Bugs is sick

LionBunn · Mar 8, 2013

I got up this morning and heard this noise and it was her sneezing. Her face is wet too. My usual vet is out til monday. My backup vet for some reason isn't answering the phone. I have some leftover antibiotics from a guinea pig. Its TMS suspension, Can i give that? What other antibiotics are safe? I read one on here with a syringe that shouldn't be used but i forget what it was. I did make an appt for a vet that i used for a cat i had awhile ago. They're semi rabbit savvy. She did eat some kale i just gave her. Hasn't touched her pellets. She must be drinking water since its down some from filling it last night. Is there anything i can do for her in the meantime? Thanks

LionBunn · Mar 8, 2013

Oh yeah bugs is around 2 years old. holland lop. Pellet diet with fresh veggies daily and lots of hay. She isn't used to getting any of this. Maybe the dust in the hay gave her a cold.

PaGal · Mar 8, 2013

I would suggest taking her to the vets. Thumper had issues with sneezing not long after we brought him home. I noticed the litter I had which was a paper litter was pretty dusty. I switched litters and he stopped sneezing and hasn't sneezed since but his face never got wet, just sneezing off and on throughout the day.

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable may have input on the antibiotics.

LakeCondo · Mar 8, 2013

Antibiotics can cause harm as well as good & do nothing for viruses. If you think hay dust has irritated her nose, try to remove the dust particles so they won't bother her. I'd also consider using a vaporizer to introduce moisture into dry indoor air. Dry air is an irritant.

JBun · Mar 8, 2013

You don't want to just be giving any random antibiotic to your rabbit. Some antibiotics are dangerous to be given to rabbits orally.

Are you sure it's not just the water dish/bottle? Some of my rabbits will get water up their nose when they are drinking, and have a short sneezing fit. If the sneezing continues and there is discharge that is not just clear, then you should definitely see the vet. If you go to a vet not experienced with rabbits, you should get a culture done so that an effective antibiotic is prescribed, and also make sure that the antibiotic is safe for rabbits.

http://www.medirabbit.com/Unsafe_medication/dangerous_antibiotics.htm
http://www.medirabbit.com/Safe_medication/Antibiotics/Safe_antibiotics.htm

LionBunn · Mar 8, 2013

Her face may not've been wet this morning. I was half asleep when i glanced at her. Anyway my backup rabbit vet called back and she's seeing him @ 4:15 today. He's just about any pet savvy and a good dr too. Her face is dry and think it has been all day. It can't hurt to have a checkup since i got from people who fed her dog food. I did find a list of antibiotics bad for rabbits and this wasn't on there. I had the same stuff for a hamster too. Didn't give any to her though.

tonyshuman · Mar 8, 2013

TMS is ok to give to rabbits BUT I'd never give meds that were made for one animal to a different animal. The dosing may be very different, and the other things in the suspension may be very different. Guinea pigs and rabbits are similar in a lot of ways, but there are important differences. Just like you wouldn't take antibiotics prescribed for another person, you shouldn't give meds made up for one animal to another. Getting her to the vet is the best choice.

Nancy McClelland · Mar 8, 2013

Sending prayers--let us know the prognosis.

LionBunn · Mar 8, 2013

Clean bill of health. Looked in her ears, mouth and nose. Bugs did good with it. He said to keep an eye out for a creamy discharge. He said dust from hay or a piece hay could've gotten in her nose. Right now she looks good. Keeping an ear out for more sneezing. The last hay I bought from a farmer was a little dusty plus she's not used to hay. That hay is going in the trash. Trying something new from another farmer monday. He said I can use benydryl and gave me a syringe. We got some education too. He's a thorough doctor with tons of knowledge. He does all the rabbit spay and neutering for the local SPCA.

LionBunn · Mar 8, 2013

He also said we're doing great with her. Told him how long her nails were and wasn't eating what a rabbit should. He checked and confirmed she's a female. Said she's lucky to have us taking good care of her. He was surprised how calm she was and just layed down on the table. She'll lay anywhere while she's getting petted.