?? Myxomatosis (RIP)

[akub]

My mini rex had an eye ulcer 2 weeks ago which was successfully treated. 2 days ago I noticed that the same eye was swollen (the eyelid area). I took him to a vet yesterday and noticed that the other eye appears to becoming swollen too. There is no obvious discharge.

The vet (who does not specialise in rabbits) prescribed anti-inflammatories but said that it "could be myxo" and advised me to watch for any further swelling.

This morning his eyes look worse but there is still not swelling elsewhere. His appetitie is fine and his behaviour (although being a bit irritated by my constant checking up on him) is unchanged.

Could I be hopeful that it may be something else??? I'm just clutching at straws and praying that he will be ok.

 

[naturestee]

It's possible, although it could also be a nasty eye infection too. What is your bun being treated with? He should be getting some sort of antibiotic ointment or drops for his eyes and possibly an oral antibiotic also.

If his eyes are sore and have discharge, you can put a warm compress on them. Use a clean wash cloth and warm water (or warm 100% chamomile tea) and gently hold it on one eye, then the other. I've done this for one of my rabbits when he had infected/blocked tear ducts.

There's a lot of info about myxi, including treating it, in our Library. Here's the article:
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=25867&forum_id=10

I hope it's not myxi! Best of luck!

 

[tonyshuman]

I thought that the typical treatment for myxi always included lots of antibiotics. I agree that some need to be given, orally or in the eye, no matter whether it is myxi or an infection. Good luck.

 

[akub]

Thanks guys. The vet only gave me anti-inflammatories which is really frustrating. I contacted a rabbit clinic and she said that myxo is likely but advises not to bring him in at the risk of infecting other rabbits. His brother so far has no signs at all (touch wood)... but I'm hurting just watching and waiting for him to deteriorate to give me an answer.

 

[Sweetie]

I hope your bunny feels better. Prayers are being sent to you and your bunny.

 

[maxysmummy]

naturestee wrote:

It's possible, although it could also be a nasty eye infection too. What is your bun being treated with? He should be getting some sort of antibiotic ointment or drops for his eyes and possibly an oral antibiotic also.

If his eyes are sore and have discharge, you can put a warm compress on them. Use a clean wash cloth and warm water (or warm 100% chamomile tea) and gently hold it on one eye, then the other. I've done this for one of my rabbits when he had infected/blocked tear ducts.

There's a lot of info about myxi, including treating it, in our Library. Here's the article:
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=25867&forum_id=10

I hope it's not myxi! Best of luck!

I thought myxi was incurable?

 

[naturestee]

Myxi hasn't been 100% diagnosed yet. If it's an eye infection it needs antibiotics.

There is no drug for myxi because it is a virus, but secondary infections are very common and can be treated/prevented with antibiotics. Myxi is not necessarily a death sentence, although it does have a low survival rate. Some rabbits pull through if they have good supportive care (food, fluids, pain meds antibiotics for the secondary infections, etc.) and a more mild case of myxi. I forget if the vaccine is available where you are, but vaccinated rabbits sometimes still get myxi but are far more likely to survive. There's more info on caring for rabbits with myxi in the link I provided.

Keep in mind that myxi is spread through biting insects. Keep your rabbits separated and treat them for fleas just in case. A longer-acting drug like Revolution or Advantage might be a good idea because it would keep fleas and ticks away for about a month.

IMO call your vet and demand antibiotics in case it is an eye infection and to prevent secondary infections if it is actually myxi.

 

[akub]

Hey guys.... Just an update. So far no further symptoms or swellings. I checked on him at 4am and he came bounding over... He is rubbing his eyes though (poor thing). I just rang the vet clinic and demanded to speak to the vet in regards to antibiotics and am now just waiting for the head vet to call back. He isn't vaccinated as there is no vaccine available in Australia (argh!). I'm just praying and praying. I at least want to give him a shot at pulling through.

 

[maxysmummy]

this thread has scared the **** out of me... im seriously considering smuggling in some myxi vaccinations from thailand...

 

[akub]

Sorry Maxysmummy.... I think I cried enough tears to fill the oceans 10 times over!!
Just got back from the vet. The owner saw me and he was fantastic. He said that he is quietly positive that it ISN'T myxo and that the other vets have misdiagnosed him and that he thinks its an allergy. He said to give it til Thursday just to be sure.... I'm counting down the hours!!! Thats my ONLY Xmas wish!!! Could you imagine putting to sleep a healthy bun??

 

[akub]

Oh and I got some antibiotics.... heres hoping!!

 

[maxysmummy]

poor darling, i'll be secretly using my christmas wishes for you too xx

 

[akub]

UPDATE:

Chad is still with us. His eyes are still swollen but not as red and thus far no ther signs!!!!!!!! Heres hoping that we are in the clear!! I already gave him his Xmas present just in case and now have bought him another for the actual day.... fingers crossed....

 

[tamsin]

How much swelling is there? With myxo although the eyes are most obvious (and the swelling is usually quite bad with discharge) the ears usually also swell. It's positive if its still quite mild a week in.

 

[akub]

Chad was put to sleep this morning. He was starting to suffer and I could not see him like that any more.

Myxo was not confirmed and he passed without a diagnosis.

RIP

 

[tonyshuman]

I'm so sorry. Myxi is a terrible disease. You did the right thing. I hope Beau is doing ok.