Anyone around? No vet till Tues.

[Gina]

Hi girls!  Dropping in because I have concerns about my bunny, Chewy.  I have had Chewy for about 3-4 years now and she had a jaw absess when I got her.  We operated twice and she has been on Penicillin and Baytril successfully.  However, I can tell that it has gotten bigger.     She still eats and seems mostly happy.  My question is, can they operate as an absess becomes bigger to make it more comfortable for the bunny and possibly prolong her life?  Her last surgery was about 2 years ago.

 

Also, I don’t know if this is related or not, but she has been make low squeaky noises when I hold her.  (But why not other times?)  It may sound respiratory.  She has been wet under her chin a little bit, but I don’t know if she is drooling because of the absess or what.  It sounds respiratory but wouldn’t the antibiotics have cleared that up? 

Like I said, she is otherwise her normal self.  We have a vet visit scheduled Tuesday morning but I am worried about losing my favorite bun.  She really means so much to us.

[RabbitPam]

I would give the vet a call tomorrow (Monday) morning first thing and describe what you’ve said to us here over the phone. (Or call tonight to ask if your vet takes evening calls.) That way, if the vet thinks it’s urgent, you might be able to get her in right away, or the vet may swap an appointment for you with another patient that can be seen Tuesday instead. I would hate to have one day make a major difference. Let the vet decide?

[Gina]

Hi!  I did call this evening and set up the appointment for Tuesday.  No one there sees bunnies tonight or tomorrow.  I could go to a different animal hospital if that is what is really needed. 

[Beka27]

I agree with Pam. If you can get her in a day earlier, try for that. If the vet is closed tomorrow, just keep with your tuesday appointment. This is the same vet who treated her previously, so he knows her history, right?

[Gina]

Well, we moved so the vet that did her surgeries is an hour away.  Our vet now sees all of our animals and she is great.

However, if I go to another local vet, they don’t know the history and I can’t really ask them about surgical options.  And frankly, I am not sure if I trust any vet with a bunny since that may not be their expertise…

I know it sounds like I am being resistant, but I just wish my vet was in!!!!

[RabbitPam]

Was it the vet that set up your Tuesday appt.? If you talked this evening, can you call them and ask to speak to the vet to make sure you don’t have an emergency? At least if the vet confirms over the phone that it’s safe to wait, you will feel better. And if you shouldn’t wait, your vet might know someone she would suggest you use that she can follow up with.

[FluffyBunny]

Just wanted to say that I’m quite curious about what the vet says about the squeaky noises. My bunny has a problem with some sort of masses on his chin, and he’s been making low squeaky breathing noises while I hold him since long before he had any other problems. He’s also been on several different antibiotics, but they did nothing for the squeaking.

Vibes to your bunny. Hopefully it’s something that can be treated without more surgery.

[Gina]

As I observe her more, I am starting to think the low honky noises are because she is nervous because she is sick?  I don’t really hear her do them with her bonded girlfriend bunny. 

I am pretty sure the drooling is due to the absess. 

Also, I did call the vet and tell the person what was going on.  She said that there is noone there that sees rabbits tonight or tomorrow.   She said that if it was breathing related, I shouldn’t wait too long, but didn’t suggest going to another vet either.  She said come in first appointment Tuesday.  She is breathing ok right now.  Its not labored or anything.

I am just debating whether or not to go to a different vet tomorrow instead.  I have changed my mind a little bit and think it may be absess related.

[RabbitPam]

You can certainly call different vets in the morning, let them know her symptoms and that you have an appt. on Tuesday, and see what their opinion is about her condition and whether you can wait. Unless they want your business, they should be able to know if she cannot wait another day. In the meantime, you will know how she passed the night and be able to tell yourself is she’s worse or better or status quo.

I agree that the drool is absess related. No idea about the honking, unless it is low wheezing from congestion. I would have an emergency vet’s number by the phone just in case. I’d hate to have her take a turn tonight and you need to rummage for one later. By the way, the vet you saw before you moved might be able to chat tomorrow on the phone and give you an idea of how pressing her condition is now.

[FluffyBunny]

It doesn’t really sound like an emergency to me. As long as she’s eating/pooping and breathing fine, and she doesn’t seem to be in a lot of pain, it’s probably fine to wait until Tuesday. I’m not a vet, though.

[Gina]

Thank you girls so much for your quick responses.  I am definetly going to call around tomorrow and see who I can get in touch with.  I think I would only trust the surgical opinions of those i have used before… 

(By the way, Chewy is chewing through a cardboard box right now, so her jaw must not be hurting her too much!)  Hopefully

 

[jerseygirl]

My question is, can they operate as an absess becomes bigger to make it more comfortable for the bunny and possibly prolong her life? Her last surgery was about 2 years ago.

I’m just wondering if further penicillin would be the first approach to keep the size down? Was it Pen-G procaine (Bicillin) ? Or do they need to operate to clean out the area then treat with the antibiotics? Out of interest, is this on her lower or upper jaw?

I hope you can get some input from the vet soon and are on your way to helping out Chewy!

[Gina]

Hi Jerseygirl:

Oooooh, some medical expertise!!!!

Chewy has an absess on her lower right jaw.  It has gotten bigger underneath which is why there is  a concern, along with the weird noises.  (not a scream or anything like that)

A few years ago, we were giving the Penicillin injections every 2 days but it was so emotionally taxing.  Our new vet said we should try the once-a-week Penicillin injection.  I am not sure which one it is, but Pen G sounds right.

She also gets Baytril daily, ground up and put in with baby food.

We have operated 2 or 3 times before in combination with the antibiotics.

[jerseygirl]

Oooooh, some medical expertise!!!!

Nooo.

I’ve learnt this stuff from the board here, from members that have dealt with this sort of thing. I’m just curious as to what current treatment are.

Please keep us posted after you see the vet.

[bunnytowne]

My bunny Ruby has recently starting making honking noises   She used to make squeaky like humming noises when I petted her.  This is cuz she likes her pettings.  This is just when I hold her too

Hopefully that is what your rabbit Chewy is doing.  Of course bring it up to the vet tho.  The drooling as you probably know sounds like teeth troubles. 

Hopefully she will be ok. 

[RabbitPam]

GinaH, not sure where you’re located, but it must be “tomorrow” by now. How’s it going?

[bunnytowne]

Yes Gina   how did it go?    May everything turn out ok for bun bun

[Author]

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