inoperable jaw abscess

Question
Hi my 5.5 year old female rabbit has an inoperable jaw abscess, I was told by my vet to take her home and just to keep an eye on her, that was in June, my rabbit is doing fine ie: eating grooming and runs about in my garden when let out, I am just worried about the abscess growing and eventually killing her, what symptoms shall I look for when she is going down hill and do you think she is in pain, I was told by my vet that she wouldnt be but reading on the net about it all most people say they are.

Answer
Dear Sarah,

I would certainly get another opinion from a rabbit-experienced veterinarian:

www.rabbit.org/vets

A jaw abscess is not only painful, but the condition is progressive.  It may not be operable, but there are definitely medical treatment options to pursue, especially if a sample of the abscess can be taken and sent to a lab for culture and sensitivity testing:

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

Please also read:

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

as well as the link to the article by Tyrrell, et al. in that article. I think you will find that quite helpful.

Please write back if you have any questions.

Dana