Pepperoni has inner ear infection

[carrythehare]

Pepperoni has an inner ear infection in his right ear.   His right ear chamber is larger on the right side,  either congenital or from a very long-term infection.   He’s been on anti-biotics for one week,  then 2 weeks on another drug after the results of the culture test came in.   Then a few weeks later, after a recheck,  another 4 weeks of anti-biotic.   When the vet checks him he goes in with long q-tips and cleans out as much bad stuff as he can.   The vet told me from the start that he probably would not be able to clear the infection completely, and that Pepperoni,  like other rabbits under his care,  would probably have to be on long-term on/off treatment with anti-biotics for the rest of his life.   The vet said Peps was doing well enough to NOT discuss euthanasia.   Pepperoni acts like he feels fine.   Eats good,  poos good, runs around,  no head tilt.   But its a pretty extensive infection.    The only other option is a very expensive deafness inducing surgery,  which I do NOT want to do.   I think at that point I would prefer to euthanize rather than put him thru that.   (I don’t want to describe the surgery because it would upset me.)   Its not the deafness that bothers me,  its that its major surgery for an old bunny.  IF he gets sick enough to warrant that surgery,  then it might be better to euthanize.   (Surgery cost:  $ 1,500 plus costs of meds and follow up.)  Its not the money,  its what he’d be put thru.   I hope he can be maintained, like other rabbits have been,  on just the anti-biotics.   He feels fine.

[MooBunnay]

I’m sorry to hear that Pepperoni has an ear infection on the positive side, it sounds like you are very lucky to have a knowledgeable vet to help you out. I think you have made the right decision to not go with the surgery – especially since you can keep your bunny healthy with just the proper antibiotics and treatment. Do you know how Pepperoni got the infection?

[carrythehare]

I don’t know how he got the infection. I didn’t know he had it until I took him to the vet for something else (his teeth) and the vet looked in Pepperoni’s ear as part of the exam and found the infection. The surgery would be done, or advised, if the infection could NOT be kept under control with anti-biotic. Then the choice would be the surgery or euthanasia.

[MooBunnay]

I’m going to go look in all my bunnies ears now! I’m so glad it could be controlled by the antibiotics, yay for Pepperoni!

[poopy]

Is your bun a lop?

[Author]

Messages