nose bite injury

Question
my rabbit got in a fight with it's dad and has a cut on it's nose can i apply double antibiotic ointment?

Answer
Dear Tisha,

First, be sure the rabbits cannot get to each other again, and don't leave them together until both are neutered and recovered.  Read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

and find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If the nose wound is a flap that needs to be sutured, you'll have to get the bunny to a good vet for that repair, or the nose will always be deformed and scarred, which would be a shame.  It also could become infected, so it's best to have a vet take a look to be sure the wound isn't so serious that antibiotics are needed.

In the meantime, you can wash the wound with diluted povidone iodine (Betadine or generic version) very gently, being sure to get all the dirt out.  The solution should be the color of weak tea.  Pat dry, and keep the wound dry and clean.  Antibiotic ointment isn't really recommended, as it can seal in bacteria.  Just betadine and keeping an eye on it until you get to the vet will be best.

I hope this helps.

Dana