Omg! Is he okay?! Help!

[BunnyLiz]

Well when Mae got here, Lucy and Hammer had a few tiffs.  Hammer got a bite and a big bald spot. I put neosporin on it for a few days and kept checking it.  I didnt check it yesterday, the bite healed so I didnt think anything was wrong.  Checked it today and his skin is purpleish there!  His normal skin is pink!  Whats wrong!!?  Does he need a vet?  Can it wait a day?  Or is this normal and Im freaking out over nothing?

[KatnipCrzy]

Does it bother him at all?  I wonder if it is pigment from the hair getting ready to grow back- or maybe a bruise?  Many bruises/those type of injuries are more painful 24-48 hours after the initial injury. 

It does not look like anything majorly painful or problematic as long as it is not swollen or causing pain.  Just watch for any signs of behavior change an infection developing, etc.

It is amazing how such cute cuddly bunnies and turn into “flesh eating Tazmanian Devils” in the presence of a strange rabbit.

I am picturing this as an LOLbunny with “Friend Request DENIED” caption. 

[BunnyLiz]

Lol friend request denied, thats funny. I call those bunnies “fur sharks”

He isnt any different, and Im not sure if it hurts or not. It was really really hard to get him to stay still for the picture, but I dont know if he was just antsy or if it hurt when I touched it. He is usually pretty good at staying put, but he could have just wanted to go play some more. Its been awhile since the actual bite, id say at least a week.

[MimzMum]

Pip just got done throwing most of her coat at me. But your post reminds me of an incident some time ago, when she was shedding in just one spot and I thought Mimzy had bitten her because of how peculiar it looked, I could see through to skin and it also looked purplish. I wonder if that’s just the pigment of the palomino breed?
Is it swollen or suppurating at all? That would indicate to me that it was some kind of wound still. Perhaps Lucy just got lucky and hit a spot that was coming out anyway? If you’ve ever pulled on shedding bunny fluff, they get real sensitive about the area it’s coming out from, since their skin is so easily torn or bruised.

[BunnyLiz]

I know that it was definitely Lucy that pulled it off. He had a open bite there. But thats all healed up now. And Hammer isnt shedding, he just got over a huge shed less then a month ago id say. I dont think its swollen and I dont see any signs of infection.. but idk if I know what im really looking for either. I really hope its his pigment color, that would be awesome. But it does kinda look like a bruise. Bruises arent bad are they? I know they are okay for us, but bun skin is sensitive. Should I just watch it and make sure it doesnt start to look all gross and yucky?

[MimzMum]

I’m looking through all my old photos now trying to find the one of Pip’s skin color, but it’s buried under all the junk I have on my hard drive. >_<
If I find it, I’ll post it.
I think any time you have an issue with bunnies that you’re not sure about, a call to the vet can’t hurt. But if it’s been a week, I would think that anything that had torn or been opened by teeth that hasn’t healed would be abscessing. Still…I am no expert.
She sure got a chunk of fluff off him. 0_o Poor Hammer!

Maybe Lucy needs “Van Pelt” added to her name, crabby little thing! >.>

EDIT: Liz, I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find the pic I’m looking for, but I just took as good a look as I could at Pip’s skin under her back fur (since I spent a long time today pulling shed fluff here, so she’s a little sensitive) and I don’t see that pigment color there. She’s actually quite pink. But she does have a bluish tinge to her lip area that used to worry me until I brought it up here and we determined it’s just the color of her lips sometimes.

Like I said, if it really concerns you, I would call the vet.

[BunnyLiz]

*sigh* I was hoping to take all three to the vet in 6 weeks. Time enough to buy and activate Mae’s insurance plan. You have to own them for a month, then wait a month after you buy it. But they all three need to go now I guess. Hammer, just because I am worried and you never really know. Lucy, because she has never seen this vet (awesome and insanely priced!) and need to talk about her veggie issues and occasional poo pearl strings. Mae for her upper resp. problems, base line blood work, and possible sore hock. Omg, looking at a huge bill here.

[MimzMum]

Will this insurance cover preexisting conditions if you take them all?
I know what you mean. I have a great vet, but still, the bills are yuck. Better than the last vet I saw though. *nods*
Perhaps one of the forum leaders will take a look at the pic for you or has had similar experience. But I know nothing beats the word of the professionals. We’re here to feedback and suggest and send hugs and healing vibes…but I’d hate for something to be lurking under that skin and you know you’ll feel better about it if he’s seen.
Can’t he just go? Then wait to take the others? This seems most immediate of the troubles.

[BunnyLiz]

Well no VPI doesnt pay for preexisting conditions. But I was thinking one thing might lead to another and may find something else etc so insurance before Mae goes was a good idea. I could take Hammie all by himself but the appointment itself is like $50, so I was hoping if I toke them all at the same time they could cut me some slack and charge once instead of three times. But I will take him (probably alone) if it doesn’t look any better in the immediate future. If it goes away, must likely a bruise and nothing to fret about.

[BunnyLiz]

I am kicking myself right now! Why didnt I check him as soon as I got home?! Why did I wait half an hour?! He needs to see a vet, its darker and swollen. I toke a picture to compare with yesterdays picture and it is darker like I thought. I rushed to the computer to get the vets number and call, they closed 10 minutes before I called and dont answer. So i dont know when I can get him in now, ill have to call in the morning. Which makes everything so much harder, I cant drive him, my mom takes the car to work, and I cant get my mom out of work till I know when the appointment is. Geez! Ill try my hardest to get him in tomorrow, hopefully they cooperate with me. I do think it hurts him a little now, he gave me a harder time trying to get away.

[FluffyBunny]

Ah, no. (I’ve been watching this thread.)

(((Hammer skin vibes)))

[TARM]

Is there an update???

[MimzMum]

Oh jeez, I’m so sorry Liz! 0_o Poor Hammer! I should have just encouraged you to take him right in!
I will keep my prayers and healing vibes going for him that he will be alright overnight (no ER vet near you?) so you can get him to the vet as soon as possible. Please keep us posted on him.
(((((((((((((((((((((((feel better Hammer))))))))))))))))

[BunnyLiz]

Oh Mimz you couldnt have known it was more then a bruise. Im here looking at it and thought it could be a bruise.
ER?! Does anyone else think this is ER serious? I know of two that I could take him to if I need to. But he seems fine, eating, drinking, happy. Im calling the vet as soon as they open and hoping they can get me in asap tomorrow morning.

[MimzMum]

I tried to PM BB about an hour ago (not sure if the site messages are working) just so someone with more experience than I can assist you. I’m already worried that I could’ve put Hammer at risk by discussing Pip’s changeable skin colors. Sometimes they look bluish, most of the time pink, it just really depends. And it doesn’t have anything to do with another bunny biting her. So it’s just not the same situation. I just thought maybe palominos have some weird skin colors, but then, lots of animals do, so….either way I’m not much help.
You are the only one who can determine if it’s something you should attend immediately, or wait till morning. Just remember that bunnies can hide their illnesses as a survival reflex. I just was going on the fact that transportation is going to be iffy and I certainly wouldn’t wait something like this past morning, if for no other reason than, if it was my bunny, I’d be too nervous to wait.
Anyway, best thing I can do right now is send healing and comforting vibes your way. ((((((((((((((((Hammer & Liz))))))))))))))) I do hope it will all turn out okay for him.
By the way, did you check Lucy all over too to determine if she has any hidden injuries?

[BunnyLiz]

Dont worry about talking about Pips coloring, I did check Hammer’s skin in different areas and determined he should be pink. Absolutely no fault on you
Thanks for the BB email, thats nice of you. I should have thought to do that since only one FL is in this post. My head isnt on straight today, I had a big test today I knew nothing about because I had skipped class last week because my cousin was really ill so I did real bad on the test… and then the professor told me that my 6 essays are do today too.. so Ive been working on those.. and GRR! Lol my brain just isnt working today.
I will definitely not wait past morning, they open at 8 and I already got my mom off work. My alarm is set for 7, ill get ready and call at 7:30 and see if they will answer or if I have to wait till 8 to call. If they cant fit me in im going straight to the emergency vet.

[BunnyLiz]

Forget to add:
I did check both every time they had a tiff as best I could. This was the only bite I ever found on Hammer. I dont think Hammer ever bite Lucy, though she deserves it now! I looked over Lucy as best I could but Lucy hates me and wont tolerate much. Both will go tomorrow, Lucy for moral support for Hammer. And in case they need her for anything i guess.

[MimzMum]

Sounds like a good plan, Liz.
So you should get some sleep. 0_0 7 AM is WAAAY early.
Poor thing, I sympathize with you about the schoolwork. My boy is having trouble with his too. In fact he’s testing out of a few classes before he fails them.
Keeping all happy thoughts for a good outcome tomorrow for you!

[BunnyLiz]

I called and the earliest appointment is 4:10. And thats not earlier enough for me to be comfortable, an dthey said he needs to be see earlier in the day so they can treat him for whatever it is today, which they couldn’t do if it was late in the day. So im camping out at the vet today, they wanted me to drop him off but I said ill stay with him in the waiting room till he was done. They are just going to try to get to him throughout the day when they have a few minutes to spare. ((( My baby Hammer)))

[jerseygirl]

(((Hammer))) Hope you have some answers soon.

[BunnyLiz]

Im back!  They toke him back earlier then I thought they would, but they wanted time to be able to remove it if need be.  As of now its not to serious and he is okay.  Ill explain as best I can, bare with me as its confusing.  When Lucy bite him and pulled out his fur it disruppted the blood supply, caused trama and inflammation.  It could turn into an abcess (I think, im going off these notes on his sheet).  His body responded with tons of pigment to toughen the exposed skin, hence the wierd color.   It got a little infected, hence the swelling and tenderness.  He got a Crystiben injection (Durapen), and he was very brave I must say.  They hit a blood vessel and he did bleed, poor vet got it on her shirt and the floor, but he is fine.  He is on 1/2 a gram of BeneBac twice a day for a week, to head off any gut bacteria problems from the injection.  After a week they want him back in.  If it changes at all for the worse or does not show improvement in a few days they have to remove his skin.  So healing vibes that this easier option works for him. 

I do love this vet, they are so fast to get you in a room and seen, so nice.  And the tech even knew about rabbits, they see alot of them.  They treat them just as they would a dog, coming in and petting and talking to them.  They are allowed to run around in the exam room, so they dont always have to stay on the table.  And when they saw Lucy in the carrier too they knew why I brought her, as a comfort to Hammer.  Good vet, very happy with this one.

[Sarita]

Poor Hammer – when it doubt it is best to get your rabbit to a vet. Glad you like your vet too.

[Sarita]

I’ll have to say that the picture does not really tell anything – sometimes pictures really don’t tell the whole story which is why it’s good to have the vet do a physical examination.

[TARM]

We hope Hammer heals up the way he’s supposed to.

[BinkyBunny]

Poor Hammer.  But what a relief to have such a great vet! Sending “easy-healing” vibes!  Sorry for my delay in response, I’m out of town for a week and can just check in the evening

[KatnipCrzy]

I am so glad that Hammer is getting the treatment he needs.  And I am sorry for joking about “his friend request” being denied.  Poor Hammer- he is a lover not a fighter! 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

{{{Hammer}}} Bunnyliz-keep us posted!!

[RabbitPam]

I hope Hammer is responding well to the treatment.

Just a reminder: if you guys ever need to contact us, just hit the Alert button. Whoever is on duty will get the message, even if you were to write in it “I have a question for BB.” That way one of us who knew she was out of town will see it soon and be able to respond.

[BunnyLiz]

Oh no Katnip, no offense taken. I say that all the time now when Lucy refuses to groom Hammer

Hammer seems fine, he is still active and such. But he did not finish his salad, so I gave him a few pellets to see if he would take them and he did happily. So he is still eating. Im about to change litter boxes so I can keep an eye on that too. His spot doesnt look any different, but I guess it wouldnt improve so soon yet. I found another one of the spots last night, its smaller so I missed it.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Just read this thread. Glad Hammer seems okay.

[MimzMum]

I’m just glad he appears to be okay right now. Because until you posted the good news, Liz, I wanted to crawl under a rock.
Pam, I do try to use the alert key, but all they say are things like Harassment, Spam, etc. I think it would be fitting if BB’s hubby could squeeze the option in for “Emergency” because the other alert terms just don’t match and-even though I know they are attended to by the first FL who can get to them-it makes me feel weird to use one for those for this kind of situation.
Anyway, I am sorry to have bothered BB with this, I had no idea she was out of town. Since it was late I was thinking she and I and maybe jerserygirl were the only ones still awake on the board.
Continued healing vibes for Hammer! ((((((((((huggles))))))))))))) I hope he recovers quickly!

[jerseygirl]

Mary, you are a good support and sometimes it’s just a great help to sound out things thing with others that know about how worried we get over our bunnies. You know? Just off load some of our concerns. You certainly helped Liz (in my point of view).  I know what you mean with the alert options – often I just leave it as the first option which I think is “harrassment” but yes, I think it would be useful to have something like “attention” or even “other”.
BTW, I am often on when you are though it’s only late afternoon/early evening here – hehe. Though I am on late at night too sometimes.

[BinkyBunny]

Mimzmum – I’m glad you noted that about the alert because we originally had changed the alert options to reflect more of what we use them for here, but it looks like with our last update the options have been defaulted back to some standard alert options. I will put that on our Tech “To Do” List. Thank you!!

[luvmybunny]

Glad Hammer is doing ok! I am so sorry I missed your post….I have been fighting a terrible cold all week and I am just feeling better to get around to posting more (((((Healing vibes for Hammer and Hugs for you)))))

[BunnyLiz]

Thanks for your post everyone, I agree with Jersey that any conversation with someone who knows what your going through is helpful.

Hammer is really really mad at me. He is a bit irritable. He actually nipped my hand today for blocking him, so I could catch him and give him meds. He isnt a nipper. His spots are fuzzy now and growing hair the same color as the spots. Does this mean he will have two patches of really dark abnormal hair?! They seem just the same, still dark and swollen. But since I check them twice a day I think it would be hard to notice a difference. He ate pellets today but not much salad. He will eat flat leaf parsley though, so Im giving him tons of that so this doesnt turn into a GI issue. Could the antibiotic injection be doing this to his diet? If so then maybe i should be calling for some reglan. Thoughts? My poor Hammie… he runs away from me now and wants nothing to do with me. Loafs most of the day on the top level of his house. I dont think he is in pain, just stressed and mad.

[MimzMum]

My bunnies don’t like medicine either. That much I do know.
Take it easy on the parsley. Remember that this can cause bladder sludge issues due to high calcium content. How much are you giving him? If you see any whitish mucky or powdery substance where he pees, then that’s too much calcium.
I’m still thinking in shed mode, I notice bunny fur changes it’s color as it’s growing out (or appears to) because if you look closely, each shaft of hair is varied in color and shade. I don’t think you’re going to see any great change in his coat, but it’s always a possibility I suppose.
I wish I could get a pic of Pippi for you, you guys would get such a kick out of how funky her coat looks right now. All patchy towards her hocks and longer there, then all short like a buzzcut on her back and darker in shade. She is NOT happy and therefore not cooperating with Mr. Flashy Box! 0_o
Not sure what to say about the eating. Will leave that to those who know better. :X

[Jenna, Chubs & Comet]

I didn’t know that about parlsey?! My rabbits seem very healthy but I give them quite a bit of parsley (usually italian and regualr) in their daily salads because they like it so much…hmm. Should I not be doing that?

[Jenna, Chubs & Comet]

Oh and my original post was going to be, I’m glad Hammer is doing okay! ((((Healing vibes))))

[RabbitPam]

I’m not sure about the parsley. I just checked the HRS site and it’s on the vegetable list for having vitamin A, but not flagged to “use sparingly.” I think it’s OK according to them, but more may have been learned here since then. When in doubt, don’t do something daily. It’s been a couple of days since it happened so you could try him on some more regular greens now, like one of the basic lettuces. See if he’ll take it.

Glad BB saw your reply about the alerts, MM. I was going to notify her. I thought it was better, so good to know it’s defaulted back again. Bad for BB of course. Don’t you love an “upgrade” that messes so much stuff up?
Also, MM, I LOVE your avatar yawn!!!

{{{{Hammer-feel better and be nice to your mother}}}}}}}}}

[BunnyLiz]

I give him maybe 6-8 sprigs per salad id say. And he does still get his normal lettuce and salad, he just doesnt eat much of that.

[BunnyLiz]

He is eating less salad now. I wasnt home last night or today, I HAD to babysit my brother and sister so my mom was on look out and did the best she could. She got some new new yummy hay andhe ate some of that, put a tiny bit of apple juice in his water and had him drink some of that to make sure he was still getting water. He will still eat parsley though. I might have to chat with the vet tomorrow between classes and see what she thinks is normal for his skin and his eating. I might decide to separate Hammer and Lucy too, so I can watch how much Hammer poos. Thoughts on separating them? We gave him maybe 10 pellets every few hours to make sure he didnt decide to stop eating all together, and he didnt so thats good. Other then his eating and moodiness to me he seems to be acting normal. Poor little dude, it wasnt his fault another bunny came into the household!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh good-let us know what your vet thinks!!

On seperating-if you can’t tell their poos apart-this may be the way to go. You may have to rebond after but it could go either way and it’s important to tell if he’s pooping

[BunnyLiz]

Update! He is eating normally now, so didnt talk with the vet. He seems good now. Ill let you know on Friday what the vet thinks, he was a check up appointment then to make sure it is healing properly,

[RabbitPam]

That sounds good. I’m glad he’s improving.

[BunnyLiz]

His check up was today at the vet, and he passed! She said he is healed up fine and will be completely normal very soon. It was hard to tell but she showed me how to tell if it was swollen (it wasnt), hair is growing in so you couldnt just see of run your finger over it to see if it was swollen. So he is fine! But he will always have a “birthmark” now, it may fade some over time but for the most part the pigment that went to that spot will always be there and darken his fur there. So he will have at least two (probably more tiny ones will pop up) dark patches of fur lol.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Glad to hear he made out well at the vet.

[MimzMum]

Oh that’s wonderful news! (lets out held breath)
‘Birthmarking’ of the skin after an injury sounds familiar. In a related issue, all the places where my dogs skin had been shaved or had IV’s inserted turned very dark during the healing process. I wonder if that’s the same thing?
Well anyway, he should be powering through his salads now, eh?

[Beka27]

Posted By BunnyLiz on 10/30/2009 08:56 AM
His check up was today at the vet, and he passed!

 

That sentence gave me an immediate heart attack.

I thought you meant… you know…

Whew.  Feel better Hammie.

[BunnyLiz]

^^ Lol whoops! Sorry for the scare Beka, that is a scary sentence.
Yep Mimz, he is powering through his salads, and then taking power naps. Your dogs being shaved in places and then darkened skin could be similar to Hammer’s situation. It makes since that they would have similar results. But Hammers maybe caused trouble just because his fur came clean off and caused pain, along with the bite. So maybe thats why it got infected. Lol idk really.

[Author]

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