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About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I've lived with companion rabbits for more than 35 years, and consider them members of my family. I can answer any questions about the biology and health of rabbits, from the commonplace to the unusual. But please note:
RULE #1:
THE INTERNET IS NOT THE PLACE TO SEEK HELP IN AN EMERGENCY.
- If your rabbits is LETHARGIC
- If your rabbit is NOT EATING
- If your rabbit is PHYSICALLY INJURED (including broken bones)
- If your baby rabbit has DIARRHEA
...it is an EMERGENCY.
Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian at www.rabbit.org/vets for immediate help, and don't risk your bunny's life by spending time asking questions online!
RULE #2:
Help me help you! Please make your subject line informative if you have an urgent question.
- If you already have been to the vet and still need help
- if you can't find an available vet with the resources above
then LET ME KNOW IN THE SUBJECT LINE so I can give your question highest priority over non-urgent questions. If you don't do this, then I can't guarantee timely assistance!
For all the best, most accurate rabbit health, care and behavior information, visit The House Rabbit Society.
Experience
Publications
Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide
Education/Credentials
Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English
Awards and Honors
Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)
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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Rabbits > Second visit to the vet tomorrow
Rabbits - Second visit to the vet tomorrow
Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/4/2009
Question
I am sorry to ask about a rabbit when I already asked information to mister Meyer but he is maxed out and I am going to the vet tomorrow.Long story short : I have a 6 year old unspayed doe .Went to the vet last Saturday ( 31st October ) because she has had in the week before what I thought was a convulsion ( lost balance, hind leg stiff etc ).The vet diagnosed Pasteurellose, said her uterus had a mass in it also.Prescribed Baytril + probiotic for 30 days and follow up visit after 2 weeks to see if she was ready for her sterilization and removal of the mass ( I do have to say that the vet was told my rabbit was 4, it was my mistake ).Monday my rabbit is not eating, I call the vet : stopped the antibiotics, kept the probiotics and force fed her ( 3 times a day 15ml with critical care ).I come home tonight to find her breathing rapidly, her feces are getting bigger but they are not normal as of now.Five minutes later she is back to breathing normally ( I startled her by turning on the light ?).
She has more spunk, is not eating on her own yet though.I am a bit confused.Should I wait a bit more ?
Answer
Dear Naomi,
Please read:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html
The pain/stress of the uterine mass and the upper respiratory infection could be triggering a GI slowdown or even ileus (see above) that will make her inappetent and ill. It is vital to reverse the ileus to improve her condition and will to live. Analgesia is critical. Banamine or metacam are safe for rabbits, and will not slow the GI tract's movements.
To be very sure that the vet you are taking her to is experienced with rabbits, check the listings here:
www.rabbit.org/vets
It's important to have an experienced vet for a surgery involving a spay with a uterine tumor. I am also not sure why the vet stopped the antibiotics, as Baytril is not going to be causing GI problems. If the respiratory problem is not resolved, then ask about a different antibiotic, as she will not be a good surgical candidate if her respiratory system is compromised.
At this point, you're sort of between a rock and a hard place: she needs the antibiotics to resolve the respiratory infection. But it might also not be Pasteurella (This is commonly cited as the pathogen responsible for rabbit "snuffles", but many other bacteria can cause this, too, and not all are sensitive to Baytril.). Please read:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sneezing.html
and ask the vet about *injectable* bicillin (the only safe penicillin for rabbits) or alternative antibiotic to get her surgery-ready asap. Please also see:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/culture.html
for information on how the vet can have the bacteria identified if they don't respond to Baytril.
If her breathing is labored, she may have pneumonia and require nebulization with amikacin, aminophylline and acetylcysteine. I hope you can find an experienced rabbit vet to help you soon.
Dana
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