angieluv wrote:
I don't think that it is abnormal to have some e-coli in stool. Did the vet tell you this was problem or just give you the results without comments.
We're awaiting the final results of the second (speciated) fecal culture. Some E. Coli was found in the preliminary results (of the second culture). The vetput Zoe on Baytril due to the gas/discomfort/mucous issues that she continued having. (The first fecal culture didn't find any of the "big-gun"bacteria, such as Clostridium.)
if their is a problem with an overgrowth of e-coli in Zoe it may be related to gastointestintal hypomotility.
It could very well be that eating all that plastic off of her litter box was the sole cause of her gut slowdown, which, in turn, promoted an E. Coli build-up. (Again, we don't know how profound the growth of it is, but Zoe's symptoms indicate a genuine problem; that's why Baytril was started while we await the final results.)
I will relate some info from Kathy Smith /Lucille Moore's book "When your rabbit needs special care"
"Antibiotics may be prescribed in order to prevent bacterial overgrowth but not all veterinarians recommend this. In cases of hypomotility the balance of microflora in the gut is already going to be unstable so unless there is the real likelihood of a bacterial infection some practioners prefer not to prescrobe antibiotics. Acidopilus can be give to restore a healthy balance of microflora . Although this is not a naturally occuring enzyme in the rabbit's digestive tract there is some evidence it will help in cases of gut slowdown because of its inhibitory effect on e-coli and other harmful bacteria Some caretakers recommend giving Questran to bind bacterial toxins such as those prodiced by clostridium."
We tried probiotics first for nearly two weeks' time before finally resorting to Baytril. (Three days' worth of Flagyl was given, in case Zoe's serious gas was caused by the "big-gun" bacteria. But Flagyl didn't make a real difference; the first fecal culture proved why: No "big-gun" bacteria was found.)
I think you should ask the vet what 'e-coli " means in terms of Zoe ; if there is not an overgrowth I don't think that it's an issue.
Oh, I definitely will.
As soon as the results are in, I intend to get a copy to pour over myself. If there is an overgrowth of E. Coli (or even something else), I will ask the vet what the lab found in terms of effective antibiotics for it.
I really wouldn't worry about Emma until the vet clarifies what all this means ; I am sure that e-coli was notbrought in from an outside source.
I just worry when Emma shows signs of gas discomfort, whichshe's not had in at least six months'time (though likely longer).
They were boarded several times over the course ofseveral weeks'; there is the possibility that they picked something up in the other environment. But I realize that it's likelya Zoe thing due to gut hypomotility. (Heck, it could've come from water or greens. Who knows?)
