Hi,
I treat a lot of abscesses. I can assure you that Baytril will not work with an abscess. In fact, Baytril isn't useful for much of anything with a rabbit. I generally do not drain, open, lance, etc any abscess. I usually use a combination of Penicillin and Zithromax (it is crucial that these drugs be administered properly). This combination of drugs is very good at penetrating the encapsulation and get to the core of the abscess. I have an entire protocol of infection treatments, pain management and husbandry support. This is a serious issue and needs to be aggressively treated....by a vet that is highly skilled in working serious rabbit issues. The infections from a jaw abscess can lead to devastating bone structure issues. Treating an abscess with antibiotics is much more of a good guess based on experience rather than medical tests. The core of the abscess, the heart of the infection, usually contains anaerobic bacteria. Some are faculative (they can live with or without oxygen)and some may be obligate anaerobes (they die when they come in contact with oxygen). It is very difficult to get a proper culture with an abscess. In many cases, either a secondary infection (like Pseudomonas, Staph or Strep) will be found as a "tag along". The real problembacteria might not survive the trip to the Petri Dish. Vets inexperienced in treating rabbit abscesses will follow their training and treat the bugs that grow in the agar. But, with an abscess, what is grown in that dish is not necessarily the primary cause of the infection. And that comes from my many years of treating abscesses.
And just for clarification, there is no such thing as "snuffles". It is a generic term from years ago. Originally intended to denote an upper respiratory infection but came to mean any infection that nobody could treat.
I am always available to consult with your doctor regarding abscess protocols. I highly suggest getting the treatment stepped up several levels and quickly.
Randy
