Swelling

Question
Hi Dr.

 Snoopy is a lop bunny I'm not sure of exact age I got him from a pet store for free I'm going to say he's about 4 or 5. He's always been healthy about a 2 months ago he had an abscess under his chin I guess the dewlap. The vet gave us a liquid antibiotic and it went away. 2 days ago I noticed the right side of his face is drooping or maybe the left is just swollen. He actually looks like he dislocated his jaw. The vet is coming on Saturday. He is eating drinking and running around fine I checked his bite to see maybe If he had a tooth abscess but I did not see anything (but I am not a Dr.) I have some extra antibiotic left over and I started him on it just until the vet gets here. Should I rush him to an all night vet? Or do you think he can wait till Saturday?

Thanks N

Answer
Dear Nancy,

Since today is Saturday, I guess waiting 'til Saturday is fine.  A problem like this isn't a time-sensitive emergency, but it does require the attention of the vet.  Please read:

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

and

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

I hope the vet knows a LOT about rabbit medicine, because a dental abscess is a serious problem.  If you're not sure this vet is a rabbit expert, you can find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope Snoopy will be fine soon!

Dana