Absess

Question
Hello

I have a Lionhead rabbit, she is two and a half years old.She has had two operations on her teeth within the last 6 months, the second op involving a tooth extraction. She recovered well. Last week she developed a large golf ball size absess on her eye at the same side that the tooth was extracted. I took her back to my vets and he said that there was nothing he could do as it would have gone into her bone and the best advice he could give was to leave it and that we needed to think about her quality of life.

Although I agree, and would hate for her to have any more operations under anaesthetic, I am a little despondent that antibiotics were not given to try to clear the cyst/infection.

Her appetite is still good at this moment and she doesn't seem to be bothered by it too much. It has bruised the skin and there is blood coming from it occassionally (not a lot) where the skin is rupturing at the edges of the cyst.

I guess I am contacting you for a second opinion. I have been told that I can be referred to a specialist in Harrogate, Yorkshire that may have the equipment to resolve the issue but that it came at a price.

Having read some of the previous questions posted on this site I am aware that Lionheads are particuarly prone to dental problems etc but I am reluctant to give up on her just yet.

Thanking you for your response in advance.

Danielle

Answer
Hi Danielle,

glad to hear from you.

I am sorry about your current problems and what your rabbit is going through.  Unfortunately there are a lot of problems with Lionheads as some breeders have been fairly sloppy with inbreeding and rushing to get the breed 'out there', and I have been hearing numerous problems with them.

Things you may be able to do before going to a different vet:  you may want to get some Similisan eye care product (they offer several, one might be right for this) from Walgreens to see if you can help the eye area out.  I would also get some Arnica Montana pills (from a health store) for mild to moderate pain control for her, all natural.  they usually are tiny sugar pills with arnica in them.  YOu can dissolve them in water or just give them to her with her pellets.  You can also try Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy to keep her calm and relaxed.

Really it's several things for you to consider here, realistically.  Your rabbit's will to live, which I imagine she still has.  Your committment to nursing her back to health.  Your desire to find a good rabbit vet.  And finally your ability to finance the needed care.  These are all questions you'd be asking yourself for a dog or cat.

I'm not a vet so take the following suggestions with a grain of salt.  I am surprised he didn't think an antibiotic would be helpful to prevent an infection from occurring, and since she has an abcess, which is an open sore, I'd have thought he'd prescribe something.  Further I'm puzzled why he wouldn't prescribe an anti-inflammatory (baytril could cover both concerns) to see if it would help shrink inflamed tissue.  However he may know that for this type of case it may not help.

I would suggest going to the House Rabbit Society web site

www.rabbit.org\vets

and search for a recommended rabbit vet in your area.  Good rabbit vets are able to suggest alternatives and know of treatments they are willing to try and educate you in care, more so than just a dog/cat vet.

As for the cost, well, I can't quote you on what it will cost - it will vary on the drugs and treatment and what is all needed.  But it can add up and everyone has a different limit as to what is 'too much'.

My rule of thumb for my guys is if they appear to have a will to live and I believe I can take care of them however they end up, I will try to save them.  Not everyone has the same view.

Write back anytime. Lee