I took Pepper in to the clinic today. She’d been sneezing a bit since last Saturday, and I started noticing bunny-boogers Tuesday night. She was eating, pooping, and running around like usual, so I figured it was OK to wait a couple of days for an appointment but still important to bring her in
Animal Exotics in Skokie (www.exoticpetvet.com) is at Dempster and Ridgeway. The 215 Pace bus stops 3 blocks away, but I think next time I will just take the Skokie Swift out and take a cab from there. They are the one that the Red Door Shelter uses for their buns, I had seen a story on them on 190 North, and according to the website at least half the staff have bunnies of their own. Office visits are $48 plus whatever they have to do.
Dr Horton was wonderful – I had warned her that Pepper was a flailer so she came prepared with an extra set of hands and a towel. Pepper wiggled during the exam but with 4 hands they were able to get it done. She took the time to show me the ear infection (I could see irritation and a little pus) and to explain what they were going to do. Then they towel-wrapped Pepper and took her off to another room to flush out her ears and nose. She came back about 10 minutes later, mortally offended and rather damp – she kept shaking her head to get the water out and her big loppy-ears were making flapping sounds! She accepted a raisin foe being a good bunny but I suspect actual forgivemess will take more time.
The tech was wonderful too – she showed me how to wrap her and how to give her her meds – taking time to make sure I understood and letting me give one so I understood the technique. Pepper has a liquid antibiotic, a probiotic, ear rinse, and ear drops, and i have to bring her back in 2 weeks to see how she is progressing. I have enough of all the meds for a month in case she needs to stay on them longer. They also did a bordetella culture, since I hope to get her a friend come spring and so I need to know if she’s got it.
Total cost ended up $230 – more than I expected but with all they had to do I guess I can understand. They take checks and credit cards.
So, in short – they are costly but I thin they are worth it. I totally trust everyone there and I recommend them to any bunny-people in Chicago. Just start saving your pennies now!
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