Teeth Issues from Cyst

[zedw]

We have an 8 year old rabbit. About a year and a half ago we noticed a large bump on his jaw. We took him to the vet who explained it was a cyst which was quite common on Rabbits. They said we could have surgery to have it drained but it would likely come back and was very difficult to get all the fluid out with rabbits. We had the surgery to open it up and drain it and it has come back and gone a few times. It seems to build up and self drain through the incision which the vet did explain would happen. He has been active, happy and clearly not in any pain. We try to keep him as clean as possible. His lower teeth have been becoming more brown over time which again the vet said would happen as a result of the bacteria from the cyst. He is still eating, but slower. Does anyone have any experience with anything like this? We just want always ensure he is not in pain. The vet also mentioned that we could have the teeth removed but that it was difficult for Rabbits to recover from that surgery. He is getting old and were just trying to buy as much time as we can but we want him to be happy and not in pain as well.

 

[JBun]

It sounds more like a jaw abscess, which is often due to an infected tooth? If the vet meant an abscess and not a cyst, is your rabbit being treated with antibiotics and did the vet take any xrays to determine the extent of the infection? Treating with antibiotics is important because the infection can spread to the bone and that becomes a much more serious and complicated infection to try and treat.
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Dental_diseases/Treatment/Facial/abs_dental.htm
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Bacterial/Absc_treat/abscess_treat.htm
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/jawabscess.html