Peppermint’s Poop Problem

[Sarita]

For the past couple of weeks I have been dealing with a very odd poop problem in Peppermint – although I am treating Bogie & Bobby for this as well – my vet told me it was Clostridium which produces diarrhea in humans and Peppermint is definitely having some weird gummy runny poops so she did a fecal and said it was full of Clostridium so we have been treating with Flagyl (metronidazole) for the past 2 weeks but it’s not helping.

Still very weird unformed gummy runny poops and lately lots of stomach gurgling.  It really makes me wonder if he has this Cyclospora which is going around – I know it sounds weird but I am going to ask my vet about this.

The stomach gurgling started on Monday but my vet was out until today so I brought him in.

Bogie has had some gummy poops as well and she did a fecal on him and said it was Clostridium but it wasn’t as much as Peppermint – we didn’t test Bobby but just decided to treat him.

Peppermint is also not eating like he normally does which I know is because he is having some gatro intestinal problems.

I had this same weird problem with Mango (who has passed) about 5 years ago too and we treated but it really never helped.

Also Peppermint bites me on the forearm when I’m giving him his medicine…it’s a fight but I always win…at least he’s still feisty in this way.

[Beka27]

That’s very strange… How does the vet think this is getting passed around at your house? Bobby is the only one free range still, right?

[Sarita]

I suppose with the veggies….I wash them but the vet said no matter how much you wash them you may not get all the bacteria off them…the veggies are the only thing I can think of that they share.

I’ve also been very very diligent as of late to wash my hands alot after handling each rabbit and after using the restroom myself – I’ve always washed my hands after using the restroom but now I’m washing like crazy…

[Beka27]

Ah yes. That must be it.

Hopefully that will take care of the issue.

Feel better buns!

[jerseygirl]

I’m sorry to hear of this Sarita.
{{{Vibes for your bunnies}}}

Do you think giving Questran also would be worthwhile?

[Sarita]

Thanks Jersey & Beka.

Just spoke with the vet and he still has quite a bit of Clostridium in his fecal so we are going to do more metronidazole (flagyl), pen-g shots, benebac, reglan and critical care and she gave him some sub-q fluids.

Jersey I will ask her about the Questran as well.

She’s not sure if the clostridium is causing him not to eat or the toxins from the clostridium. We’ll see how he does and if he doesn’t get better by Monday we’ll do more screenings and cultures.

I feel bad for him – I hope he will get better soon.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Poor Peppermint. I love him!!!!

I have no idea about any of these things you are dealing with but I’m offering, as always, many ((((((GET WELL PEPPERMINT)))))) wishes

[jerseygirl]

Just spoke with the vet and he still has quite a bit of Clostridium in his fecal

So no significant reduction after 2wks on flagyl?

Regarding cyclospora, has this been found on foods locally?

I was just reading (very briefly) on cyclospora infection in humans. Apparently a specific fecal test needs to be done to look for it. It’s not picked up in standard tests.

Also, it’s treated with TMZ-SMX antibiotic. There’s anecdotal evidence that flagyl is ineffective against it.

If the sulfa antibiotic also treats clostridium, perhaps this might be the better alternative??
Or if both could be given? (assuming cyclospora is involved that is)

I wonder if the clostridium growth is secondary to something else?

[Sarita]

Jersey, there have been reported cases of cyclospora in my area but they have not determined the cause – my vet says it is very rare in humans although she knows of the reported cases in our area. I think you are correct that a fecal must be sent out to determine this – if his clostridium does not start clearing up then she said we would do further tests….he is going back Monday for a recheck.

I think if it doesn’t start to clear up I will ask about a sulfa drug – I mean what’s one more medication at this point :~)

I don’t know why it hasn’t cleared up – perhaps it is secondary. We are going to do the pen-g in case the clostridium has produced some toxins.

He has really gotten frail too in the last few years since Peaches has passed…they were so close – I’m sure he misses her too and it would be nice to have her comfort – I miss her too.

[MimzMum]

Oh Sarita, you are having a time of it (((((((((Hugs))))))))))
I hope all these meds begin to help Peppermint soon. I have only just heard about this cyclospora stuff and since Mimzy is currently only eating veggies again, I am now very concerned. I don’t think there are any cases in my area but my hubby has just had a bad bout of stomach trouble that was a bit suspicious, so I hope it’s nothing that crosses species either.
Sending all possible healing vibes for dear Peppermint (((((((((((((((((((((((((((Healing vibes)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

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