of mush with her pellets and some warm water.  I do that when she has a dental appt and she seems to appreciate that it’s a but less challenging to eat – she slurps it right off the plate.

I bet you are correct Wendy. I haven’t given this drug in ages so it didn’t come to mind. They took this off the market for humans due causing anemia in humans. It’s used alot on animals though.

That’s right! Sarita  thanks, I couldn’t remember what  the problem was with it…anemia, I remember that. now. . And Wendy, that name sounds very familiar.

Oh my gosh!! I’m so sorry. How horribly stressful. So if I am understanding correctly, what was happening was just some left over goop still in his lungs? I hope that was the last of it.   Is that just part of a related secondary infection due to all of the teeth issues?  (I know that happened with Rucy – though her gooby nose was normally light – no big goobers, but she sneezed tiny bits of goop out)      I know it can be tough under anesthesia when there may be secondary respiratory issues as well, so it’s good he blew the goop out! Did the vet think the goop would continue to develop or it should go away now or ??

It sounds like you got the Pen-g that dripped. That actually has happened to me a couple of times – (it’s not easy especially when you are first doing this). I rinsed the fur well with water and that was fine.

I think he will need his pillow and blanket too. He will need to sleep for sure. I’m glad he was able to find comfort in you on that ride over. How sweet he was grooming you. Now you know how he really feels.

Oh no! Poor Mimzy and poor you. I’m surprised they released him like this also. I’m glad he’s okay though.

I’m feeling his runny poo’s were a side effect of his dental problems. Also after anesthesia they seem to get some runny poo’s due to all the meds they give them.

If he’s not eating anything in the morning go ahead and syringe feed him some critical care. You can try an putting some down on a plate and see if he’ll eat it, mine won’t but he might.

Is the probiotic the Benebac? Can you just stick it in his mouth with the syringe – mine will eat it that way.

He sounds like he’s in for a lifetime of dental problems like Pepe so be prepared for continual molar trims. If the molar is loose and ready to come out, it’s not as big a deal to pull these as the incisors. Pepe has lost a few during dental procedures. I think at times though the loose tooth did bother him.

Oh poor Mimzy and MM Its gonna be a long night for both of you! Me and M&M sends hugs and snuggles and raisins for all of you, and hope he gets better soon!

(((Hugss!)))) from Leroy and me! And (((((get well soon vibes!!!))))

Okay, I’ll try my best to answer your questions but I may have some as well:

1. Is the Chloramphenicol compounded? I know it comes in a pill form so I’m imagining it’s compounded. If it’s compounded, yes needs refrigeration. I’m not certain it matters with or without food – I mean you always have hay available anyway and I’ve never been specifically advised that it should be just to do it once or twice daily.

2. Critical Care – I freeze my powder to help it keep fresh – keep in mind this does have an expiration date but if you freeze it according to Oxbow it will keep longer.

As for the slurry – that takes a bit of your own experimentation to find the right consistency and I do keep it in the fridge once it’s mixed for a few days if it’s unused. I would try it twice a day. Keep in mind that this is basically a powdered pellet. What I usually do is this: I dump a jar of baby food into a bowl (that’s what I use, but applesauce is fine) and then slowly mix in the powder until I get a consistency I’m happy with – sometimes I have to dilute with water. I think if he’s eating it off a plate then the consisitency is not nearly as important as it would be for syringe feeding – in that case, it has to be not too liquid and not too thick to go easily through the syringe. I’m sorry I can not be more precise, but I play it by ear (or sight).

3. Metacam – really depends on how Mimz is doing – is he eating on his own? For Pepe, I usually do it for at least 2 to 3 days afterwards even if he seems to be eating well – I can only judge and guess based on this. I may not have to do it that long, but I don’t know if he’s still tender or not from the filing and extraction and I do what makes me feel good (if I know he’s eating – if not, well then I go stronger with buprenex). I’ve never gone over 3 days for this though, if that would be the case, I’d call the vet.

I hope you get some sleep tonight. I know the first time, it’s stressful and I hope it doesn’t become a routine thing.

I’m just glad that you now know what the causes of his overall problem are. Dental problems are pretty common but still still stressful for bunny and bunny mom.

Hi, MM,
Just read this whole thread. Had a very long day at work so only got online in this past hour. Glad to hear he came through the procedure well. It would be wonderful if all the nose issues were caused by dental issues that are getting under control. The poor little guy.

You’ve gotten some great advice regarding the meds already – I’m not much help there.
One tip though if you need it: When I was sleeping in Spockie’s room when he was going through tough times, I rolled out an exercise matte on the floor next to his cage, and slept there on sheets and pillows. I know Fiver is next to your bed so that’s no problem, but where is Mimzy again? If it’s in your room, don’t worry about getting your own rest. You will hear him if he’s in distress, believe me. You can’t get too fatigued. Not good for him or you.
Sounds like he’s recovering quite well. I agree with BB to let him rest a lot. Also, you can watch his poos to see what he’s eating and how it’s coming out. It won’t harm him to be on critical care and/or baby food a few days. Might be soothing. The metacam is good for the pain, and reducing the pain will help him eat, so I would give it as instructed. Pain-free and sleepy – why not?
{{{{{{{{{{{Healing vibes}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I imagine if it’s liquid then it’s compounded so it must be refrigerated, so that was a good call. If I remember correctly mine was a pill form that I compounded myself to get into a syringe for administering it.

I really have no idea how long the Critical Care can be kept frozen. I just went to the freezer to check my bag and it’s good until 07/2010 – I imagine if your vet goes through this and checks their expiration date (and I’m sure they do) then you should be fine. I bought mine sometime last year. Did they just give you a baggie with some in it?

I understand your frustration about the dental MM…I honestly think that we have to be as vigilant and demanding of our vets to get them to check what we suspect and I bet your vet listens to you now. I’m pretty adamant about having my vet check teeth no matter what the illness is because I know how dental problems can reek havoc on rabbits (and frankly other animals). Obviously it’s not always dental, but I think it’s not something that we think about…too much stress on gas and stuff. I guess that’s why when I hear members mention repeated stasis I totally urge them to get a physical examination by a vet to look at everything and not assume it’s just one particular thing and I know you have been extremely diligent getting Mimzy checked out. Sometimes it just seems it’s a matter of deduction.

I think now that you know he has dental disease you will be less stressed now that you realize what you need to do and what you are dealing with.

I’m always stressed as you are when Pepe gets his molars filed but I know now what I have to do and it sure helps me be not as stressed. You’ll learn and you’ll be fine and can help others who have to deal with this.

Healing Vibes! I don’t have more to add except that I did have a vet tech once show me the consistency that he felt was best when having to syringe feed. Sort of like the consistency of just a little thicker than pea soup – it’s also good for hydration as well at that consistency (Though I have made it thicker than that for bunnies that eat it the critical care right up). But for the first couple of days, Rucy’s jaw would be a bit sore too (I figure it must feel like after you’ve been to the dentist with your mouth wide open for hours) So, having i t more like pea soup allowed her to take it in easier. Then I’d thicken it up as she seemed to be able to take it easier. Otherwise if it’s too thick I can get a glop in and she can easily shake it out— and all over me.

I also do what Sarita would do – make a little batch and keep it in the fridge. It normally would be much thicker by the next day – I would warm it just a tad either with the added warm water or microwave it VERY shortly – just enough to make it luke warm. That made it easier for Rucy to take it for some reason.

I know this really has been a long road for you and you have been diligent about trying to get to the bottom of this – it could have been that your own vets were learning as they go and missed something with previous xrays?? It is hard to imagine they did all that and didn’t spot something if it were there, but that could be. Maybe they could now go back and look at the xrays and see if there were something there that would indicate what is happening now?? or Mimz had some slow growing issues. The good thing though is it seems that the problem may be finally figured out. Better later than never. As miserable as Rucy felt the first few days after, she always was so much happier after that. She always did more binkies and was more active. And though I could tell when she was ready for another tooth trim, she really always seemed so happy to be rid of her spurs (and/or a nasty painful tooth/root)