Pneumonia HELP

[Lyassa]

This all started a month ago with a minor ear infection. The medicines Lilly’s usual vet perscribed (ear drops) wasn’t working but he was out of town so I took her to see another vet that deals in bunnies. The ensewing three weeks were a nightmare of non tolerated medications, misdiagnoseses, and a steady decline in her health. My usual vet finally came back today and I got her an emergency visit and he came back with the diagnoses I was terrified of…Pneumonia.

He said its a very severe case. He showed me her X-rays and her lungs have quite a bit of fluid in them.
The doctor gave her a shot of long lasting subcutaneous penicillin and perscribed oral cipro daily.
He also recommended a nebullizer… Which I was able to rent from a local pharmacy… (Didn’t mention it was for a bunny…)
There’s just going to be water in the nebullizer. Next time I speak to the doctor I’m going to ask if adding any nebullizer medicines would be appropriate.
Today’s the first time hearing of a nebullizer so any tips are quite welcome! We are using an infant mask.

She’s now eating normally and has lost weight. But she’s still eating, only her fresh greens like parsley and kale though. No pellets or hay. She seems to be pooping ok too.

Also her hubbunny Castiel… Should I seperate them? She perks right up being near him but he’s been intent on humping her since she became sick. It’s gotten so bad they’ve fought a few times. When I’m here there’s no issue but leaving them alone is a 50/50 for trouble. I don’t want him bothering her, but she’s so happy when he’s there.

ANYTHING is welcome! Advice, comments, your own stories. I’ve had bunnies all my life and I’ve never had one in such dire straights.

I’m terrified. I don’t know what to do.

Edit: looks like hubbunnys sick too…
Anybody ever had a bunnys belly gurgle so loudly you can hear it in another room? He’s eating just fine so idk if it’s stasis, maybie gas… Acting normal too.

Sorry for the long post.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh so sorry for your trouble!
I’ve never dealt with pneumonia-since your vet recommended the nebulizer I’d call him with any questions about that.
As for the husbunny-I would separate when you can’t be there. I had to do that with mine She was happier with him there but he bit and humped her so it wasn’t ok. If your able to separate but allow them to see each other -through a gate or cage thats ideal; plus supervised time together.

Keep us posted!

[Lyassa]

Thanks! My vet doesn’t have very much experience using a nebulizer in rabbits so I thought id seek outside help.

Update; Unfortunately my bunnies pens are too big to move so I put Lilly in a smaller cage and and keeping her in my bedroom to
monitor her condition.

She is drinking TONS of water. I’m not certain what’s causing it. Could cipro be making her thirsty?

[Thump]

OMG! Sorry you have to deal with all of this. Your poor baby girl!

I haven’t had to deal with pneumonia before but the first thing I would find out from your vet is if its contiguous and if its ok for both bunnies to be around eachother. What is the other bunny sick with? Same symptoms? I work in a lab at a hospital and normally they run cultures to see what bacteria is causing it. They usually skip this step in animals because it is too costly and just prescribe whatever antibiotic and hope it works.

Keep monitoring her eating, drinking, pooping, activity level, and breathing. Does she have labored breathing? Does she wheeze? Is she panting or struggling to breath? Do you hear any noises at all when you put your ears to her back? You want to pay close attention in case she gets worse because it may be a sign her lungs are filling with more fluid and that she cant get enough air. Antibiotics can have strange side effects. it is always important to drink plenty of water with meds so the kidneys can flush them out of the system. They last thing you want on top of all this is antibiotic induced renal failure.

[Sarita]

I would try to keep them together as much as possible.

As for the nebulizer, I’ve used a nebulizer before and I’ve used medicine in the nebulizer as well – I think I used amakacin…not sure if that will help with pneumonia.

If you have a carrier you can put her in the carrier and stick the nebulizer in their and put a towel over the carrier to keep the vapors contained during the treatment.
She may be hard to mask.

Actually I just found this video and this was how I nebulized my rabbit so hopefully this will help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V29dG5fU5J4

But the carrier is an alternative as well.

[Lyassa]

*update*Thank you so much for your responses. Unfortunately, Lilly passed away this evening and Castiel is being treated for complete GI stasis and possible obstruction.
Thanks again

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m s very sorry for your loss. ((((Binky Free Lilly))))

Wishing your Castiel a quick recovery.

[Sarita]

Oh, so sorry. Hope Castiel does recovery quickly.

[JackRabbit]

So sorry about Lilly. Vibes for Castiel.

[Author]

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