So frustrating. URI: nothing seems to work…

[Mary Bun]

Ernesto has been on antibiotics to treat his snuffles since he got home almost three weeks ago. We started with Baytril, 7 days, didn’t work. Moved on to azithromycin last Sat, still not working. I have talked to his vet. He said to keep it up more days to give it more time. He wants to take X Rays next week if this goes on. I am worried sick. What should be just fun and loving on my new baby is giving him medicine and nebulizing him twice a day, to no avail… Ernesto is an eight week old lionhead with looks to kill… We are absolutely smitten. But worried.

Am I overreacting?

[Wick & Fable]

I think being frustrated is natural – no one opts into having a new cute pet and being plagued with vet visits. I think I mentioned in a previous topic of yours or a similar case that it took 5 months of treatment for my Wick’s URI, which we started tx when we got him at 8-9wo. Exact same situation as you in that I was really frustrated that my experiences with my rabbit starts with essentially weekly vet visits and two to three medication administrations per day. It sucks, but unfortunately that’s the card I drew.

It is not unusual to cycle thru a few meds for a URI to try and find the one that works. I know it’s frustrating and expensive. Is he severely impacted by this URI? How are his appetite and energy? If not, it might be helpful for you to remember that he’s not necessarily suffering significantly at this point from it. Yes it’s frustrating that he’s still experiencing symptoms, but if all else is doing OK, then he is probably doing OK even if tx isn’t working yet.

 

 

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Mary Bun]

Thank you for your answer! Yes! He is super happy! Binkying, flopping, eating like a little pig and seeking attention all the time! I don’t mind the vet visits or the money. I mean, I am not a millionaire, but I want him to be ok. I am just scared it might get worse. I have been unconsciously trying not to love him too much… too late…

[Wick & Fable]

URIs do not get worse overnight and inherently aren’t lethal really. The fact that he is so energetic honestly I would be surprised if symptoms got significantly worse at any fast pace. URIs are annoying, but often aren’t life threatening on their own. In terms of rabbit illnesses, it does need to be treated, but, it’s not a life-ender at the severity your rabbit is experiencing. Again, it took 5 months for my rabbit get cured from his, and he’s completely fine now, 3+ years later.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Mary Bun]

That is such a relief! Thank you so much!

[LBJ10]

Has it been only 4 days then with the azithromycin? From my experience, that one does seem to take a little longer to show improvement.

[Mary Bun]

So good to know!!!! Thank you!

[Author]

Messages