Good evening

Apologies in advance for what feels like a lengthy first post, but I’m beginning to run out of solutions to help our rabbit (Domino).

It all began on Wednesday 8th November where she had a day where she was very much off her food and lethargic – very out of character, Domino will always spend as much time in the garden as she can (she’s a house rabbit). The next day, absolutely fine, back eating like a pig and energy seemed to have returned.

The morning of Friday 10th November however, I came down to the kitchen at 7am to find her seemingly disorientated, eyes flickering and head ‘pulling’ to the left. She managed to get her to the vets for 9am, where he diagnosed that EC was the likely cause… possibly (less likely) a stroke. An infection wasn’t mentioned. Panacur paste (3 sections) was prescribed and 0.3ml of metacam (she weighs 2.9kg).

She seemed to recover fantastically well over the weekend and had a follow up vet appointment on the Monday. However she was still suffering from a few balancing issues and so I wanted to ask and for them to check whether it could potentially be an ear infection. The vet viewed her ears and saw a little discharge but still thought EC was still the likely cause, nevertheless, baytril was then prescribed to replace the metacam. The panacur dosage was also reduced to 1 section per day.

Her condition for the past week hadn’t changed drastically, I’d argue her balance got slightly better but her head tilt seems to have become more pronounced. She’s still eating, weeing and pooping (albeit a little smaller). Her confidence does seem quite low though, and is being quite ‘clingy’ with her partner.

Her final checkup was this evening. As soon as she was placed in the carrier she began to ‘roll’ uncontrollably, seemingly unable to lift her head. During the wait at the vets she couldn’t stand was found to be on her back at one point in the carrier.

As we were waiting, the nurse suggested she take Domino in the back to try and get her to calm down/stand up whilst we waited for a room to become free. When one did, the vet was very concerned and discussed euthanasia as an option, the other was to increase the dosage of panacur to it’s original level. The vet then admitted that the branch wasn’t best placed to deal with rabbits and suggested that we contact a sister branch (it’s a shame it took 3 visits for them to tell us that!!).

When leaving the branch, Domino appeared lifeless and unable to stand. We were bracing ourselves for the worst,  but when we arrived home and opened the carrier, she literally ran out and hid in one of her boxes, unfortunately slipping as she did so and entering into one of her ‘rolling’ episodes. However the fact she was up and about seemed miraculous given the state she was in 15minutes prior. I can only think this was brought on by stress perhaps?  Unfortunately her confidence seems to be deteriorating, and since the episode tonight, she’s fallen over/rolled uncontrollably on two more occasions – her body almost becoming rigid and unable to get up without assistance.

For the past 10 days I’ve read as many online forums on the topic of EC/ear infections as I can. However the consensus appears to be that baytril now seems to be inefficient to deal with middle or inner infections. I’m incredibly reluctant to subject her to another car journey to visit another vets, I honestly think it would be too much for her. Whether her condition is worsening on it’s own or was triggered by the latest vet journey I do not know (she’s a very nervous rabbit by nature anyway). 

I have asked a supposed specialist ‘exotic animals’ vet for a telephone consultation, or even pay for a private home visit – if such a thing exists!? However I’m aware that there is a fantastic amount of knowledge on these forums and therefore seek advice about possible alternative medications. I asked today’s vet whether baytril would be strong enough, his response being it’s the strongest anti-biotic they have for rabbits.

I’ve read numerous threads which mention the likes of Stemetil (anti nausea I believe) or Zithromax (a stronger anti-biotic). Does anyone have any experience using these?

Thank you all in advance!