He has an eye infection. I hoped it was a scratch or other irritation like a piece of hay chaff caught, but after a couple of days of trying to doctor him myself, it wasn't any worse, but it wasn't any better, either, so we went off to the Vet last night. He says it is pasteurella. Given all the things it could have been, some involving surgery, that doesn't seem so bad. The Vet checked him all over for abscesses, blocked tear ducts, runny nose, everything, but the goopy red eye seems to be the only thing he has. We went home with an oral antibiotic (hmmmmm...how does one "pill' a rabbit, exactly?) and another antibiotic ointment to put in his eye. They were all very impressed at the office, having never seen a French Angora (except the Vet) at how beautiful they are. Truffle accepted the gushing with modesty.
Truffle wasn't up to having a new picture taken for this post, but otherwise has been a trouper. He has been very good for me, and so good at the Vet's while we mess about with his eye. He seems to know I'm helping him, and acts relieved when I soak the stuff off his eye and flush it with sterile saline. One good thing about working in a hospital is they drill hygiene into you. I'm practically washing my hands off before and after I touch Truffle, and I'm keeping an eye on the other animals. I think I read somewhere cats can get this too?
Another thing I have been appreciating, especially with this unusually tough winter we've been having, is how glad I am that all my animals are inside the house! It's not only a relief for me not to have to 'suit up' to go out in the cold and ice, but I can monitor them better and no frozen water or dropping pans! This urban farming thing has a few advantages!
Good luck with the pilling. I've done it before on a rescue with skin problems. Not a lot of fun for the patient or the caregiver. But the end result will be worth it.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm not having much success. I wrapped the pill in a raisin, but he would have none of it. When he wouldn't take it on his own that way, I put it up to his mouth, he would take it in, roll it around for a second, then spit it out. Over and over this went on, until he finally bit me, and I gave up for the evening. My next try for a disguise will be a piece of broccoli stem. How did you manage it?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they make 'balling guns' for rabbits like they do for horses? ha-ha
right idea, but maybe with a straw. just blow it to the back of his throat and he'll automatically swallow and he'll only bite the straw?
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