off colour rabbit

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I've read quite a few of your answers and the information on your website over the past year but unfortunately now I need to ask a question. My 3 year old lionhead lop rabbit had a chest infection a year ago and also suspected inner ear infection and/or E.Cunucili he was treated for both, Baytril being the antibiotic(I'm in the UK) and recovered fine. Today however I noticed he has gone off his food and has shaken his head a few times, which is what happened last time and is just sitting. He was out for a run around the house an hour or so ago and seemed bright enough then but obviously something is wrong. Assuming it's the same thing again what I was wondering is what would be the best treatment? I'm pretty sure I'll be given Bayrtil again as apparently in the UK it has to be tried first(so I was told) but I'm wondering if it is the same thing, if this is a wise move? I don't want to waste time with the wrong treatment(there was nothing to culture last time and again his nose is dry)especially with xmas so near and the vet being shut. I can't take him to the vet until tomorrow(luckily we have two pretty rabbit savvy vets and one expert but he may not be there)so I'm wondering if I should give him Metacam tonight and syringe feed him if he doesn't start eating? Also how long should he be on antibiotics? The last time one vet wanted to stop them after 10 days but the other said to continue-I think he ended up with around a 20 day course.thanks and keep up the good work-I have posted the link to your health pages many times on Yahoo answers, particularly the G.I. stasis one, it's helped a few rabbits that I know of, Lynne

ANSWER: Dear Lynne,

While it's certainly possible that if he has an ear infection that it could be due to the same type of bacteria, there are no guarantees.  I think the best idea would be to just give him the metacam and be sure his body temperature stays in normal range:

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

and that he's comfortable and getting a little bit of Critical Care until you can get him to the vet in the morning.  And I do agree with the vet who had him on a longer course of antibiotics.  One of the best ways to breed resistant bacteria is to give a too-short course of antibiotics!  You need to have him on the meds until the bacterial population is knocked back to a level the bunny's immune system can handle and keep under control.

Hope that helps.

Dana
P.S. - At first I thought from your subject line that your bunny was telling naughty jokes.  Is that just an American thing?  :)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick answer and sorry I didn't use paragraphs there-I didn't realise I'd done that!
I've still got some Critical Care so I'll give him that too and hope he's ok until tomorrow, it's unfortunate timing with xmas coming up but at least they do 24 emergency call outs if necessary(hopefully not!). I remembered reading about the long course of antibiotics and wasn't happy he was 100% last time so I know which vet to ask for.
I'm concerned that he is ill again though, I hope it wont be a recurring thing.My other male rabbit will be pleased-moneywise it means his neutering will have to wait!!
I see what you mean about the subject line-his jokes are terrible lol.

Answer
Dear Lynne,

I hope your bunny will be fine, and I sure know about the holiday delays!  Noserubs to both your bunnies, and congratulations to the male who will get to have his holiday nuts for a little longer.

Good luck!

Dana
(my jokes are worse than your rabbit's)