Charlie’s post-op check and question

[whispercalm]

This morning Charlie had her first post op check from having her back lower left molar pulled and teeth filed. Vet was very pleased with her progress. She’s eating and doing well.

Her culture came back to see what bacteria was in the abscess. The only thing it showed (can’t remember name) was what vet said is the normal bacteria she has in her mouth.

She researched and said the only antibiotic that would work is Injectable penicillin. She explained it’s very risky and can cause a lot of problems. Her opinion was that we wait and recheck her in two weeks for infection with X-ray and exam with hopes that it is clear. Right now it looks good.  We are 6 days post surgery. No swelling or lump.  She said the abscess hadn’t needed a drain hole placed as some rabbits need. She said she flushed and flushed it.

She was hoping we would agree to wait as she really didn’t want to give her penicillin. We did agree. She also explained that infections can be difficult to clear in bunnies. We well know that as Charlie was in antibiotics for most of her first year of life for respiratory issues.

But I am worried about if she needs the penicillin. I’ve done sub-q fluids, but this is different. I’m older and my hands aren’t as steady as they used to be. I read about the dangers of it getting into her muscle or blood stream and how difficult it can be to even get through the needle. I’m afraid I may kill her accidentally with an injection or that the penicillin will really mess her up.

Anyone dealt with this? I’m just nervous and tired. We syringe fed her for 10 days and did fluids as needed. I wasn’t expecting to hear she may need a dangerous antibiotic.
She is the absolute most precious thing to us.

[Bam]

It does seem safer to wait with the penicillin since the vet is reluctant to give it. Maybe keep a close eye, look closely for swelling, monitor her appetite and ability chew, obv poop quality as well.

There are ppl here who have very successfully given sub q penicillin to their buns – moderator Wick for example. I have never done it, I’ve only given buprenorphine sub q and that was just a few times, so I don’t know how difficult it’d be since penicillin probably is rather thick. I expect you’d pull up a good crease of neck fur to you make sure you’re not in the muscle or hit a vessel. Could your vet show you exactly how to do it? The reason it needs to be sub q is that the bunny GI tract cant handle penicillin, so it cant be administered safely through the mouth.

[whispercalm]

Thank you for your reply! She is doing quite well overall. I do have another question concerning her Meloxicam which I will put in a seperate post

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