Ear Infection

[Redmanll34]

Paco yesterday started doing the Shake and fall over dance, while wobbling. I wasn't sure what was going on so I turned to the internet. Head tilt came up, so I called my vet and was able to bring him in today. The doctor checked his mouth and eyes and found nothing. But when she checked his right ear she found pus. The doc gave me Baytril and ear drops for the infection.

The one thing that really bothers me is that she said it is discouraging that Paco almost 4 months has an ear infection. Does this mean that he is more likely in the future to have ear infection? If so can I do anything to help prevent them?

The Animal Clinic I go to has a wonderful staff and a very bunny savy doctor. But as a downfall it seems like there services are expensive. An appointment is $45, Neutering cost $160, Cultures are $60. From other peoples post these prices are a little high. Correct me if I am wrong. I am willing to pay these prices for a good bunny savy doctor. But is there anyway todecrease the cost to me? Pet insurance, does anyone have experience with it? Please shed some light to see if it is worth it. Because if this is a reoccurring problem with Paco I won't be able to afford it, as it cost me $170 today.

Thanks for reading and the responses.
Tom

 

[pamnock]

Hopefully, this is a one-time illness rather than a chronic condition. However, some rabbits are more prone to certain health problems than others.

You could speak to your vet about a possible payment plan or reduced costs -- won't hurt to ask.

In the mean time, set aside a small amount each week into a little "vet fund" so you'll have the extra money when needed.

Pam

 

[naturestee]

The prices don't sound too bad for me. More expensive than my vet, but mine seems to cost less than many others. I've seen neuters cost way more than what you'll be paying, too. I'd probably say that your vet is in the middle to upper-middle price range.

I do recommend either having a "vet fund" or having a savings account that you can use for vet bills, car problems, etc. I use the latter, and since I expect to spend several hundred dollars each time one of our two cars breaks, vet bills usually aren't too much of a problem.

Some vets will work out payment plans with you. Or if something is really expensive you can look into Care Credit, which is a credit card for vet bills. If you follow their payment plan they don't charge you any interest.

I'm hoping this will just be a one-time thing. I don't think it's too unusual for a young rabbit, depending on his history.

 

[Redmanll34]

I hope that this is a one time deal. I always have spare money, but the vet worried me by saying how discouraging it was. It made me feel like I'd be there every other week. Please note that the vet I saw was not the bunny savy Doc I was talking about in th above post. But she did do a really good job with Paco, besides scary me. Lol

Thanks for putting some fear of constant ear infection behind me. :bunnydance:

Tom

 

[bunnydude]

The prices aren't too bad, just slightly over what my vet charges. Hope Paco gets better!