Need Ear Vibes Please- UPDATE Not Eating Hay

[LittlePuffyTail]

Bindi’s ears have been healthy for a long time (for those who don’t know he used to get frequent ear infections) but our healthy ear luck ran out yesterday. About a week ago I noticed one of his ears had a yucky smell when I cleaned it which never happened before even with bad infections. It didn’t go away, so I took him to the vet yesterday and he has an infection in his right ear. She did a swab and there is bacteria and a lot of redness and swelling in the ear. She sent him home with drops 2x daily for 5 to 7 days and if I’m not certain it’s cleared up I need to take him in for another swabbing. I suspect she thinks it’s not a really bad infection because she usually prescribes drops for more than 5 to 7 days.

The thing I’m concerned about is that during his many past ear infections, he never seemed bothered by it. The past couple of days, however, I notice he’s not himself. Still eating but not as excited about meal time, not eating as much hay and sleeping in his house more. Of course, having had ear infections myself, I know they can make you feel not 100% but I’m still bothered by it. I’m worried this infection won’t clear up as readily as the past ones because it’s obviously something different affecting his ear this time.

Please send him some Good Ear Vibes!

[Snaper]

Oh no Bindi! Hopefuly it clears up soon. Snaper sends nose rubs, & I’ll keep y’all in my thoughts.

[Deleted User]

If you use the drops until the vet confirms the infection has cleared up it will be fine. Some vets, even good ones, need straightforward input from the owner very much, meaning you may need to just tell her you need more drops for the ear. You should have some drops to spare even.
vibes.

[Sarita]

Vibes for Bindi. He really is prone to ear problems – poor guy.

[Deleted User]

This is a quote from the Textbook of Rabbit Medicine, by Frances Harcourt-Brown.

I wonder if it applies to your rabbit’s ear situation, I know this was the trouble with my Deirdra. Her ear was so waxed up that the meds did not work.

It is difficult to clear wax and debris in the
external ear canal of rabbits with any degree
of long-term success. Wax forms an effective
barrier against any ear preparations that are
used to treat it and general anaesthesia or
sedation is usually required to clean the
horizontal ear canal. Relapse is common. As
a rule, it is better not to embark upon treatment
unless clinical signs are present.

 

*of course, only your vet would be able to tell you with certainty

[LittlePuffyTail]

Bindi has a lot of wax in his ears. I use a cleaning solution recommended by my vet 2x a week and sometimes it’s unbelievable the amount of stuff that I can get out after. I have a very thin flashlight that I can use to look in his ear and sometimes his whole ear looks white inside from the buildup. However, my vet said that cleaning too often is bad because then the ear makes even more wax to protect itself. As part of his treatment, 1x a day I have to clean with the solution before the drops to remove as much of it as possible to allow the meds to penetrate the canal. Let’s hope 5 to 7 days does the trick!

[LittlePuffyTail]

This weekend Bindi hardly ate any hay at all. Just picked at it. I bought several different types to try in case he was being fussy but he’s really not interested. Not pooping a whole lot either. He still eats his veggies but is not excited about food like usual.

I’m not sure if it’s because his ear is bothering him or maybe a tooth problem. Could a tooth problem lead to an ear infection? When I bring him for his re-check I will make sure my vet checks his teeth. I e-mailed her to let her, know what’s up with him and ask how much Critical Care, if any I should give him.

I’m so worried. If only he could tell me what’s wrong

[MimzMum]

((((((((((((((((vibes for BindiLoo))))))))))))))))

Our loppies sure seem to have some chronic problems. I’m so sorry to hear he’s unwell, but I hope he bounces back soon!

[LittlePuffyTail]

He’s a bit more himself today. The vet suggested I cut back the ear treatments to 1x a day in case the treatments are causing the problem. He goes for a recheck later this week.

[SukiBun]

Oh I do hope Bindi is better soon!! Lots of healing vibes (((((((((((((( <3 )))))))))))))

[Deleted User]

How is Bindi now, is he eating his hay?

[LittlePuffyTail]

We went to the vet on Thursday. His ear infection is gone. No bacteria in the culture but his ears are still making a ton of wax and are a bit red. She said to keep a close eye on his ears (which I always do anyways). She also checked his teeth which are fine.

I bought a fresh bag of hay and he seems to really like this one (the fussy bugger) and he is a bit more like himself this weekend. I hate when bunny goes “off” a little bit. It’s frustrating.

[Sage Cat]

I have heard that if a bunny has ear problems – then you might want to check out the leg on that side – maybe he is not able to clean it properly? Don’t know if this is the case with Bindi though.

{ { { { { { { Get better soon Bindi!!! } } } } } } }

[Author]

Messages