Healing Vibes please-Kahlua has head tilt-update slight improvement

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Kahlua is at the vet right now, having some rads of her head and I’m just waiting for my call to take her home.

 

She had zero symptoms yesterday, I do an ‘are you eating’ four times a day, and dress Ruperts tail twice a day; Yesterday after work Kahlua and I played toys and I know she was fine. This morning she had the slightest tilt and I thought…nawww

 So I took her upstairs so I could have a quiet look at her, and put her on the floor and she wasn’t tilted, then she did the slightest down and to the side motion with her head twice.

So I called in to work and we rushed to the vet.

Now that I think about it, Rupert has been snarking at her in the past few days, I figured he was getting frustrated with his tail being treated…now I wonder if he noticed something -a smell, a movement, that I didn’t.

I’m really concerned, because Noot looked after Chuck, he guided him and comforted him. Rupert is not that kind of guy, I’m hoping he realizes shes ill and softens up but I’m concerned he’ll be frustrated and angry with her, and that I’ll have to seperate them…

By the time we got there she was rolling. My vet said the car ride will cause it to become worse. She did a full exam and then wanted to do xrays so that gave me a chance to run out and get veggies and puppy pee pads…having been through this with Chuck (and really with Mandy too) I know what I need. I wasn’t sure this morning if I would have time to get a playpen for them (the smaller area the better because when they roll they roll until they hit a wall) so I called my brother (My parents are overseas right now) and he picked up the play pen for me.

 

So I’m all set with my supplies, and sick and devestated and heartbroken and waiting for the call so I can go look at the xrays which will confirm the worst-I’m sure-that’s an otitis in her middle ear, and likely won’t respond to treatment. Then we’ll treat anyways…

[tanlover14]

Healing vibes for Kahlua! And some healing those stress vibes for you!

I understand how hard it can be with having a sick bunny with another. The Tans, especially Sidney, have been nipping Simba every time he comes back from getting his sub-qs and CC. Almost like she knows he’s weak and wants him to know it to. That she can finally be higher than him or something.

Usually a firm no and nudging her away stops it until the next time I put him back. I would keep an eye on them though. I heard somewhere that when they are really sick sometimes the other bunny will reject them as a way of preparing for the grieving process. This could be what Rupert is doing.

[Sarita]

Oh no, vibes for Kahlua.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Sorry to hear this, K&K. Poor little Kahlua. Don’t jump to conclusions….it may not be an ear infection and, even if it is, they are sometimes treatable. You are such a great bun Mom and caught it right away. ((((((((Kahlua))))))

So many cases of head tilt lately around here. What is going on?

[Monkeybun]

Healing vibes for Kahlua! My Smudge got head tilt last week too, I know how you are feeling! Monkey isn’t exactly helpful… sometimes she ends up sitting on Smudge’s face heh. Hopefully what she has is easily treatable, and heals up fast.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I know I don’t understand why head tilt seems to be so frequent-how could I have two bunnies get it
Monkey I’m so sorry to hear-it’s just terrible isn’t it.

Thanks everyone for the healing vibes and thoughts.

We just got home and got set up and got medications done. Got an email from my boss saying work is quiet and not to worry about coming in for the afternoon. Thankfully-I’m just exhausted and want to observe her.
Rads/xrays were inconclusive. I couldn’t view them because the power went out (basically when I stepped in. My prescriptions had to be hand written and they trust I’ll come back and pay the big bill sometime soon) -she said there was a slight opacity in the bulla, but nothing to suggest bone involvement etc, so she thinks either way treatable, but I think she said EC would be a preferable/treatable cause, so I think I have my fingers crossed for that. Maybe I’m mixed up but I think that’s what we’re hoping it is.

She’s already rolling -I’m just going to watch them and see if she’s eating. Thanks for the thoughts and vibes everyone

[IsabellaRobyn]

Sending (((vibes))).

[MimzMum]

Oh K&K, I’m so sorry. It must be this time of year, Mimzy got his tilt in June last year.
What meds did they give you? Mimzy’s regimen hit everything; metacam for CNS symptoms, panacur in case of E.C., metaclopromide to keep his gut moving (he was on that for over six months), meclizine for balance and Baytril since it’s the standard.
Poor wee Kahlua. Megavibes not only to feel better but that Rupert won’t be a snot and will accept her despite her illness. (((((((Kahlua))))))))
Bless you…PM me if you need an ear. I hope she’ll come out of it quickly like Bindi did for LPT. xx

[bullrider76543]

I am so sorry to hear about this. all of your buns will be in our prayers!!! {{{{Healing Vibes}}}}

[kcomstoc]

I hope that Kahlua can get through this poor little bunny,i hope that everything turns out fine {Kahlua}. Sending lots of vibes out for you and your bunnies

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks everyone. Yup we’re doing meclizine(start tomorrow, it has to be compounded at a special pharmacy-for dizziness and balance), and fenbendazole (EC) cloropalm (it’s like baytril but broader I think, it’s in the line my vet clinic deals with; for otitis) and metacam(pain).

I can’t say I’m optimistic, Chuck was a long haul of medications, a small remission and a big relapse. I really really hope that Kahlua, who is always in good health will pull through quickly. I think that I need to decide on a timeline though, I can’t let her suffer if she isn’t going to get well. Right now is the worst-it’s such a quick acute onset, I’m really really hoping that we see improvement quickly. She’s really struggling.

Thank you thank you thank you for the vibes and thoughts, it’s truly devastating.

[Roberta]

Vibes for Kahlua and all our poorly bunnies………………

[jerseygirl]

{{{Kahlua}}}
It’s such early days K&K. Stay positive!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Agree with Jersey, you gotta stay positive for Kahlua. You caught this right away, there is hope. ((((((Kahlua)))))))

[MissD]

Lots of vibes for Kahlua!!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thank you everyone for the vibes It means a lot.

Kahlua just ate a dandelion!! It’s the first thing she’s eaten on her own since this started. I’ve offered everything and just brought in a few dandelions to try and she scarfed it down. Then rolled got frustrated and stopped eating, and is now resting, but still she tried and ate something. It was really disheartening that she wasn’t even trying to eat.

[Monkeybun]

That is how Smudge was at first, then she got used to the fact that she wasn’t upright. After she settled into it, that’s when she started eating on her own more. It takes them a bit to get used to being all dizzy.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thank you Monkey. It’s just heartbreaking. Chuck was such a trooper, it didn’t even phase him, I don’t recall him having any trouble eating, he just adapted and ate right away.

Tried more dandelions and no luck now. I have carrot tops and nasturtium in the garden I guess I’ll try in a bit, we just did force feeding and meclizine. We still have fendbendazole, cholor palm and metacam for tonight. Poor thing. Luckily she’s really sweet and takes her medicine. Rupert had a round of chlor palm a little while ago for his tail and I had wounds up and down my arms from him-he’s a fighter.

There both so exhausted that Rupert passed out right in front of me and I got to see him having little bunny dreams-my suspicions were confirmed-he dreams of eating.

[TBpony414]

Hope Kahlua feels better soon. You caught this quickly and that’s really key to maximum healing! I’d love to see Rupert’s little bunny dreams, that sounds adorable. Hang in there K&K!

[MimzMum]

I know you’ve been through this with Chuck, K&K, and I know it’s a long slog. I really hope Kahlua will make a great turnaround and do better soon.
(((((((Vibes for Kahlua)))))))))
Lol…Rupert…what bun doesn’t dream of eating? ^_^

[jerseygirl]

I got to see him having little bunny dreams-my suspicions were confirmed-he dreams of eating.

Ahhhh! So cute!

I remember thinking with Chuck that his blindness was a blessing in disguise when he got tilt. It’s probably more disorientating for Kahlua. But I think you’re right, Chuck was a trooper. Such an adaptable boy.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks everyone.

I went to the grocery today to buy every bunny safe food there is to try with her, the dandelion gave me hope. She perked up and had a small bit of banana. I think the meclizine or time is helping, though she’s incredible tilted, she’s standing and is not rolling or getting stuck hardly as often.

I’ve worked out a deal to have my brother here during the day next week so I can go to work, and he’ll watch. I’m hoping she’s eating by then, going to try some pumpkin now.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

A few licks of pumpkin, half a carrot, having a rest.

[RabbitPam]

Hi, KK, sorry to be coming in late on this. I think you shouldn’t compare her to Chuck, because she has such robust health compared to him going into it. And I can’t believe how FAST you caught it! That must be the quickest I’ve ever heard of, and we know that the sooner you catch and treat, the faster and better the outcome. So she’s getting the absolutely best odds possible.

Love our girl, and she will respond to {{{{{{{{{{{{{healing vibes}}}}}}}}. Because I said so.
{{{{{{{{{{{{Vibes for Rupert, too}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Throwing in a few more {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Smudge vibes}}}}}}}}}}}}}}.{{{{{{{{{{{Mimzy vibes, while I’m at it.}}}}}}}}}}}}}
We need our bunnies all better. all of them.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thank you Pam!! Your not late at all, and I really appreciate your words

We just did a force feeding (I’m adding apple juice and a small amount of pumpkin to the critical care mix) and did metacam. I cleaned the pen and put them in with a mix of food. Kahlua turned down apple but got excited and is EATING some red pepper Oh sigh of relief,

[tanlover14]

K&K – you can try adding carrot juice to the CC mix also. We are using carrot juice mixed with pumpkin and the CC mix right now also for Simba. Simba isn’t very fond of the apple either, so maybe the carrot will help make the going down easier?

Sending more vibes!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

That’s a super idea!! Thank you!! Apple is so sweet, and carrot would mix well with pumpkin. I’ll definitely pick some up.

[RabbitPam]

She might like a bit of banana, since it’s mushy and has potassium.
The carrot/pumpkin combo sounds good.

(OK, am I really nuts, or has anyone been tempted to taste critical care?)

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I have the apple banana and smelled it-it just doesn’t smell nice…maybe I’ll taste a bit

[MimzMum]

My guess is it probably tastes a lot like wheat germ.
Good to hear that Kahlua is finding some nommies she can get happy about. More eating and healing vibes coming your way! ((((((Kahlua))))))))

[tanlover14]

HA! I’m dying laughing. With Simbas stasis – it was the first time we picked up a bag and we got the Apple Banana. I tried it – it’s gross. Don’t be tempted!

[Elrohwen]

Oh no, I just saw this. Vibes to Kahlua! It really does seem like everybun is getting sick at the same time.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I think the apple banana smells good. Much better than the black licorice smell.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Not much news to report, she’s still really tilted, but she’s taking her meds well (well except the chloro palm) and is eating really well. Shes drinking when I offer her a water bottle as of last night.
I’m paying my brother to come during the day to watch them, change pee pads and feed. He’s reported that Rupert is slowly warming up but was initially really protective and wouldn’t let him touch her. He’s no longer snarking at her, but is a bit jumpy when she rolls; however hes supporting her when she rests. So really good progress with him being supportive.
I called my vet and we’re going to do the chlorpalm for 30 days (initially we had a 14 day script) and the fenbendazole is 28 days. Ordered more meclizine for friday.

[MimzMum]

Sounds like good news there K&K! That’s amazing that Rupert is beginning to support Kahlua. I can honestly say I wish I had rebonded Mimz and Pip or bonded him to Fiver before this happened because he is all alone now and will not accept another bunny as companion, due to how vulnerable he feels now I guess.

Has your vet talked about a thorough clean of all bedding/toys/litterboxes etc, after 21 and 28 days of treatment? That was something I meant to mention to both you and Monkeybun, apparently there’s something significant about those days and the possible reinfection window, depending on which pathogen caused the head tilt.
For me, I found it easier to just 86 most of the stuff Mimzy had been using up to that time. He’s never used his night habitat again and I was keeping him in storage boxes as ‘hospital beds’ during his recovery from the rolling. He’s now in an xpen exclusively and doesn’t use a litterbox anymore due to his arthritis. (I change out a lot of pee pads and towels.)

It’s a long way home, but you get there eventually. Continued vibes for wee Kahlua. xx

[BinkyBunny]

Oh my, I am so sorry for my late arrival on this. I hate this for you. I know it must feel like a terribly deja vu. I am glad that Rupert seems to be calming down and becoming the support that Kahlua may need.

I’m sending out the healing vibes for Kahlua and peace vibes for you! I know this takes a real toll and so be sure to not let the stress get to you and be sure to get plenty of rest.

[Monkeybun]

Good idea, MM. I have spare litter boxes already, so I can easily toss Smudge’s current one. She hasn’t left it at all, so I don’t think I’m too worried about anythign else they have had. The dishes can be washed in the dishwasher, and the blankie they have is washable too.

Glad to hear that Rupert is beign a good boy for Kahlua. Hope she gets better a lot more quickly than Smudge is!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks all!! It really means a lot to come here and see that others care too! People at work are asking, but I can see that ‘it’s a bunny’ look…

Anyways, Mimz that’s interesting, my vet didn’t mention anything about that. However I did remove them from their rabbit run, they are in a brand new play pen and it’s lined with pee pads that I change 4-5 times a day; She’s not using a box, but Rupert is, we could definitely toss it in time. I wonder which infection the cleaning is for. From my reading of EC it’s passed to babies from mom, or ingestion or urine. I hope they aren’t licking pee! But the otitis is usually pasturella so that’s maybe where the sterilization comes in. I’ll definitely do a thorough wipe down with disinfectant, weekly I guess so I don’t miss the 21 or 28! God I hope that’s the magic key!!

Mimz-I remember Mimzy getting tilt but -dare I ask, is he recovered 100% or still tilted a bit? I’ve read it’s a 50% recovery, but I don’t think I’ve read of anyone on here who had a strait rabbit after tilt…

[MimzMum]

Well, LPT was lucky enough to keep Bindi’s head straight after his tilt (I think she’d just brought him from the vet or something? At any rate, back he went and they got it sussed quickly)
Sadly, yes, Mimzy is still tilted. I think some nerve damage occurred because his down eye is not tearing properly or closing right anymore, so I have to keep drops going in.
I would think an up eared bunny would do better with the tilt, but not sure that is a deciding factor. Definitely the more inbred the bunny (like the lop) the more things that can go wrong mechanically with their physiology. It’s sad that breeding has caused so much trouble with bunnies.

[LittlePuffyTail]

That’s so sweet how Rupert is being so supportive.

Yes, Bindi got slightly tilted all of a sudden. Just enough to look like he was cocking his head and was a bit wobbly. He also had nystagmus. I brought him to the vet asap and she kept him for the weekend on fluids and we started a 30 day course of Fenbendazole. He was straight up after a week and completely back to normal. The vet thinks it was EC symptoms occuring due to him being so stressed after a really bad case of stasis about 5 days before where he had to go to the vet 3 times in one weekend.

More ((((Straighten up Kahlua Vibes)))))))

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks for the hope!!

I spoke too soon re; Rupert, My brother called me today after he separated them. He reported that Rupert was hogging the food (Shock!) and biting at her. I’m going to put them back and watch…I’m wondering if he mistook grooming or snarking for biting. I guess I’ll be separating them whenever I’m not there if things go good.

[MimzMum]

Oh…forgot to mention that there are some good results with neck massage for the affected bun. It helps keep them for ‘cricking up’ and getting too used to holding their head that way, loosens the muscles and keeps them supple. I don’t think I did enough of that with Mimzy, sadly.
((((((((Feel better Kahlua vibes)))))))
((((((Behave yourself Rupert vibes)))))))))

[Monkeybun]

Maybe you can just separate them for food… then Kahlua can eat at her own pace and not get bugged about it

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks guys…

Weird question…I work with the elderly and disabled indirectly at work…and I get a lot of conversations/info about health care. I’m constantly applying that to my elderly disabled pets…I often think in occupational therapy terms (that’s the rehab group that works on stuff to help with disabilities) -I’m wondering what you guys think, and I’ll ask the vet when I bug her next week…What do you think -a supportive neck brace, maybe attached to a bunny halter, that would put a soft cushion on the bad side to help hold the head at a more natural angle? Issues, suggestions?

No improvement…I don’t see Rupert being aggressive but I did move him when I went to work today and have put him back now that I’m home (no sitter, so only did half day today at work). I nipped out to the greenhouse today to buy Kale, Romaine, swiss chard etc for my garden. I started seeds early this year in the house but they are not harvest ready (though I’m plucking nasturtium and carrot tops daily). Thought I’d get some plants so the veggies are fresher for her and it’s easy to grab some. They just had some romaine.

[Monkeybun]

Thats an interesting idea. It could help with the damage to muscles and such from it being pulled tot eh side.. hmm

[MimzMum]

But would a neck brace make it difficult for them to eat cecals, like how a cone does?
I admit, it’s an interesting idea if you could make it work, and if bunny would wear it!
The odd thing is, there’s some debate that after they heal that some of the tilt could be psychological because when they are anesthetized for surgery the tilt resolves and before they are fully awake they hold their heads straight. Mimzy did this after his recent dental and for some time after he came home as well. Once all the drugs wore off though, back to 90 degrees left.

[Monkeybun]

Smudge can’t eat cecals anyway with how rolly she is She tries, and just falls over and cant get up

[jerseygirl]

I agree, interesting idea K&K. Maybe a search of On The Wonk site to see if something like its been used before?

One benefit I can see if used for couple hours a day is it might rest overused muscles and activate others that have been lax due to the tilt.

I wonder if acupuncture and acupressure has been used for tilt bunnies???

[Roberta]

All animals respond very well to reiki too. Its amazing how a pet that normally bounces off the walls or refuses to be still will suddenly become quite passive with a reiki massage.

[jerseygirl]

I wanted to post this pic of her again because there are probably a lot of member unfamiliar with Miss Kahlua. Also because I love this pic!!

More {{{vibes}}} for the fluffy Diva

[kcomstoc]

I hope everything gets better for Kahlua soon and that Rupert gives her the support she needs though this {{{{{{{Kahlua}}}}}}}

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks for posting that Jersey -that made me smile I cant bring myself to post any tilted pictures of her, because I think she’s always been such a princess that she would be upset that people saw her the way she is now. She’s always been a princess.

Thanks for all the continued vibes and thoughts on the neck brace. I’m definitely going to have to run that by my vet to see what she thinks then. She’s too tilted to eat cecals so shouldn’t be an issue at this point.

I found Chuck liked the neck rubs too so I’ve been doing them a bit with Kahlua as well. I’ll have to ask about the acupuncture (one of the vets at my clinic does it) and look into the Reiki.

Rupert seems to be being pretty good to her, I’m wondering if my brother saw grooming and thought it was biting, or maybe he was just having an off day. I am giving him some time in his run now everyday so he can stretch his legs. He’s also toodling all over the house while I clean the pen, slippery floors be darned. Proud of him being brave. He was holding her up last evening and isn’t stealing food from her.

On another note, I guess we conclusively know it was Kahlua who was overgrooming and keeping his tail from healing. It’s all healed now and no issues. I knew he was too chubby to reach it himself! So at least that’s resolving, because that was a constant stress for him.

She’s not too interested in the new lettuces I bought for the garden-she’s all about Kale, red pepper, dandelion and banana.

[RabbitPam]

Rupert may have been more agitated with the presence of your brother, and grooming can look like biting, too.
He’s being very sweet to support her now, especially since he knew she was the cause of his tail trouble. I think he’s doing the best he can.

{{{{{{{{{{{{Faster healing vibes to Princess Kahlua}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Deleted User]

((((((((((Healing Vibes for Kahlua))))))))) I’m glad that the princess has her prince to look after her. =]

[MimzMum]

Aw, K&K, I know how you feel. I don’t like the idea of showing pix of Mimzy now either, but we shouldn’t have to feel that way. If you ever feel like wanting to share pix of her, please do.
Have you ever read the story of the Tilted Butterfly? I think it’s in one of those rabbit stories books that were posted about here a few years ago, Valiant Hearts or Valiant Spirits I think it’s called? I remember reading it before Mimzy got his tilt and thinking…oh that poor bunny…I couldn’t imagine taking care of a special needs bunny like that and not crying everyday. And now I have one of my own! And he still makes me smile.
Mimzy can eat his cecals, he’s recovered enough that he can reach down, but he often just drops them and turns around for them.
I have heard that acupuncture is supposed to be good for head tilt bunnies. I’d go for it when she’s ready.

[jerseygirl]

I wondered whether his tail would heal atm. I wonder if her biting it is related at all to what’s going on now for her??? It’s so darn hard to tell with rabbits.
Was it head X-rays you had done for her?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

So no luck trying to fashion a neck brace so far, Dave and I both designed one each and tried them both but they don’t work-design flaws. We’re going back to the drawing board. The more I think about it the more I like the idea because I think it would really help keep the muscles from getting too tight on one side and too out of tone on the other. Continuing with neck massages which she really seems to like.

Rupert got voted off the island last night, he was humping her so I sent him to his run for the night. No issues together today, I think he just needs some time in a bigger area. I agree with you Pam, he’s doing the best he can. I think when we assign personalities we assume they are more intelligent then what they are, and it’s easy to think he really understands but likely I’m overestimating him. So more out time, and less expectations will bode well I think. I definitely think he was nervous about my brother and it was a bit of referred aggression, if there was any.

Kahlua had a super day today, eating lots, very energetic, I can feel that she’s stronger when I hold her for meds, she’s moving around a bit, and fighting me at med times so that’s wonderful, I’m ecstatic. She even drank from a bowl today when I put it under her chin!

Mimz-I’m going to have to look for that book! I was looking for like a chicken soup for the soul type book for rabbits, and that sounds like just what I’m looking for.

Jers-I had the same thought but don’t know what the mechanism could be that would relate the tail to the tilt…and it’s been going on almost 8 months or more now so I’m hoping I could rule it out as related. And yes we had xrays, not conclusive, she thought there might be a small shadow in the bulla, but with the tilt it’s hard to see and she didn’t want to put her under for the xrays.

Thank you everyone for all the vibes, it’s so hard adding all the stress to your daily life with an illness like this and you are all being so supportive, I really appreciate it!

[TBpony414]

Continuing to send jingles for precious Kahlua. You’re doing a great job caring for her, K&K! That picture posted of her above is just darling.

[LittlePuffyTail]

((((Sending more love and Vibes to the Princess)))))))

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thank you all for the continued vibes and thoughts!!

I’m knocking on all the wood I own….but…

Houston…..we have improvement!!!

I thought I saw the teensiest lessening of her tilt Monday and realized I haven’ noticed nystagmus in days…consciously noticed. I wasn’t examining her for it, and either didn’t notice it or didn’t notice a change….
But then…My brother and Dave, exceptionally unobservant of animals but who have been wonderfully lending a hand both proclaimed that she looks much better today.
And it’s gotta be true-she was full on exorcist-bunny, head tilted all the way back, and down, it was resting on her back leg. Seriously couldn’t have been worse. And now, it’s …well better. I would say maybe 90 degrees and more upright, less rolling. And she’s putting it strait to eat and drink.

I don’t want to jinx her possible recovery but I have to report my good news-I think she’s on the mend, even partly which is much more then I ever expected!!!

[Monkeybun]

yay!! Keep getting better, little princess!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Another update, they are completely separated now, not even visiting, Rupert is growling and humping and it’s upsetting her, so we’ll just have to see if she gets well if they can bond again. Very sad about that, but desperately hopeful now that there is some improvement.

[RabbitPam]

I’m sorry they are not getting along, but maybe Rupert just got freaked out with “The Exorcist” look.
Very glad to hear she’s showing signs of improvement.
{{{{{{{{{{{{Continued healing vibes}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[kcomstoc]

I’m glad to hear she’s getting better {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{heal little Kahlua}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[MimzMum]

Posted By Kokaneeandkahlua on 06/09/2013 11:57 PM
So no luck trying to fashion a neck brace so far, Dave and I both designed one each and tried them both but they don’t work-design flaws. We’re going back to the drawing board. The more I think about it the more I like the idea because I think it would really help keep the muscles from getting too tight on one side and too out of tone on the other. Continuing with neck massages which she really seems to like.

                           Gosh, If you could get that working I can imagine it would be fantastic for a lot of tilty bunnies out there. Put me on the list for one just to help steady Mimz up!

Rupert got voted off the island last night

                            I ROFL’ed at that! Not happy that they are separated, but I hope they will be able to get back together eventually.

Kahlua had a super day today, eating lots, very energetic, I can feel that she’s stronger when I hold her for meds, she’s moving around a bit, and fighting me at med times so that’s wonderful, I’m ecstatic. She even drank from a bowl today when I put it under her chin!

                            This is very encouraging news!

Mimz-I’m going to have to look for that book! I was looking for like a chicken soup for the soul type book for rabbits, and that sounds like just what I’m looking for.

                           Here’s the title, but it’s out of print I think, only second hand sellers at Amazon ;

                           Rabbits: Gentle Hearts Valiant Spirits: Inspirational Stories of Rescue, Triumph, and Joy by Marie Mead 

                           And of course I just realized my copy is nowhere to be found.

And yes we had xrays, not conclusive, she thought there might be a small shadow in the bulla, but with the tilt it’s hard to see and she didn’t want to put her under for the xrays.

                           It’s entirely possible that xrays may not show the bulla properly and an MRI would be needed. My vet told me that Mimzy’s sinus abnormality would have to be seen on a CAT scan or MRI. Not available here, sadly.

I’m glad to see that there is a bit of progress with Kahlua! That sounds like her head was way round and down. Mimzy went to 90 degrees maximum, sometimes his head will just loll on the floor if he’s really tired. Then other times he’ll be almost straight up and only recently has he found a comfy way to lay on his belly again. I miss him being able to flop like he used to.

Hope Kahlua continues to improve!

 

[tanlover14]

Popping in rather late as I’ve been dealing with demon Nora who was eating herself to pieces after her spay…. these bunnies I swear!

I am so glad I am popping in now though – as it sounds like she’s really improving. Goo Kahlua!!!!! ((CONTINUED VIBES FOR YOU BABY GIRL!))

And I’m so sorry to hear about Rupert needing to be separated. When Simba was in stasis – Sidney kept trying to dominant him whenever he would come back in from Sub-Q’s and force feedings. Like she knew he was unwell and was going to battle him when he was at his lowest. So we would push her away from him and sit with them until she finally got over it and left him alone. Now that he’s better, they seem to be doing better so I hope your two are easily put back together when Kahlua is well and he can’t be such a bully!!!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks everyone!!

We had a bit of excitement. My vet wasn’t in to reorder the meclizine with enough time for the weekend, so I dropped to her original 1x day dose (we were doing two but told one was fine) so we would make it through the weekend. The change was terrible, we were up Thursday all night with nystagmus and twitching and rolling, so I had to dose her and the change in an hour was palpable.
I had to do some threatening to the vet team (they were too busy to phone the script in first thing friday) and the pharmacy (they want two processing days) but got the script yesterday afternoon.
I’m not sure how I’m going to handle the vet. She’s fantastic and skilled, but taking time off work when my script is going to run out without reordering or letting me know, and really she could have phoned in a standing script…well needless to say I was frantic Thursday night and friday making my calls and threats to get the medication. I’m going to take the weekend to cool off, but I think the two options are I go to head to head with her about why she would leave me without a prescription if she was going to be off work….or just have make a standing order for me to get us through so I can have the pharmacy fill it when we need, and start looking around for another. I’m really really angry about that service, especially considering we really should have the clinic named after my family with the money we’ve spent there.

Lesson learned: meclizine is not a ‘can’t hurt might help drug’ …it’s a ‘the only drug doing anything drug’ and I would urge anyone with tilt to get it asap and stay on it.
2nd lesson: don’t trust your vet to phone in scripts when needed, check in, or not be off work when you need them.
3rd lesson; when they say they can’t get a med ready in less than two days, they can do it in four hours if your really get reasonable but firm on that phone.

Anyways, Kahlua seems very much straighter, balance is still poor but doing well and eating well. They remain separated and I’m not sure how they’ll do when she’s better, if she gets 100% better. But the improvement is drastic, so I’m very hopeful she will recover. Her tilt was so bad (it couldn’t have possibly been worse) so I originally had little hope but am very hopeful.

Rupert seems just fine having his house to himself, I’m just watching closely for any stress/stasis in him.

Thank you for all the continued vibes. I think that’s the recipe for recovery-vibes, meclizine and hope.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh and one more lesson, this one very important. Think very hard on what you name your pets, lest you find yourselves in my situation, having to go to a human pharmacy and say
“I’m here to pick up my prescription for Kahlua”

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

kahlua is looking straighter and straighter, but she’s still got very poor balance in walking. IT’s almost like she wants to tip down rather than sideways.
Her eyes are bright and clean, no more boogers and she was a little poopy yesterday and the day before, but today has good poops again.
She’s very feisty and if I’m being to pushy with food-she totally bites my hand!

[kcomstoc]

Wow glad she is continuously getting better {{{{{{{{more healing vibes for Kahlua}}}}}}}}

[Deleted User]

I’m glad that Ms. Kahlua is doing better! =] (((((Continued Vibes for Full Recovery)))))

[LittlePuffyTail]

So glad to hear the improvement!!!!

I suspect it’s strange for to be more upright. She will have to get used to that after being tilted for so long.

[MimzMum]

K&K, I had to chuckle at the pharmacy hearing you say, script for Kahlua…lol. I always felt funny just telling my ‘human’ rx that I’m picking something up for my rabbit. Now we do this for all the pets, it doesn’t seem so weird…but you should see the looks I get!
I was just posting on MB’s thread about Smudge, there will be some loss of confidence in the head tilt bunny, it will take awhile for her to reorient once she begins to walk about. Also you may want to expect the possibility of some permanent damage to the inner or middle ear, depending on how severe the infection was.
I also find that weather plays a huge part. We are stokin’ hot right now and poor Mimzy is just a puddle…any time he is moved his head sways way off to the left again and he doesn’t seem as steady.
I agree about the vet and needing to be firm. I think my vets’ probably dread either me or OH coming in with our pets. He is not a bit shy and will let anyone have it with both barrels, but as far as I’m concerned, I think they make sure they get me everything right off the bat because they get tired of hearing me ask and ask and ask (worry wart that I am.)
My vet had a running refill on the meclizine. We rarely had to go back for any call ins, so it was always available. So is Mimzy’s metacam because they know well his condition.
More ((((((((((((((((((((((Healing vibes and prayers))))))))))))))))))))) for Kahlua…but it sounds like she is doing really well.

[tanlover14]

Hahahah “picking up my prescription for Kahlua” … sounds about right! That’s hysterical.

Mimz, I totally know those looks! I was late for work when Simba was in stasis and I texted my boss to tell him I was going to be late – that I was giving my bunny an IV and the drip was going uber-slow. He was just like “this is the weirdest excuse I have ever heard…” LOL!

Sending more (((healing vibes))) along for Kahlua!!!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

lol I love your bosses response Tanlover!! That’s great!
My boss asked “ok, the strange reason for keeping rabbits aside, how did you end up with a rabbit named Kahlua?”

I think we’ve reached the end of recovery, she’s tippy and down facing, but is moving around ok (stumbly like a drunk, but I’m able to leave her water in and she can get to it).

I think we’ve got it sorted with the vet, appears to be an issue with the front desk girl My vet phoned today and said she found my file out with a note, from Thursday and no one passed it on to her, she just happened to be up front and found it!! It makes a lot of sense, the girl is fairly new, and I’ve known my vet for -gosh at least 8 years and no issues at all. Probably why I was so devestated at having trouble! I’m glad we got it sorted.

At any rate she’s putting the meclizine on order for me, so shouldn’t have any more issues. But she’s feeling that after a long run of antibiotics and fen that that’s about it, and that she’ll likely always be tippy.

I guess now it’s time to evaluate her quality of life, but I want to give her a bit more time to see if there is any more improvement.

I realized she’s really missing Rupert as I brought him up for a visit yesterday. Even though he’s snarking and nipping at her (so I have to hover and keep my hand in between his head and her) she was ecstatic, burying her face in his fur and tooling around. He seemed indifferent-that’s Rupert.
So I set up a dog kennel in our bedroom for Rupert to sleep in, so they can hopefully see each other but certainly can smell and hear each other.
Rupert woke me up at 3 am, having dumped out his pellets and was raking his bowl along the crate door like a prisoner. It was the craziest noise, I thought something bad was happening!! What a bugger. I’ll try him up for a little visit before bed and to sleep in the dog crate again. No dish-little bugger!

Thanks for all the vibes and encouragement. I’ll see if I can get some before and after video loaded up to share soon. Would value your opinions on how she’s doing.

[MimzMum]

Without seeing a video, I’d say you may want to wait a bit longer to evaluate QOL. Mimzy is a little over a year with his slight tilt and it varies from day to day how bad it gets, although my kids say he looks much better than he did back then. He is a happy bun for the most part (all three bunnies could do without the high heat we’ve been having) except that handling is a bit more difficult now. But he settles quickly after being moved. Usually gets quite stroppy afterwards too.

I think it’s precious that she snuggled up to Rupert. Too bad he’s being a poo about it all. Tell him to chill with the bowl rattling…what a booger! xD

Look forward to seeing Kahlua when you have the time to post the video. Give her a snuggle from me.

[Author]

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