Bunny abscess

Question
Hi There
My rabbit has a big abscess on his side. I've taken him to the vet and the vet prescribed oral antibiotics called 'Baytril'. He hopes that the abscess will become smaller so that he can operate and remove it. I don't see any improvements though. Is there anything else I can do to help the situation? I am cleaning the wound with antiseptic diluted with water daily & cleaning the wound out with cotton balls. Thanks.
Heather

Answer
Dear Heather,

Once the abscess is encapsulated, it can be surgically removed even if it's large.  But the vet is smart to get the bunny on antibiotics to try and reduce the size of the infection, if possible.  Plus, taking a little bit of time to allow the abscess to encapsulate will make the surgery easier and probably give the vet better success at completely removing it.

If the abscess is in an open wound, this is more challenging, since the capsule is already breached.  The a sample contents and a bit of the capsule can be sent to a lab for culture and sensitivity testing:

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

so you'll know the best antibiotic to use, if the Baytril doesn't seem to be working.  You don't say how long he's been on the Baytril, but if it's been more than a week with no improvement, it's time for the C&S test, and possibly a different antibiotic.

If you're not sure your vet is experienced with rabbits, you can find another vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

for a second opinion.

Hope this helps.

Dana