amoxicillin for neutered rabbits

Question
I have 2 dwarf rabbits both mails, just had them neutered today, i was given amoxicillin to give to them twice a day. I have read several posts that most vets do not prescribe this drug, and it may end up killing them, is this true, if so what other drug choices do I have?
Thank you
Jimmy

Answer
Hi,

Do not give them any amoxicillin!  Amoxicillin is not an antibiotic that rabbits should be given.

I'm not a vet, first off, but I am telling you what I know through my two rabbit vets.  Generally after a neuter or spay, a broad-spectrum, general antibiotic is given to prevent post-op infection of the area.  Normally 3-5 days worth of Baytril (drug name: enrofloxacin) is prescribed.  Further, pain medicine should also be given for a few days in order to keep bunny from feeling pain and therefore, to keep eating.  Metacam (drug name: meloxicam) is a good pain medicine for rabbits, plus it also is an anti-inflammatory, which reduces swelling.

You should have been given both in proper doses for the weight of your rabbit.  The fact they gave you an antibiotic that can kill your rabbit tells me they are not good rabbit vets.  I would either ask them for baytril and metacam in the correct dosages for your rabbit, or go to a good rabbit vet and ask them for this.

Go to:  www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

to find a House Rabbit Society recommended rabbit vet near you.