I was wondering if anyone knows what is wrong with my pet rabbit. She has a wet chin and neck and looks like she is constantly chewing. I took another rabbit with the same symptoms to a vet. He prescribed Baytril. I treated her as directed, but she died. Several months later, this rabbit developed the same symptoms. I started her on Baytril as soon as I discovered it. I'm wondering if it could perhaps be snuffles or pneumonia. Could there be another medication that may be more effective in treating this? I would hate to lose another pet. Thank you.

Gwen H.

-- Gwen (ghubbar@bellsouth.net), March 03, 2002

Answers

USES OF THIS MEDICATION (Baytril) This medication may be used in either dogs or cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas. Enrofloxacin is also active against Staphylococci and thus is commonly used for infections of the skin.

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), March 03, 2002.

As a general all round broad spectrum antibiotic I use Taramycin (sp). It is avalible in powder form from most farm stores, is fairly cheap and easy to use. I generally put it in the drinking water, enough to color the water yellow.

Sory I can't be of more help.

Susan

-- Susan In MN (nanaboo@paulbunyan.net), March 03, 2002.

This person contributes to answers on this forum and has her own forum, this is her post from yesterday: I also have a rabbit forum on usnet you can post over there as well http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a.tcl? topic=Raising%20meat% 20rabbits%20for%20profit

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), March 02, 2002.

You might try posting on Tracy's forum, also.

The Baytril is a broad spectrum antibiotic and should be able to handle any bacterial infection that your rabbit has. You need to be careful with which antibiotics you give to rabbits, so I would stick with what your vet gave you, since it was for similar symptoms and hopefully you have started treatment early enough and your rabbit will be OK.

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), March 03, 2002.

Gwen, This comes from one of my rabbit books. Slobbers: cab be caused by several factors such as tooth abcess or feeding contaminated hay or straw.Clinical signs: the rabbit salivates profusely and the face, chin, and dewlap area becomes very moist and wet. Prognosis: good if you can correct the primary problem. Treat infected teethm or remove contaminated hay or straw. Feed a dry ration. Avoid feeding material that is contaminated. Hope this helps Tracy

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), March 03, 2002.

Saw a British Vet programme a while ago where a rabbit was brought in with the same symptoms you describe. It had an absess in it's mouth/teeth. Please see the vet. Kiwikaren

-- kiwikaren (fp116@ihug.co.nz), March 04, 2002.

Yes, see the vet. And if you give any antibiotics, please also feed bunny a couple teaspoons of plain yogurt twice a day. (Use a syringe.) Also, give fresh pineapple or papaya if possible. This will help keep her gut bacteria from getting out of whack due to the antibiotics.

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), March 04, 2002.

hi i recently had exactly the same problem with my rabbit. His teeth had over grown causing ulcers in his mouth and an abcess. I suggest you take him to the vet to have his teeth clipped and sort this out soon he is probably suffering

-- emma (emmachurchman@hotmail.com), April 21, 2002.