Relief for ear discomfort from an infection?

[NaurielR]

Hi, I am currently caring for a rabbit while his family is away at their summer home. Unfortunately Pumpkin developed an ear infection. We saw a vet, but when inwas researching clinics, I did not realize that when a vet has experience with “small animals” it means they care for cats and dogs as opposed to large animals like horses. Long story short, the vet had no idea what she was doing, wasted a week to basically make sure that his ears were infected. The vet put him on two weeks worth of baytril (oral) and ofaloxacin (eye drops to be used as ear drops). A culture and sensitivity
test showed that the ears are indeed infected. The antibiotics did not work. Pumpkin is not any better, although he is not any worse either.

My problem arises because his owners don’t want me to take him to an exotic vet. They want to wait until they return home, which is in about two weeks. I tried to explain how important it was that Pumpkon get treatment, and that by putting off the inevitable, they are just making it harder on themselves, but they still told me to wait. Pumpkin has been off antibiotics for three days and so far is holding steady, but is still uncomfortable. His right ear is very itchy. I’ve been cleaning out the discharge with a Kleenex.

My question is: is there anything I can do to relieve the pain and itchiness he is experiencing? I am very frustrated and upset that his owners are putting off treatment. As a zookeeper I make my living caring for animals and it just breaks my heart to watch him suffer and do nothing about it. I know that if he gets worse, I will take him to a vet even if its against his owners wishes, but I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that.

Any help is appreciated. I feel so bad for this sweet little rabbit and I just want him to have a little bit of comfort.

[LBJ10]

What are his symptoms? Does he have head tilt? Pus coming from the ear usually means a ruptured eardrum. If that is the case, ear drops should not be used. With inner and middle ear infections, vets often recommend antibiotics other than baytril. Since the baytril didn’t seem to help, the vet will probably need to try something different.

Here is a link that talks about ear infection treatment in rabbits:
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Neurology/Otit/otitis.htm

Do not let this persist for another 2 weeks. You’re running the risk of irreversible damage. Make sure his owners know this.

[LBJ10]

Are you able to give us a general location? We might be able to assist you in finding a vet.

[Author]

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