So much happening in the bunny shed it’s a wonder I can keep track! A few posts back Poppy did a post on vaccinations & why it is also useful to make sure your bunny has an Mot at the same time. You can find out problems you didn’t know existed & nip them in the bud. Well, Thumper was one of these bunnies where something was found even though he is absolutely well in himself & is eating, drinking & behaving normally. Quite a few years ago Thumper had to have dental work, but he has been free of dentals since 2016, so it was quite a surprise to hear that the vet on checking his teeth could see pus & some spurs. It would appear that Thumper’s teeth have shifted most likely due to his age.  They can sink as they get older & a possible abscess has been caused. If it is an abscess it has burst & is draining which is one good thing.  My heart sank when the word abscess was used, so difficult to treat & get rid of. However, dealing with a burst abscess, treatment can be slightly different.

We wondered just how long it had been there & then I remembered back in July last year, Thumper had a couple of days of sneezing. I monitored him & all seemed ok but then one day whilst sneezing he flew a blob of mucus out which conveniently for me, landed on top of his partner, Katie’s head.  I was able to scrape it off & take photos.

After this event, Thumper was fine, one or two sneezes the day after & that was it. Thinking it was a one off event I did not take him to the vet, I just continued to monitor him closely.  It is thought that when the blob came out it is highly likely the abscess burst.
The next step for Thumper is to have a dental & a good look at where this pus is coming from.  Although on a recent check, no pus could be found. The vet thinks it is prudent to put him on antibiotics a week before his op just in case anything has got on his chest. We know this may mean that nothing is detectable in his mouth as the antibiotics may clear it up or at least reduce the issue.  Our main concern is getting him through the anaesthetic especially being an old boy. I have already asked if it’s possible he can be sedated rather than having a full anaesthetic.  He has his op next month so I have all fingers crossed it’s going to be a straightforward.