Ear abscess and operation

Question
Hi,

My rabbit was recently diagnosed with a large abscess at the base of his ear.  My vet, who is recommended by the House Rabbit Society, recommended that she operate on it, although she was very uncertain as to what the results of the operation would be because the abcsess is not well defined.  I've read some scary case stories about rabbits who underwent the surgery to remove an ear abscess, and it seems like a frequent result is the loss of use of the eyelid and misalignment of the mouth and sometimes teeth.  I am very hesitant now to go through with the procedure as I think it would be cruel to keep a bunny alive without the ability to blink or chew.  Do you know if it is possible to use antibiotics over the long-term to control the infection?  Right now, he is probably on the younger side (maybe 3.5 years old, although we don't know for sure) and after a first round of antibiotics, regained his active lifestyle.

Thanks,
Suzanne

Answer
Well, there's pretty much a 50/50 change that there will be complications.  If you go to http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/osteotomy.html it talks about one that worked well and one that didn't.  I've only known 1 rabbit that had one and she did ok.  There isn't a lot of literature about this surgery, but yes, some major nerves go through there and there could be some issues.

Certainly you could try to drain the abscess first, and keep flushing it out, while using antibiotics that the abscess cultures sensitive to.  Since he is your rabbit, you must make the final decision.  

I've certainly done both ways.  If the abscess isn't removed it's more likely to come back, but if you don't mind taking him in to be checked on a regular basis, then this isn't an issue.

I have heard of rabbits on long-term antibiotics.  It isn't common, but it has happened. I think the longest I had a rabbit on medication was 3 months, but he had multiple health problems when we first got him.

I hope that helps you out and that you and bunny both are happy with the decision.

Kim