Beau's inflamed gums

[Maureen Las]

Hi guys...here I am with another dilemma with Beau. Since his 5 cheek teeth were removed every time I take him off Cipro or Baytril he develops extremely inflamed gums, bad breath and lack of interest in chewing. I went on the other rabbit medical site and posted this and one of the members stated "maybe the bacteria in his mouth is not responsive to that particular antibiotic." She is suggesting the possibility of treating him with bicillin just as you would an abscess (considering that his teeth were so infected.) My vet here in La Crosse has talked to the dentist in Verona and they decided that because of his chronic problems it would be OK to keep him on Cipro and metacam in-between dental visits. I don't think that any of the vets here know a thing about bicillin. I think that he needs another antibiotic...can't believe that I didn't think of this myself.My problem now is to maybe get a mouth culture and try familiarize my vet on bicillin . Sometimes I feel so pressured. If I lived in Chicago I know I could find someone who was familar with this stuff but here its just like I have to do everything myself. Sorry for being so negative.

 

[jordiwes]

Hey Angie, I know it's tough,hang in there.

Is there an experienced vet who could consult with your vet over the phone?

 

[Maureen Las]

there is a vet that could consult with my vet but I'm going to call the dentist first to get his opinion...he's only there on Wed and Thurs...then maybe he could talk with my vet here....the other rabbit saavy vet is in the same clinic as the dentist but has never actually seen Beau..I've called him a couple times as he is recommended by house rabbit as a Dr. who will help people over the phone.

 

[Haley]

I know how you feel!

I think that if the problems keep coming back, you might want to ask for a culture. The weird thing is if its clearing up on the meds, it must be working. Maybe he just does need something stronger, like an injection.

I cant remember correctly, did Beau have infected tooth roots, but not abscesses?

I'll be keeping him in my prayers. Our babies need to get better!

 

[Maureen Las]

Beau went on a 3 hour trip to get his incisors removed and ended having 5 really grossly infected cheek teeth which were removed. The incisors were trimmed. He is better on either Ciprofloxicin or Baytril but after he has been off it for about 3 days his mouth gets all inflamed looking and he looks like he doesn't feel well. The only thing that I can figure out on my own (really don't know a thing about this) is that the infection in his mouth is very deep and the baytril keeps it under control. Maybe injections of bicillin would get rid of it. He doesn't have abscesses so for awhile I have been thinking of his teeth as if he were a person...once the toot his out the person feels better. I really don't know why is mouth is still infected.

 

[Haley]

hmm..I dont know much either on this one. Were they able to get the entire tooth? If so, maybe its an infection on the site where they were removed?

Does the vet allow you to email him info? Ive sent mine links to web pages before. Maybe you could email or fax him some info on injections to see if he thinks its a good option. I know antibiotic impregnated beads can be implanted into the jaw line for abscesses that wont go away. I wonder if they could be used for a tooth/jaw infection. It would seem like it.

I wish I could be of more help. I'll be keeping Beau in my thoughts and prayers. Is Babette well again? If its not one, its the other

 

[Maureen Las]

Thanks Haley..Babette is fine which really makes me relieved because it was the only illness she ever had in 6 1/2 yrs.How is Max doing??? I don't think that you've been posting on that recently, have you?

 

[naturestee]

Poor Beau. ray:

Bicillin might be a good idea. You could print off info in the Resource Section for your vet. I know Rex Rabbit's bun Major Tom has similar issues to Beau but worse due to neglect, and he does better with bicillin than without.

The antibiotic beads would be another good choice. Either way, it's getting the antibiotic directly to the infection instead of spreading it through the whole body, which can be less effective.