Katsuko88
New Member
I'm currently undergoing health treatment away from home and neighbors with a lot of rabbit experience are bunny sitting my rabbits (I've got a couple), including my male Hotot, Dewey. But a couple days ago, Dewey began moving with a pronounced tilt to his head. My neighbor was able to take him to our vet today - she's the only vet in the area that will treat rabbits but she definitely can't be called an expert and will will often go off and look things up on the internet - she's admitted as much to me. So my confidence in her his unfortunately limited. Dewey's appointment was just before closing time and some badly timed circumstances on my side prevented me from being able to join on a phone call with the vet at the time, but my neighbors passed on as much info as they could. I'll speak with the vet tomorrow but I was hoping to get some info from the wider community on others' experiences and advice based on what I know so far.
When this vet saw Dewey, she was able confirm he didn't have ear mites or a major noticeable ear infection. She said he is experiencing an inner ear issue but wasn't able to determine the cause.
She's suggested two medications: Baytril Tablets, and Metacam. But also she said that while it might help the head tilt a little, she didn't think it would help a lot...and from the pictures I've seen that looks to be near 90 degrees at this point..his ear is practically resting on his shoulder....my poor baby just LOOKS so uncomfortable!
Our neighbors say Dewey is able to eat and even groom himself but is struggling with drinking; he's able to manage it with difficulty with a bottle that lets a lot of water out but they said the water gets in his eye... the medicine MIGHT help enough that he'd be able to manage better...
This couldn't have happened at a worse time. My own medical issues mean I won't be home for at LEAST another week. The neighbor is willing to help until then but I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to dedicate to poor Dewey once I do get home, at least for a while until I'm back at full strength. I'm not sure what I should do. I've no idea what the quality of life would be for Dewey going forward - I'm guessing he'll require special care after this and at this time I'm not sure how able I'd be to give it. And, as much as I hate to admit it, cost is also a big issue right now. The medicine the vet suggested will cost around another $100 on top of the visit fees I already paid....and she's not even sure if it will do anything.
This one of the pictures I was sent. It's of him drinking. His head is constantly at this angle - if not a little worse as it might be propped a bit by the wall here. The picture of him lying down I got was heartbreaking.....and I just can't bring myself to share it.
I'm very torn on what the best course of action should be and really appreciate anyone who has advice or past experience with such a thing.
When this vet saw Dewey, she was able confirm he didn't have ear mites or a major noticeable ear infection. She said he is experiencing an inner ear issue but wasn't able to determine the cause.
She's suggested two medications: Baytril Tablets, and Metacam. But also she said that while it might help the head tilt a little, she didn't think it would help a lot...and from the pictures I've seen that looks to be near 90 degrees at this point..his ear is practically resting on his shoulder....my poor baby just LOOKS so uncomfortable!
Our neighbors say Dewey is able to eat and even groom himself but is struggling with drinking; he's able to manage it with difficulty with a bottle that lets a lot of water out but they said the water gets in his eye... the medicine MIGHT help enough that he'd be able to manage better...
This couldn't have happened at a worse time. My own medical issues mean I won't be home for at LEAST another week. The neighbor is willing to help until then but I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to dedicate to poor Dewey once I do get home, at least for a while until I'm back at full strength. I'm not sure what I should do. I've no idea what the quality of life would be for Dewey going forward - I'm guessing he'll require special care after this and at this time I'm not sure how able I'd be to give it. And, as much as I hate to admit it, cost is also a big issue right now. The medicine the vet suggested will cost around another $100 on top of the visit fees I already paid....and she's not even sure if it will do anything.
This one of the pictures I was sent. It's of him drinking. His head is constantly at this angle - if not a little worse as it might be propped a bit by the wall here. The picture of him lying down I got was heartbreaking.....and I just can't bring myself to share it.
I'm very torn on what the best course of action should be and really appreciate anyone who has advice or past experience with such a thing.
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