Wound Care/Abscess Prevention

[OreoBunny]

Hello! 

I was hoping for some advice regarding the prevention of abscesses after a rabbit has been scratched/bitten. 

My rabbits got into a scuffle that resulted in some cuts and scratches. I did not notice one of the wounds for about a day or so because my rabbit is long haired. This particular rabbit has had an abscess before and I am really trying to prevent that from happening again. I have been cleaning the wound daily since I discovered it and putting veterinary balm (safe for bunnies) and triple antibiotic ointment on the injured area. He has also been drinking a small amount of Pedialyte daily (along with his regular water.), but I’m not sure if this is enough or if I could be doing more for him. 

I have Baytril tablets as well, and I am wondering if dosing him with Baytril as well will decrease the likelihood of infection? 

Please, let me know aside from taking him to the vet, (as this is not really an option), what else I could do to help prevent infection/abscess for my little guy. If you have tried something in the past that helped yours heal or have any experience using Baytril to prevent infection please share your experience with me and I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

[Q8bunny]

It really depends on the type of wound. Very deep wounds need to be kept open and heal from the bottom up, so to speak, to prevent infection from setting in at the bottom of the wound after the surface has closed up and started healing. Superficial shallow wounds need cleaning and disinfecting regularly, which is what you seem to be doing. So if a vet visit is out of the question, just observe the cut very closely. Personally, if you can’t get to a vet, I would save the systemic antibiotics for when you know for sure your bun needs them, rather than as a preventive measure for a cut. But ultimately, your bun, your instincts…

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