Bun needs antibiotics, I’m going to be away for two nights

[Jazzable]

I just got the results back from a nasal swab and my rabbit has a bacterial upper respiratory infection so he’s being given antibiotics. Vet said the dose will be twice a day for two weeks and to start as soon as possible (I should be collecting the meds today). But I’m going to be away for two nights from this thursday to saturday, I cannot cancel or bring the rabbit with me. Before I knew about the meds, I wasn’t too worried because I would just make sure he had plenty of food, water, and hay to last him 48 hours or so – not ideal but doable.

But now he has to have antibiotics it’s suddenly a big problem. :S Firstly because it would mean missing several doses, and secondly because he’s never had antibiotics before so I’m worried about the possibility of a bad reaction while I’m not there. I guess the most obvious thing would be to delay starting the antibiotics until I get back. It would only be a few days, and he isn’t severely ill – he’s just been intermittently sneezing for a couple of months since I got him, but has no other real symptoms. But the vet said they wanted to start the meds as soon as possible now that they know what it is, which makes sense, argh. I guess I should call the vet back to ask what I should do, I just wondered if anyone here has any advice. :s

[Wick & Fable]

Is there any way to arrange someone to administer the meds? It’s important to start asap because the longer time without the antibiotics, the more the infection will multiply and get stronger, making treatment longer and potentially modify how strong treatment needs to be.

Also, did your vet provide probiotics with the antibiotic? This will help your rabbits stomach deal with the antibiotic, which will set his gut off and potentially make him gassy. Probiotic should be given one to two hours after the antibiotic so it can replenish the bacteria in the stomach the antibiotic may have killed.

I would call your vet for a recommendation if you cannot arrange to come back home or have someone else do it. Potentially he could get a shot for a long term effect to make up for the delayed start.

But again, mention probiotic. It’s important. I read a lot of people say their vets give them probiotics after their rabbit gets gassy and stops eating after receiving antibiotics for a bit, and that’s upsetting. Dual antibiotic/probiotic administration helps younger rabbits deal with the treatment much better, without affecting appetite and digestion.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Deleted User]

If vet says start asap then start asap.

You have no one even checking on him while you’re away for 2 days? A lot can happen in a rabbit in 48 hours and I would honestly NEVER leave my rabbit without someone to check in on them.

[Sirius&Luna]

I really wouldn’t leave even a well rabbit alone for 48 hours. It’s a long time for them to go with no interaction, and they could spill their water, get injured, stop eating etc. I know for a fact that even if I left a giant pile of hay, after 8 hours my bunnies would consider it old and not eat it. I think it’s a pretty risky thing to do.

If you don’t have friends or family that are available to help, what about a pet-sitting website? Or you could ask if you could pay one of the vet nurses to look after him for the two days? Often vet nurses will do some pet sitting on the side

The earlier you start treating an infection the better, so I don’t think postponing the medication is a good idea.

[sarahthegemini]

Could you board him at the vets?

[Author]

Messages