neomycin and polymyxin b sulfates and bacitracin zinc

Question
Hello,
My rabbit is on her second jaw abscess since approx. 5/27/07 (this being
8/25/07). The first was surgically removed May 30, along w/the left bottom
incisor. I was told the root did not appear abnormal. It measures 5/8 of an
inch in length (from the gum/blood line down). Twice a day I treated her w/
sulfatrim for AB, flushed the wound w/Nolvasan, and coated it w/neomycin
and polymyxin b sulfates and bacitracin zinc ointment. I'm wondering how
this treatment plan compares w/others in general, and if the neomycin and
polymyxin B sulfates and bacitracin zinc ointment is appropriate for such a
deep wound. Tea tree oil has been suggested, but I'm feeling very uncertain
of it in this context. Betadine had crossed my mind, but not sure that's OK in
this context either (i.e., for rabbits, or deeper wounds in such a small body).
What is your opinion? Many Thanks! P.S. She did have a small pocket (pencil
eraser size) of Pasteurella pus a few years back, successfully treated w/o
return of anything else, till 5/07.

Answer
(Update)

Hi PK,

I would ask the vet how the bacteria responded to Chloramphenicol.  I noticed that sulfatrim was used for head-tilt cases, and one of my guys needed a stronger anitbiotic than baytril, so they gave him chloramphenicol and it really did well.  Perhaps this would be a better choice if it works against the bacteria she has.

The other thing I was thinking of was Oil of Oregano.  The herb oregano is safe for rabbits (I would give her a leaf of it just to make sure).  If she doesn't like it it's not an option as the oil is many, many, many more times potent than the herb.  If she seems to like it, you could try putting a drop in the abscess.  This will not take the place of antibiotics.  Oil of Oregano is a natural antibacterial oil.  Very very strong.  It may be too strong to place an undiluted drop in her mouth.  Maybe put 10-15 drops in a small syringe/bottle container and fill the rest with purified water.  It will still be very strong.

Lee

(End Update)

Hi PK,

DO NOT USE TEA TREE OIL ON RABBITS!!! TOXIC!!!

My gut feeling (not being a doctor) is that such an infection that seems to have a decent foothold in her mouth, it's not going to go away with over the counter remedies.  Neosporin isn't going to cut it.  Often certain prescription antibiotics aren't strong enough for certain bacteria strains.

You don't want to mess around and waste time and money on stuff that isn't going to work, and allow more damage to occur, and cost you more in the long run, and make your rabbit's life worse.  You don't want to jeopardize the mouth and sinus areas, being so small and connected.  You need to get her back to the vet, have them determine by a culture and sensitivity test what strain(s) are there, and what is the most effective antibiotic against them that is safe for rabbits, and then get her on it for at least one refill of the prescription and knock it out for good.

The short answer is that rabbit pus is very thick and just applying on the wound opening is like putting a hand torch to the tip of an iceberg.

Get her back in to the vet, have them figure out what bacteria it is and what works best against it, and then give her the proper meds and give it to her for the full (or until it's gone) prescription.

If your vet is not a good rabbit vet, go to:

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

and find a House Rabbit Society recommended vet in your area.  Not any old cat/dog vet will do when dealing with rabbits.

Lee