Umm...well, I do not agree with giving Reglan or any other GI motility drug to a rabbit. They were not intended to be used in this type of digestive system. In my non-professional opinion, they should never be used in a rabbit. They induce very painful contractions which in some situations can cause some undesirable results. Much too risky when compared to the potential of anything positive. And the pain they cause due to the contractions can cause GI issues in itself. The proper and most effective treatment for stasis (other than prevention) is hydration. And I didn't see any mention of supplemental fluids...and that is the first thing you would do with a UTI.
As far as the Baytril....again not a drug that is used by many exotic vets these days....it isa broad spectrum antibiotic that can stress the gram positive bacteria in the GI. Inyearspast, Baytril has been a life saver to many rabbits but it's effectiveness has taken a beating in recent years (much like most Penicillinsin humans) Manyantibioitcs given orally will upset the bacterial balance in the GI to some degree....the worst offenders are penicillins, cephalosporins and sulfanomides. When this bacteria becomes stressed, it starts to die off. When the beneficial bacteria's population is reduced, it is easier for harmful bacteria, primarily Clostridium but also E Coli sometimes, to grow. These bacteria are toxic and irritate the lining of the digestive tract. The body will respond by producing a mucus in an effort to give a protective coating to the lining of the GI and this usually presents itself as fecal matter that is covered by a thick greenish tinted mucus. Bene Bac or another appropriate probiotic will certainly help. Probiotics work by acidifying the gut....they change and stabilize the pH in the digestive system. A rabbit requires an acidic climate in the GI in order to have a stable population of beneficial bacteria. We use Bene Bac quite a bit here in our wildlife rescue to manipulate the pH. And of course, unlimted amounts of hay and lots of hydration would be in order. In some really bad cases of stasis, we do use an antibiotic.....Metronidazole. But it's not so much the abx part we need....the anti-inflammatory properties of this drug when used in GI events is very effective.
Anda little side note on Baytril. It has been so misused in the veterinary community that many bacteria, particularly Pasteurella, is becoming resistant. I rarely use Baytril here and when I do, it is dosed differently than most vets would use and it always administered by injection ( and I do not use Baytril for domestic animals except chinchillas....only use it otherwise incottontails). And even if it works, I don't think 5 days is proper anx protocol....again, non-professional opinion. We generally go 10 days minimumor 5 days after symptoms disappear whichever is longer. I live near a major vet school and we are fortunate to have many exotic focus vets....and they have all but dropped the use of Baytril.
And I hope I am wrong, but I think something more is going on here....and one comment concerns me in that the vet "thought". While I have the utmost respect for all vets regardless of their specialities....I also expect a lot. And I expect them to know, not think. And I am going to think here.....I think there should be some diagnosis here starting with a full urinalysis along with a CBC w/EC titer. I like to be sure of what I am dealing with....and with a rabbit and the way they can hide problems....it is even more important to know what is going on as there is usually very little "wiggle room".
Randy
