Neuter got infected – slow healing :( ****WARNING graphic content***

[Theo&Mickey]

Hi everyone,

I’m new on the forums and hoping someone can give me a bit of advice or reassurance. I recently had my sweet bunny Theodore neutered at 8 months old. He never sprayed, was never aggressive and is the sweetest bunny I’ve ever had. He’s a licker – licks my legs, face, lips and purrs when he’s happily being stroked. The reason I got him neutered is because I would like him to have a bunny companion. He has an entire room to himself (cage-free) but I can’t be with him 24/7 like another bunny would.

Anyhow, he was neutered on Sunday 2nd of July, and all seemed to go well. I picked him up at the vet post-op and saw the vet nurse who explained everything had gone well and to keep an eye on him. He got internal dissolvable stitches and some glue to close the wound. They didn’t send me home with any pain meds. He ate immediately once he got home: hay, some pellets, greens and had a hearty appetite. All seemed great! He also pooped, peed and was drinking. I was happy. 

I checked the wound daily for the next 2 days. It looked swollen with fluid but I thought that was normal for the first couple of days post-op. There was no pus. Day 3, I took him back to the vet for a check up and the vet nurse “hmmmmmm-ed” once she had a proper look “down there”. She called the vet to take a look (not the vet who operated, he wasn’t in that day), which made me extra worried. I was told that the wound was beginning to look infected and that he had been chewing it. I never witnessed him doing this but accepted their explanation, and then……. they brought a cone out for him to wear  I was devastated, I couldn’t imagine how he would eat with it on and because of his floppy ears (he’s a lop mix) it impaired his vision and squished his ears against his face. Poor boy! I also expressed my concern to the nurse that he wouldn’t be able to eat his cecetropes and she didn’t seem to understand what I meant. She thought I was talking about him being able to eat his food and said the cone is short enough for him to eat. I gave up trying to explain. I live on a tiny island where we only have a handful of good cat/dog vets. The vet practice I chose to neuter him at supposedly have 2 exotic specialists on board, and one of them performed the surgery.

Ok.. so I was instructed to clean the wound twice daily with saline and apply Fucidin. And to bring him back in 3 days, which is today. I’m set to take him in a few hours. I don’t know what to expect – he might have to go under anaesthesia again to clean up the wound and dead tissue? I’m hoping they’ll prescribe antibiotics but the sad thing is he will probably have to stay in the cone and cage rest for another week or so. The wound looks like it’s got a lot of necrotic tissue and/or pus and yesterday I found some pus in his penis  I cleaned it up and managed to get it all out. But this just seems like madness for a simple neuter operation. How could it have gone so wrong? 

Today is one week since he had the op and it looks terrible. He’s on cage rest and wearing the cone and looks truly miserable. His cecetropes get everywhere and it’s a challenge to keep him and his cage clean. I wake up in the morning to find his cone smeared with poo as though he’s been trying to eat the cecetropes. When I see them and they look fresh, I try to hand feed but he only ate them off my hand once. On the plus side, he is eating his hay, pellets and greens. 

I stroke him and talk to him and scratch his itchy places – but it’s hell for me to see him like this and I have to sort of detach throughout the day or I’d need a few xanax  I am gutted for him. The worst part is I inflicted this pain on him 

Has anyone experienced a terrible neuter like this? Are there any questions I should ask the vet when I see him today?

I desperately need some reassurance from bunny expert people……… 

*Pics included

Thanks,

Theo&Mickey

[Azerane]

Poor little guy Although I must secretly admit, the photo of him in the cone is awfully cute.

I can see why you’re concerned about his surgery site, it does look terribly painful and infected. I would certainly be asking for antibiotics and probably a painkiller too. I’m assuming they’ll clean it up a bit while he’s there. I do wish you all the best for the visit.

I’m not exactly sure how it works, but giving antibiotics you may also need to get a probiotic to add to his food to keep his gut bacteria in balance. I’m just not sure if that can affect the infection. As gross as it sounds, you could also try mushing up his cecotrophes in some critical care mix and syringe feeding that if he won’t eat his cecals.

[Theo&Mickey]

Thanks so much Azerane. I just got back from the vet and have left him there. They have decided to put him under anesthesia today to remove all the scrotum as it doesn’t look like it will heal and is likely very painful for him 

They’re going to keep him under observation for a couple of days along with starting him on antibiotics. I feel so sad and on edge. He does look cute, in his cone, doesn’t he? He was pleading with me to be let out. I miss him so much and waiting for the vet to call saying everything went okay. My poor little boy. 

[Bam]

I’m so sorry this had to happen to him. He does look extremely cute in his cone. Many, many, many vibes that the surgery goes well ((((((Theodore))))))

Sometimes buns that can’t eat their cecotropes get a probiotic to tie them over until the cone can be taken off.

[Azerane]

Wishing him all the very best for his surgery! Come on Theodore, you can do it!!!

[meridiian]

This is a really sad story. Please don’t feel you did this to little Theodore, you were being a responsible bunny parent and want him to have a friend. Really concerning result of a neuter and I hope Theodore comes thru this ok with no further stress and discomfort. (((Theodore))) …he really is a beautiful little bunny. 🙂

Good luck and please keep us posted. xx

[Theo&Mickey]

The vet called and sounded very somber, scared me  

She said all the vets at the practice had a meeting about him and decided to postpone the operation to remove the infected scrotum until it looks better, maybe a few days. The vet was concerned that if they operated now, the infection would spread further up and they wouldn’t be able to remove anything else. 

For now he will be staying at the vet, on pain killers, antibiotics, and I requested he be put on probiotics too since he can’t eat his cecetropes. I just hope he eats while he’s boarding at the clinic. He’s surprised me with how resilient he seems, but I know bunnies are prey animals and hide their pain well. Such a hell trip for him. 

So, a couple of days inpatient care and then they will assess him again for the op. I’m so scared and worried about him. What if he just doesn’t heal with all the stress he’s under? I wanted to ask about his prognosis, plainly, if there’s a big chance he could die from this infection before they can remove it. But I didn’t. I know rabbits are very sensitive and something like this can turn very bad very soon. I’m just trying to stay positive and believe he’s in the best care right now. And trying not to foreshadow a terrible, sad, call. 

Thanks for all the positive vibes for Theo.

 It really sucks not being able to know how he is every minute. 

 

[Bam]

Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ll be keeping him in my thoughts. How very stressful for both of you ((((((Theo)))))) Please fight this!

[Mikey]

(((((Theo)))))

I understand. My Badger had a lot of problems after his neuter as well, and had to be in a cone for 2 to 3 weeks because of it. For what its worth, as long as you dont keep hay in a rack, and just scatter it (along with pellets and greens), Theo should have no problem eating. My Badger eventually found the cone to be fun, because he learned how to scoop up his litter and fling it; it turned into a game for him which while gross, was hilarious. Hopefully Theo will get used to the cone rather quickly as well. He seems like a fighter

Try to focus on the positives for now. He has pain medication so hes not hurting and hes on antibiotics to help him fight the infection! If the infection goes away with the antibiotics, are they still going to surgically remove everything? Next time you call the vet or the vet calls you, you should ask if you can come in and see him for a little bit. Vets will usually allow this. You can also ask about bringing him a treat or two to help perk his mood

[Theo&Mickey]

Mikey, that’s reassuring to know your bunny got used to the cone. Did you give him probiotics during that time or feed him his cecals? Theo’s been eating fine with his cone on but I still feel bad for him since it’s so awkward. I predict he’ll be in it for another week or so if not more. The vet said they are still planning to remove the testicle sacs in a few days, but you make a good point – why do so if the antibiotics kick in and work? I will definitely visit him if I’m allowed, and give him a piece of pear or something 😉

Thanks for the good vibes all.

[Mikey]

We tried to feed him his cecals while in the cone, but he only accepted them about half the time. The other half the time he would try to throw them back at us until we gave up (lol) Thats great that hes already eating well with it on! Thats a sign that hes getting more comfortable about having it on, atleast

[Bam]

I think the necrotic tissue needs to be removed even if the antibiotics kick in and work. It’s dead tissue and the wound can’t heal if there’s dead tissue left in it. In a best case scenario, dead tissue can shrivel up and dry and fall off of its own, but if that doesn’t happen, the necrotic tissue needs to be surgically removed with a margin into healthy tissue. Then the wound can heal through the normal mechanisms.

I think Mikey’suggestion about a visit sounds like it could be a good thing for him, esp if you bring a favorite treat from home It could help him keep his spirits up.

[Vienna Blue in France]

Ahhhh bless. He’s in the right place atleast, being cared for and under observation.

((((Theo))))

My Henry was in the vet’s for three days post op for extremely swollen sacs rather than your Theo’s nasty infection….
I reckon as long as he’s eating and pooping, then he is fine…

[Theo&Mickey]

I believe they’re going to remove the scrotum entirely, and then stitch him up, but if not, they’ll still have to put him under sedation and remove the dead tissue.
I’ve read that removing the scrotum skin is rarely done in neuters except if it gets infected, because it’s much more painful and harder to heal a wound like that on the rear area. Wiggly bunny bums and all. My hope is he won’t have to have it all removed and the antibiotics will kick in and they’ll just remove the dead tissue.

[meridiian]

How is Theodore going? Any further news? Hope he is ok. (((Theo)))

[Theo&Mickey]

Hi meridiian! Good news, his infection is healing with the antibiotics and the vet doesn’t think he will need surgery.. hooray! The necrotic tissue has almost all dropped off, revealing new healthy tissue under, and I can probably take him home tomorrow

The vet also said he has an enormous appetite, haha

I’m really surprised at the awesome progress in just a couple of days, since the vets didn’t seem optimistic he could shed the infection without surgery.

[tobyluv]

That is good news! I hope that he will be able to come home to you tomorrow.

[sarahthegemini]

That’s brilliant news! Keep it up Theodore!

[meridiian]

That’s great news! Poor little fellow, I bet he cant wait to be home again and be close to you..

And he is eating a lot! Good for you, Theo.

Please keep us posted. You have both been through a lot and look forward to seeing a pic of that cute face free from that cone 🙂
xx

[Mikey]

Glad to hear he is doing much better! Good job Theo!

[Bam]

So happy to read this! And an enormous appetite! Yay, Theodore!

[Vienna Blue in France]

Yay. (My vets had to call out for more Fibafirst sticks because Henry had eaten them all !!!!!! Hahahahaaaa. )

[Azerane]

That is such awesome news! I’m so happy for you and Theodore! Please post another pic of his cute little face when you bring him home

[Theo&Mickey]

Thanks for all your support!

I’m sooo excited and nervous to pick him up today. Cute pics to follow soon 

[meridiian]

(((Theodore))) 🙂

[Theo&Mickey]

He’s home! And had some banana 

The skin looks so much better. I’ve been instructed to clean the wound 3 times daily and apply flamazine cream. 

He’s also on antibiotics (enrofloxacin), pain meds (metacam) and a probiotic twice daily. I’m taking him back to the vet again in 5 days. 

I hope I’m up to the task.. he seemed calm at the vet and they kept remarking how EASY he is.. but I just got done cleaning it and he kicked up some fuss with me. 

Typical, right? 

Anyway, the vet was sooooo nice and didn’t charge me for the 3 days boarding, just for the meds and that was it!

I was waiting for a huge bill and was bracing myself but it only cost me $84 total – 

Took his cone off for a bit.. he still ain’t happy though 

[Theo&Mickey]

He always moves the towel, always been like that since I got him lol – you’d think he would want something soft on his bum.. but no!

[jerseygirl]

That’s awesome that they waived the boarding fee.
Glad you have your boy home and things are looking so much better. He’s incredibly cute! And kinda grumpy cute in the last photo.

[Bam]

So glad he’s back home with you! He really is a very attractive young bun!

That he fights you but we’re “easy” at the vets could be because he knows you, so he’s not afraid to convey his opinion. Plus he’s likely to be feeling a lot better now, and has more strength. That’s two good things, of course!

[meridiian]

What a lovely bunny. So cute! 🙂

You must be so happy to have him back home

Fighting you a little? He’s been thru a lot. Looks tired. I would be too.

He’s back home where he belongs. And sounds like he is on the mend. Eating. Struggling. That’s what matters.

Keep it up (((Theo)))

[sarahthegemini]

Bet he is thrilled to be home with you! He looks like such a lovely boy. Go Theo!!

[Theo&Mickey]

His appetite is great and he’s taking his meds like a champ, so thankful. But his little paw was shaking when I cleaned his wound an hour ago, so heartbreaking :’-( 

[Mikey]

Lol, he is an adorable little guy Glad to hear he is acting better and that the wound sight looks better. Your vet is awesome for not costing you boarding!

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Theo&Mickey on 7/11/2017 11:12 AM

His appetite is great and he’s taking his meds like a champ, so thankful. But his little paw was shaking when I cleaned his wound an hour ago, so heartbreaking :’-( 

Bless him, it’s for his own good tho so keep it up!

[meridiian]

” But his little paw was shaking when I cleaned his wound an hour ago, so heartbreaking :’-( ”

Poor little bunny. But he is eating and taking his meds. His spirit is strong. (((Theo)))

[Azerane]

I’m so happy that he’s home! I bet he’s happy to have the cone off for a bit too. He’s so adorable and wishing him all the best for continued healing

[Vienna Blue in France]

Yay he’s home. And yay no charge for extra vet boarding. Sounds a repeat of Henry, seriously!!!

You could try doing his wound treatment somewhere he’s not used to (the surprise factor).
On top of a table is good (if he’s not used to being on the table!). Or a room he’s not used to…?

Or just feel the power in you… be the dominant, no nonsense one. Don’t hesitate. Don’t pause. Let him know, kindly but firmly that you are in charge. (! Lol, easier said than done)… and give him huuuuge nosekisses afterwards (if he lets you… hahaha)

[Theo&Mickey]

You’re absolutely right, he senses my trepidation and that’s probably why the vet nurses had an easier time since they are used to handling animals in this context! 

I’m less nervous about doing it now, and he seems calmer but he still expresses his opinion to me once or twice. I wish I could keep him at the vets until the infection is gone. It looks like there’s more pus today (but I could be imagining it out of paranoia?) and I’m not sure I’m doing proper nursing level cleaning and checking that I know he’d get at the vet.  I just don’t want to prolong the infection by giving him inadequate care. And he’s getting 0.21 ml baytril twice a day to beat this infection, which seems like a tiny amount to me. When he had a URI he was getting 4 ml a day!

[jerseygirl]

Does the label tell you what strength of baytril it is? Maybe you got a stronger one, so less is given.

[Theo&Mickey]

No, unfortunately it doesn’t, although the meloxicam does. You could be right, though, I’ll ask next time.

[Theo&Mickey]

This is what it currently looks like – it didn’t look so red yesterday  Could the infection be spreading??

I’m taking him to the vet first thing in the morning. This doesn’t look right to me. He’s eating and pooing and peeing, however. 

Poor, poor Theo 

I hope this doesn’t scare people off neutering their bunnies, his is obviously a rare occasion when something goes wrong. Usually everything heals in no time with a neuter. 

[Vienna Blue in France]

Gosh it does look red. Does it feel much warmer than other parts of his skin nearby? Is he licking it, this could cause the redness too…?
As long as he is eating and pooping i suppose yes the visit can wait until tomorrow, but do keep a close eye on the little cutie……
((( Theo )))

Ps. Who is Mickey ?

[Theo&Mickey]

Yes.. it feels slightly warm to touch. It smells a bit, too. I’m worried about the infection moving to the outer areas  I have been applying the cream on there, too, but maybe that was a mistake. I will double check with the vet tomorrow.

Mickey is a young bun I got a week ago, just after I got Theo neutered. He’s a lop mix 

I’m hoping to bond them in the future once Mickey is neutered, although even the thought of another neuter op right now is making my head spin… 

[Bam]

You do need to contact your vet asap.

((((((Theo))))))

[Theo&Mickey]

It’s nighttime here, so I’m going to phone and take him to the vet early tomorrow morning. I’ve been cleaning the wound with 1ml in 100ml diluted hibiscrub, then patting dry as instructed. But I’ve been reading online that hibiscrub is harsh stuff, and it seems to be causing redness and a reaction on his skin, so I won’t be using it again. What’s weird is that is what the vet used to show me how to clean the wound.

Does anyone have experience using hibiscrub to clean wounds in rabbits?

[Theo&Mickey]

I just read something online that’s freaking me out! A person posted about his dog’s neuter op getting infected (I know it’s not a rabbit, but I think the same applies since it’s the same operation), swollen and then developing black necrotic tissue. It burst and he had to be rushed to surgery to remove the scrotum.

Someone replied:

“There was a boxer here two years ago that had a neuter and died a few weeks afterwards. He also had the same symptoms you described. But the vet ignored the signs and the poor boy lost his life. The issue was he was bleeding internally and shortly after his tissue became necrotic, and hence poisoned his blood. It was the vets fault for “missing a suture”. He never sutured one side! I felt so horrible for her loss.

I am glad your vet was more proactive, but if any area of the body turns a darker color or black after surgery, it is deathly important to get them to a vet. If the vet writes it off or gives meds/antibiotics, then go immediately to another vet or hospital. There will be some redness, soreness and feel warmer, but should never get darker – a sure sign of internal bleeding.”

That’s totally freaked me out… my vet said he didn’t think surgery was going to be necessary.

I’m reading things online and researching, because I’m completely relying on my vet’s expertise and trusting his decisions. It’s so hard, what if he is wrong and I’m just going along with it? We don’t have any other so called rabbit savvy vets in the country I’m living in, besides the vet I’m taking Theo to.

[Bam]

Stop using the hibiscrub immediately. Some bunnies are very sensitive to chlorhexidine. The majority seems to ctolerate it, some break out. You can use diluted iodine wound care solution instead. It stains, but that’s a very minor problem.

[Bam]

Did you clean the incision area with the hibiscrub before as well? After the neuter but before you detected the skin problem?

[Theo&Mickey]

Hi Bam, no, I didn’t use anything on him after his neuter. I was told to just check the wound daily.

It looks way less red this morning, so I’m guessing the hibiscrub is the problem. Either that, or the flamazine cream -which I bought a generic form of from a local pharmacy – they didn’t have any to sell at the vet and I was given a prescription instead.

Will write more once I see the vet..

[Bam]

It sounds great it’s less red today. We’ll be looking forward to hearing more. (((((Theo)))))

[Theo&Mickey]

Vet said it looks OK today. I showed him the pic from yesterday and he said it’s likely the hibiscrub so discontinue use. I’m just using saline now. The culture came back from the swab they took of the infection, and it’s staph! The pus is still plentiful and there’s one scab/dead tissue that’s coming off and it’s bleeding a little and he told me to watch that carefully. I asked him if manuka honey might help and he said to try it in between the times I use the cream. Obviously leaving time for the cream to absorb so a couple of hours in between. Such a non-stop process to help him heal. I’ve also read that manuka honey is great for healing staph infections. So I’m giving it a go, nothing to lose. Vet’s still positive he probably won’t need surgery.
This is a long road to recovery for Theo. I’m cutting down on his greens because he’s been having cecals like crazy all over his cage. He’s still got a healthy appetite thankfully.

[Bam]

I’m glad to hear the vet said it looks ok! I hope not using the hibiscrub will help, it really could. It has been known to cause severe skin reactions in some rabbits, although most rabbits tolerate it just fine – but we can never know if we have one of those rare rabbits until sth happens. I hope the manuka honey will help, I’ve never used it myself but I’ve read great things about it.
Poor little sweetheart =( Is he still on oral antibiotics as well as the cream?

A healthy appetite is absolutely great. Meds will often (or rather, as a rule) affect the tummy in some way or another. Excessive cecals is not a huge deal but you don’t want him to get poop anywhere near his wound, of course.

(((((Theodore)))))

[Theo&Mickey]

Hi bam! Thanks so much for your replies and support for Theo. It really means a lot to be able to reach out and receive advice in this tricky situation. Yep, he’s still on antibiotics – enrofloxacin 0.21ml twice daily. I found out it’s a higher potency which explains the small amount. He’s also on metacam twice daily. I have enough probiotics for today, but that’s it. The vet said it’s not a big deal if he doesn’t get more since he got a lot this week. Do you think that’s wise? 

I’m hoping the manuka creates a magic cure for him! Also watching out for a reaction, because I’ve read the acidity can affect some skins. We shall see 

[Bam]

It sounds good that he’s on enrofloxacin still, and the metacam must be relieving for him, plus it helps bring down inflammation.

Probiotics won’t harm, but there’s no guarantee that they’re effective. The jury is still out, you might say. Molly Varga says you can absolutely give probiotics to a bunny on antibiotics, Frances Harcourt-Brown says it’s only been scientifically shown to help baby rabbits put on weight (M Varga and Frances H-B are two of Britain’s most rabbit-savvy rabbit vets). If Theo’s tummy starts acting up in any significant way, you can always start him back on a probiotic if you like.

I think most of us here have already fallen in love with Theo. That picture of him in the cone went straight to the heart!

[Theo&Mickey]

He’s such a tough cookie  can’t wait for him to a normal bunny bouncing around again. He’s so fed up. 

Thank you for the reference about probiotics from the bunny savvy vets. I wish I could take Theo to one of them. 

[meridiian]

Missed all these posts. Oh, no…Last time I looked up Theo he was home and seemed to be doing fine considering all he has been thru.

I feel for you. You are right to google this. I looked up staph infections in rabbits myself since this is clearly alarming. Poor Theo. Don’t want to concern you any further but just how experienced is your vet with rabbits? How did this neuter turn out this way and what caused the staph infection?

Like everyone else, I too have fallen in love with little Theo from his pics and hope this slight “improvement” is a sign of progress and whatever treatments are decided are the right treatments…. ending this drama and his distress. We all want to see Theo back to being a happy, healthy bunny.

(((Theodore))) xx

[Mikey]

Glad to hear the vet says its looking alright Hoping that the honey helps him out!

[Wick & Fable]

On a side note, I did not enjoy administering metacam. Its smell lingers around and it’s so potent , haha. I wouldn’t want to take it either rabbits.

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.

[Theo&Mickey]

Thanks Mikey, I’m going to leave some manuka on overnight and see if it works some magic

Meridiian, when Theo had a URI a couple of months ago the culture came back as staph. He was on baytril for weeks and the symptoms went away.

The vet (same vet who did surgery, and treated him for the URI) thinks the staph might still be in his system and licking/chewing the wound may have transferred the bacteria there. Vet seems young and takes a special interest in exotics, but I’m not sure how much experience he has.
He mentioned that maybe Theo had a reaction to the glue he used or maybe not enough sutures, and that he was going over and over it in his mind since he found out the bad result. I got the sense that he feels he may have done something wrong. It’s a sad situation for everyone and I feel bad for the vet too.

He said maybe he should have prescribed more pain meds after the op, but that 99% of rabbits do well with just a pain injection (which he gave) after a neuter.

A lot of maybes :-/

I’ve given Theo time out of his cone.. he groomed himself (except “down there” lol I have to redirect him)
and scratched and kissed his ears, then flattened into a puddle and enjoyed some petting.

I have to think about neutering Mickey in a couple of months and already stressing about who to take him to.

[Bam]

It would be natural for s concientious young vet to go over a less successful procedure again and again in his mind. It doesn’t necessarily mean he believes he did something wrong, just that he’s trying really hard to understand what might have gone wrong. It makes me feel he’s a good guy with a true interest in his patients. The treatment plan for Theo seems good too, and he did tell you to stop using the hibiscrub.

I’m glad to hear Theo got a little out-of-cone-time. It sounds like he enjoyed it

[Theo&Mickey]

Yeah, the vet is a really nice person and I can tell he really cares about Theo. He’s been seeing him for free since the op and told me to bring him in every day if I’m worried. Seeing him next on Sunday. I believe Theo’s wound got infected from his over-zealous licking and chewing, probably overnight when I wasn’t watching him, and the staph was already in his system which complicated things.

[meridiian]

Your vet is really supportive, isn’t that great to see?

How is little Theo today? Signs of improvement? Hope so 🙂

(((Theo)))

[Theo&Mickey]

His balls are shrinking! But the skin looks nice and pink. A big scab of dead tissue is almost falling off (very tempted to pull it away as it’s literally hanging by a thread) and there’s pus underneath and around which hopefully can come out and heal better once the dead tissue drops off. Still cleaning 3 X daily and putting the cream on. Theo, bless him, has come to terms with his cone arrangement and imprisonment in his cage. He didn’t pee all day so waiting for him to do that. He has been drinking a little, eating hay, greens and pellets.

[Kaninmor]

Good to hear it looks better! Hope you see some pee soon

[Mikey]

Woohoo! Glad to hear he is doing so much better now

[Bam]

Yay for improvement!!! Now we want some pee, Theo. Pee-vibes for (((((Theo)))))

[Theo&Mickey]

I woke up this morning and he’d peeeeeeed all over the litter box – yay!
Thanks for the pee vibes everyone

[meridiian]

Excellent news!

[meridiian]

How’s Theo coming along? 🙂

[Theo&Mickey]

Her meridiian! He seems okay, had another check up at the vet today – said it looks okay and to come back in a week. Still on antibiotics but we’re trying out with no metacam from today. I let him out of the cage and cone after vet visit and he went a bit mad binkeying around the room. It was nice to see him happy again. I miss my old Theo.

I’ve been putting manuka honey on the wound overnight and when I checked it this morning it looked loads better. But there’s still pus in there. Wish I could draw it all out but the vet says that will open the wound and he doesn’t want to do that. So it’s a waiting game. His balls are the size of peanuts now, whereas they were the size of my thumb after neuter. The pus in there is so thick and lodged, I’m unsure how it will ever come out?? I wipe as much off as I’m able to with the saline solution.

[Bam]

Rabbit pus is thick like toothpaste, so that’s normal. You can’t squeeze it out, to get it all out the wound needs to be opened up and surgically debrided, and hopefully that won’t be necessary.

So glad to hear he did binkies!!!

[Theo&Mickey]

So how will the pus come out if no surgery? I read that manuka helps with debridement of dead tissue. Will the pus just disappear with the antibiotics and cream as his scrotum shrivels up?

[meridiian]

Theo is doing binkies? That’s great to hear! Sweet little bunny, getting back to his old self. Bet he loves being free from his cone, if only for a while.

From what I know, hopefully the antibiotics will deal with the pus. Takes time. Sounds like you are doing everything right for him.

Is that Theo in your profile pic? What a gorgeous bunny. That face 🙂

[Theo&Mickey]

Yup that’s Theo doing a stretch after a yawn. So from what I’ve been reading, it seems the pus – aided by the antibiotics and silver sulfadiazine cream – will just dry up and drop off. I do feel that the manuka is making a difference, so continuing to leave that on overnight. I can’t really apply it during the day, since I’m using the cream 3 times and it needs a few hours to completely absorb, by that time it’s again time for another clean and cream! lol

After letting Theo out for a run around earlier, he’s now biting on the cage door again the thing is that his room is carpeted, and I’m not sure it’s good to let him run on it when the wound is still infected. Gets carpet fibers stuck to it.

[Theo&Mickey]

Here’s a better shot of Theo 

[Q8bunny]

How did I miss this?!! Poor darling ((((((Theodore)))))). Hope he’s bouncing back (and perhaps off your back? ) quickly. Agreed about the cone photo – too cute.

[Bam]

Theo, I’ll have to look into that.

[Mikey]

Hes such an adorable bun

Can you call up the vet and ask if its ok for Theo to be running around the carpeted room? Maybe he can have an hour or two out of his cage everyday, at the least

[Bam]

I think the vet hopes the wound is superficial enough to drain itself. He has seen it, so he should know.

[Theo&Mickey]

WooohoO! Just spoke to vet and he says Theo can be out of his cage as normal from now on. So happy!!!!!! 

And also, he might not need the cone 24/7, as long as I watch him and he’s not bothering it. Fingers crossed for the little man who’s been through so much! My only worry is him licking off the cream so it will have to go on a few hours a day while the cream absorbs.

I bought him some new hay which is less dusty than the Timothy (stale I guess – from pet shop so likely on shelf for a long time, and I’ve read that Timothy is prone to dust) I usually give him. He won’t eat it though, I’m wondering what kind it is. It smells like cinnamon and I think it’s made in Holland. It’s 3 times cheaper than the Timothy hay, and a kilo more!

Does anyone have a clue what kind of hay it is? I need to buy some Timothy hay again since he won’t eat it, and with all his health issues right now I don’t want to risk him not eating even for a few hours. Mickey, baby bunny, is eating it, though. 

What is this gloriously sweet smelling stuff? Hope there are no additives in it 

[jerseygirl]

Yay! He’s so much closer to complete freedom.
That hay looks yum – haha. Meadow hay perhaps?

ETA

Fun fact that i just learnt: The sweet smell in hay comes from a compound called coumarin. And cinnamon (cassia) has a really high level of coumarin. So there you go!

[Theo&Mickey]

Ahhhhh – that’s what it is – thanks Jerseygirl!  I thought it might have additives cause it smells soooo sweet. 

He’s refusing it, so gonna get the boy some Timothy (if it’s new stock and doesn’t look so dusty and possibly full of weevils???)

 and Burgess herbage too!

He’s currently lying flopped in his favorite spot near the water bowl. Cone on, though 

[jerseygirl]

Sometimes you have to keep offering it 10, 20 times…   Hopefully he’ll come around to loving it.  Silly buns. 

Does he go for hay and other foods more when the cone is off? Or is it just a matter of when he’s hungry?

p.s. I have to laugh everytime I see his picture. It’s like looking at my Rumball but with hair extentions and paint on his nose. 

[Bam]

I think it’s meadow hay, most European hay is. And meadow normally means a mix of lots and lots of grasses and herbs.

Jersey, I’d no idea about the coumarin! Some hays really do smell very sweet.

[Theo&Mickey]

Well, I got the timothy hay and he went straight for it, snatched it like a fiend  He likes the herbage, too. Jersygirl, he’s been eating normally with the cone on, I think it’s just the meadow hay he isn’t used to. I have 5 kg so he’s going to have to come round to it sometime! 

[Theo&Mickey]

P.S. can you post a pic of Rumball here, pretty please?  would love to see 

[Theo&Mickey]

Just hunted down a pic of him on the forums, haha! Rumball is soo adorable jerseygirl, same melting brown eyes like Theo <3

[Vienna Blue in France]

Great news – yay !
I get mine eating hay they don’t want to by putting it in a smallish container (so it is compact) and sprinkling pellet dust from the bottom of a bag on it… cunning, I know !! IF you don’t compact it, the dust just filters all the way through and down to the bottom !

[Theo&Mickey]

Haha – verrrrrrry clever Vienna! I must try that
Guess what.. Theo gave me licks today. I’m surprised after all this forceful handling with creams and cones, that he gave me licks to be honest! I guess I’m not just a big bad monster after all.

[Theo&Mickey]

Update: he’s now jerking violently every few seconds when I clean his wound. It’s the cleaning and drying part he hates, he calms down once I start putting the cream on (maybe because it’s soft and feels cool?)
His spirits are definitely up since being let out and getting back to his norm – which is good – but I’m worried he could break his back because the kicks are quite violent and strong. I have to sit him on his bottom on a table while I clean him up, I try to reassure him and hold him gently but firmly, but it’s not a nice process. Once I put the saline on I have to clean in every crevice around the scrotum and then dry it thoroughly, he hates it!

[Domino&Ash]

@Theo&Mickey

Good luck on further healing success!

Bunnies are so little and tender and quiet, it feels overwhelming sometimes to be responsible for their unique and under-represented health needs…especially in places where they are not as common as pets.

I can really relate to this journey of yours as my boys are due for neutering soon and one of them ;Domino; is a ‘worrier’ of his wounds.
They both like sitting on their hay mounds, although their actual bedding is already either newspaper or bath towels.

(A couple weeks after Dommy came home to me, he got so itchy from a dry skin patch on his ear, he scratched a cut on his ear and scratched at the scab the whole time it was healing. I just kept it homeopathically clean and moisturized for a couple weeks and it healed fast and fine.)

Thank you so much for sharing your story and helping us remain educated about and prepared for our “exotic pets”.
Domino is a ‘kisser’ like your guy. I’m sure he would give his love to Theodore.

[Domino&Ash]

@Theo&Mickey

There are a lot of replies I have not read through here and each bunny’s stomach is different but in case this helps:

Foods to try to entice eating:

-Fresh mint, basil, rosemary

-A few pieces fresh mango

-1/4 Cup organic oatmeal with a slice or two of banana

-I put dried ‘Italian herbs’ on their grass when I was first transitioning them off the ‘all pellet’ diet they’d had at the pet store.

-Lots of easily available water…I put mine in a pie tin because it’s shallow.

Good Luck and Good Health 

[meridiian]

Thank you for posting another pic of Theo. He is a real cutie, isn’t he?

Been a couple of days since his vet visit. Apart from his discomfort when you clean his wound, does he seem ok otherwise? Making progress? Does the pus seem to be drying up? Hope so 🙂

(((Theo))) You’ll be back to your old self soon.

[Theo&Mickey]

Hey, thanks everyone, he is eating well, drinking, and enjoying his time out of the cage. The pus seems to be drying up and his scrotum is shrinking even more. The dead tissue is coming off, too. Progress, but he still needs antibiotics and 3 X daily cleaning of the wound. We’re seeing the vet again on Sunday.

[Q8bunny]

He makes surgical complications look awfully adorable. for Theo from me, please.

[meridiian]

Thanks for the update.

Sounds like he is getting better, slowly… but there will be an end to this drama soon. He is a spirited little bunny, he will be back to his old self and loving life again 🙂

Best wishes for the vet visit on Sunday. (((Theodore))) xx

[meridiian]

How’s Theo? Is he out of his cone and cage? 🙂

[Theo&Mickey]

Hi meridiian, not yet healed, he’s still in his cone, unfortunately

I’ll take a picture so you can see, it’s better, but the pus is still there and it’s tough like rubber. Staph is a very resilient bacteria.

The vet saw him yesterday and helped remove the last remaining bit of of dead tissue. Now it’s a waiting game with the pus. I’m still cleaning two to three times daily, applying cream and he remains on oral antibiotics as a precaution.

[Theo&Mickey]

Well, here it is today. Not great – but better. 

[Q8bunny]

Poor bub… still, it does look much improved. (((Theo)))

[Deleted User]

Poor guy!!! Such a sad story, but glad to hear he’s taking it like a champ!

[meridiian]

(((Theo)))

Yes, looks improved, taking a while, isn’t it? Vet have anything to say about the pus? Just a matter of time?

Sorry to hear Theo still in his cone. He has been a patient, brave bunny. Hope he is in good spirits otherwise.

[Theo&Mickey]

Yes.. the pus is just a waiting game, and the cream is helping with that. The vet tried his best to pick some off when he cleaned it on Sunday, but underneath is still an open wound and the pus is hardened over that so can’t do too much. When I clean him up, I try to soften and wipe some pus off with the saline, but as you can see it’s very hard/tough material and only a bit of the surface comes off.
I gave him 5 hours out of cone yesterday, and this morning so he could eat his cecals. He chewed up the side of his leg which is now red and raw, so not sure if I should allow him time out of the cone yet.. He can still reach that leg area with the cone on, and putting cream on it makes him lick/chew even worse. Ugh!

[meridiian]

Poor Theo must be really irritated by all this. Feel so sorry for him but you are doing your best.

Cant wait to hear he is free from his cone and a happy bunny again. He is such a lovely little fellow 🙂

(((Theo))) xx

[Theo&Mickey]

He’s SUCH a gem, this boy. Still in good spirits and eating like a monster. I gave him a little grape treat today which he duly snatched and ran off with. The pus area seems to be shrinking. I wish I could tear it off so the wound could heal faster.. but .. no :-/

[Bam]

Sweetheart ???

[meridiian]

He is a gem.

Hope he knows bunny lovers and bunnies too are rooting for him.
xx (((Theo)))

[Theo&Mickey]

10 days later.. for those who’d like to see… Theo’s wound is shrinking but ever so slowly…….. I sent the pic to the vet. Will see what he says, but I feel it’s going to need another 2 weeks 

Thankfully he’s out of the cone a great deal of time. I just have to put him back in it after I apply the cream so he doesn’t lick. He hasn’t been bothering the area otherwise… AND he gets to eat his cecals every morning. Joy! 

[Q8bunny]

Wow! That has improved heaps! Good job, bunner!

[Bam]

It does look a 1000 times better! Really great! Agree with Q8, good job!

[meridiian]

Its been another week. More improvement?

How is little Theo? Still having to wear his cone? Hope not 🙂

(((Theo)))

[jerseygirl]

Looking SO much better! Hope it clears up completely and this ordeal is over for you both. Continuing to send {{{healing vibees}}} his way.

[Theo&Mickey]

One week later, it has shrunk even more, basically a scab now! One side is hanging on by a thread and the other is a bit more attached and bleeds when I try to pick it.

Vet said he would try to remove it on Tuesday if not fallen off or looking like they are going to fall.. but i’m thinking, just let it dry completely and fall on its own??

It might take longer but at least we’re not irritating the tiny wound? Will see what he says after I send another pic on Tuesday D:

Thanks for all your encouragement, we really appreciate it Theo still has to wear his cone for 3 – 4 hours after I put the cream on.. so about 8 hours a day and I take it off at night. He doesn’t seem bothered by the cone anymore, probably more resigned now lol.. and used to the gadget..

[Q8bunny]

I’d let it fall off on its own… no harm no foul.

So happy he’s healed.

[Mikey]

I too would let it fall on its own So glad to hear he is doing so much better!!

[Theo&Mickey]

It really looks like the scab are gonna fall on their own. It seems like they dry up and look smaller overnight (no cream or anything for 12 + hours) which is making me think the cream is impeding their dissolution lol.. not sure but I guess vet knows best to keep applying the cream! Also, when I was cleaning it yesterday I noticed something stringy, and pulled on it a bit, then realized it was a suture! Sticking out about half an inch.. bugger! As far as I know he used dissolvable stitches, they should be dissolved by now almost 6 weeks post op? It’s almost like the suture is holding the scab in place.. ouch!

[Q8bunny]

Not to worry. Dissolvable stitches can sometimes linger for a while. Trim it if it sticks out too much, and he should be right as rain.

[Theo&Mickey]

Thanks Q8bunny! I have to say, I am sooo excited we are nearing the end of this ghastly episode. Makes me so happy to think of him no longer needing his testes touched lol.. bet he would say the same if he could. Oh dear, what would Freud bunny say of me hahaha.

Funny, he used to hate being picked up and would make a mad dash or try to leap out of my arms, and kick, and now he is far more relaxed and just sits in my lap or allows cuddles.. think this nursing period has brought us closer and more trusting.. weirdly! Always a silver lining, eh?

[Q8bunny]

That is such a great byproduct of his trauma

[Bam]

I thought I’d replied to this ?
Great news that he’s doing so well. And a great silver lining ? It seems rabbits often become more bonded to their hoomin after a period of having to have meds. Even if they’re not at all pleased while the ordeal is going on.

[meridiian]

Its great to hear Theo has bonded with you even more due to this horrible experience.

Let us know when he is free from his cone and back to being his playful self!
xx

[Theo&Mickey]

Hey meridiian!
I wanted to post this a few days ago, but was waiting for doubly good news. 

One of Theo’s scabs came off.  The skin is great, healthy, and now waiting for his second scab to “hit the road, Jack” lol

He only wears the cone once a day for maybe 3 hours so the cream I apply has time to absorb. I’m only doing that once a day now. So he’s pretty much a free-roaming, happy, healthy bunny… with one stubborn scab! After I sent updated pics, vet said he doesn’t need a re-check, and that once the scab falls he’s all done. 

[Theo&Mickey]

The second scab finally fell off!!!!!!!!! 

Skin looks great and healthy. There’s still a bit of suture poking out but that will dissolve in time. Yay – mission complete. 

Thank you to everyone who followed along and gave us support and reassurance through this difficult experience! 

Theo is now back to being a normal bunny, and will hopefully be bonded to Mickey (next to be neutered) in a few months.  

[Theo&Mickey]

A fully healed Theo watching me from Mickey’s enclosure – lol – look at that politely imploring face. 

[Q8bunny]

I was just thinking that it looks a lot like Chewie’s ‘I’m being a good boy – now, can I have a treat?’ face.

[meridiian]

This is great news! The ordeal is over.

What a journey for both of you. You’ve done so much to help him and I bet he knows it. What an amazing and brave boy little Theo has been.

What a gorgeous pic of him. He really is a beautiful bunny. (((Theo)))

[meridiian]

Adorable face  

[Bam]

He’s so adorable! Congratulation on dropping the second scab!

[Author]

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