rabbit inner ears abscess

Question
Hi Kelly,
I have a six year old what I believe to be a male tan elfin rabbit. Over the past weeks he has been shaking his head (more vigorously of late) and pawing at his ear. The area involved was warm to touch. There is an abscess about the size of a dime, visible as a lump on the exterior and open and draining thick, very white, pus like discharge from the inner area of the ear around where the cartilage begins to fold. The rabbit is quite tolerant of the hot compresses we've been administering with saline and sterile gauze. My wife has also treated the area with an otic solution (Cortisporin)but not since the opening has appeared and begun draining. However, she indicates that there was some pus apparent when she began treatment with the Cortisporin. The tissue around the opening is no longer red, as it was before, and swelling seems to have subsided in the tissue surrounding the abscess since the administration of the Cortisporin
I'm wondering about this white discharge, if it is indeed pus or something else I should be concerned about.
I would appreciate any advice you may have regarding this condition and treatment for our beloved "Pepsi".
Thanks very much Kelly,
Brian

Answer
Brian,

If he has an abscess, you should take him to a veterinarian to have it properly lanced and cleaned out. You did describe it as having already drained (or at least it is in the process), however the veterinarian will likely still prescribe an antibiotic (probably Baytril). An exam and antibiotic is rather affordable, so personally I would recommend it to not only ensure he is fine, but also for your own peace of mind.

On a side note, an Elfin is not a breed in the United States, so I looked it up. Very interesting. Where are you located? Do you have a picture of Pepsi?

Kelly