RE: Rabbit abscess help (not jaw!)

Marie Kubiak — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 16:26:34 GMT

If it is a single pocket then either resect en bloc with skin (rabbit skin is surprisingly stretchy so closure may still be an option but I like to leave the pocket marsupialised to monitor and further reduce recurrence potential by allowing cleaning of any small amounts of discharge) or open and thoroughly debride the lining and suture the site open. I wouldn't just lance it as the incision will rapidly close and pus is pretty likely to reaccumulate with increasing scarring complicating future approach. Unlike carnivorous species rabbit pus is thick and doesn't readily drain so a more aggressive clean is needed and prognosis is worse. However if infection is surgically completely removed then there is a good chance of resolution.

If a chain or poorly defined pockets then the prognosis is guarded-each section needs removing but poorly contained infection tracks very well through the subcutis and is hard to control.

I apply manuka honey twice daily after flushing and drying the wound.

Antibiotic choice without culture results is tricky as a wide range of pathogens are seen so try and persuade owners to spend the extra bit if they are going for surgery. If no luck then axithromycin (10mg/kg bid) or a combination of enrofloxacin (10mg/kg sid) and metronidazole (20mg/kg bid) are a reasonable compromise. I would usually treat for 3-6 weeks depending on how happy I was about complete resection.

Marie

RE: Rabbit abscess help (not jaw!)

Emily Rainbow — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 21:57:02 GMT

If it's that big marsupialisation may be an option? (suture edges of capsule to skin). But excision would be my preference if possible. I change Manuka honey gauzes daily along with daily flushing.

RE: Rabbit abscess help (not jaw!)

Dagmar Steele — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 21:05:59 GMT

Personally I'd just lance and rinse it and give Amoxicillin per injection. If it's not connected to the teeth they heal quite well in my experience. I guess they're caused by bites most of the time.

I'm ready to be told off for this though. It's definitely a dinovet approach but it has worked well for me over the years. Beware, never think this'll work anywhere on the head though.