Gus's New Health Issues

[plasticbunny]

Well, Gus's neuter went very well last Wednesday, and so far he's been healing great. Then, during my standard inspection today, I felt a firm lump about the size of a small grape beside his right scrotum. EEEK! Well, off to the vet tomorrow... I'm hoping it will be a simple case of him needing a round of antibiotics. Anyone have any imput or experience? There's no sign of redness, except the tip of his penis looks a little pink.

As if this weren't enough, I also routinely checked his teeth (as I do regularly and probably more often than necessarybecause I'm paranoid) and noticed that one of his incisors is slightly crooked and slightly longer than the other one. No other signs of malacclusion, no discomfort, drooling, loss of appetite... but I'm still concerned regardless. I will also have the vet check up on his teeth and especially his molars, because I can't get in there for the life of me.

Grrrrr, I just know this little monster is going to end up costing me a small fortune. I managed to get a pic of his teeth, if anyone has any experience or opinions on it, please check it out and leave feedback!

 

[plasticbunny]

Okay, update. I called my vet, and she is not in until tomorrow. I checked his lump again this morning and it hasn't grown or shrunk, so I'm not sure if it's swelling or an infection or what it is. There's no redness, pus, or obvious pain when I touch it. I iced it briefly last night and that didn't seem to help at all (except to ensure that he hates me). Because I've been checking it at least twice daily and it kinda appeared out of nowhere, it makes me think it's just some residual swelling, but of course I'm not a vet and want him to see one.

So the receptionist says that she'll put a note in my file stating that I called, and that my vet would call me first thing tomorrow morning. But I'm WORRIED and I don't want to WAIT until tomorrow, but I also don't want to see a vet who doesn't know Gus. He's eating, drinking, being active... thoughts on wether waiting until tomorrow would be an issue?

 

[tonyshuman]

Is the lump warmer to the touch than the surrounding area? It should be seen soon. The only thing I can think of that would be in that area post-neuter would be some internal stitches that the vet used to close things off, that will dissolve eventually as the wound heals, but that would not lead to a lump the size of a small grape. Occasionally the vets will tie the tubes in there off on themselves, which might lead to a lump that size, but that is more common for cat neuters and not usually done with more sensitive species like rabbits. It is good that you're icing it, but since this problem doesn't sound like something that can be explained normally and it has been a while, I would have a vet look at it within the next few days.

Also, his teeth look like they probably aren't causing him problems now, but may in the future. Definitely get some chew sticks for him--apple branches are well-liked. You may also want to get pet health insurance for him. It doesn't cover everything, but it helps. It's something around $120 a year.

 

[plasticbunny]

Thank you so much. The lump isn't warm or pink, and with regular icing, I think it's actually shrunk! I don't think an infection would shrink, right? I'm starting to think it's just swelling... Thoughts?

As for his teeth, he has LOADS of stuff to chew. Apple branches, willow baskets, wooden blocks, etc. Guess I'll just have to keep an eye on it.

 

[Maureen Las]

After a week the swelling should pretty much be down; our shelter rabbits occasionally get an infection in one testicle or the other which usually responds to an antibiotic.

just recently one of our rabbits testicles became hard and did not shrink there was an infection inside but this cleared up with an antibiotic

 

[tonyshuman]

The tissue that shrinks upon icing is any inflamed tissue. An infection has a lot of inflamed tissue and would also shrink after icing. Since it has been a week since his neuter and he has this lump, it is probably something that will need antibiotics to clear up.

 

[plasticbunny]

Well, we went to the vet, and after a thorough inspection, she said that it was just some residual swelling. She does use stitches to tie off the tubes, and says that because rabbit tissue is so sensitive, sometimes it can swell at any point in their recovery, especiallyif they are active (Gus does lots of binkies in his cage). So, she says to keep up with the ice, and as long as there isn't any change in his behavior (eating, playing, etc.), he will be fine. Should I have demanded antibiotics, just in case? My vet is awesome, and I trust her, but I still worry...

 

[tonyshuman]

Well, I guess if she saw it and was ok with it, then it's probably ok. I would hope that if it doesn't go away in a few more days you could just call and have them give you a prescription for antibiotics without an additional office visit.

 

[plasticbunny]

Thank you! I will keep an eye out, and follow up in a few days or if anything changes.

 

[plasticbunny]

It has been a week and Gus's lump is completely gone! Now I can joke and say that once he lost his testicles, he felt he had to grow a little "gusticle" to compensate, lol. Well, mummy iced that little gustie away. Of course, now he's not talking to me anymore, but with enought parsley sprigs, I'm sure he'll come around :biggrin2: