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518247 tn?1212194254

Possible head injury on rabbit.....

Dear Doctor;
We run a rescue/rehab at our ranch.  We are way out in the country, it is a holiday, we need some advice on this particular animal as soon as we can get it.  Rabbit is about a 6 mo. old male.  Found lying on it's side and one eye closed with a small amount of swelling.  When lid is open, eye is responsive, clear and seems in general fine.  Rabbit is fatigued and a bit limp, but can move.  Extremities seem fine, spine, neck, fine,... no fever, no abrasions, cuts, sores, punctures, etc.,  no other visual signs of swelling.  We are thinking a head trauma possibly.  We can hydrate if it becomes necessary.  We have baytril if it becomes necessary.  I am thinking a cortisteriod for inflamation possibly ?  If it is a head injury?  We do a lot of ER first aide, first response,  our county has NO humane society nor animal control and vets are few and far away as well.  So we are out the mercy of our own first aide often.  Can you help.  ???  Please do if you can, or ask us more questions,  we really would like to treat (if we can) and save this rabbit.  (I have an Rx of prednisone.)  Any other advice would be most appreciated.   Thank You....
Stardusty~
3 Responses
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Avatar universal
I think if you have a phpone book or osmething if you can get ahold of the nearest vet and tell them your story you may be able to work something out.  Is the rabbit active, and if so, you might consider that it is not a head injury that is too terribly bad.  Do not force anything on it, but put it on the floor where it is safe, and see what happens if the rabbit is in good enough condition.  It may just need some sleep, tender love, and care.  I hope it turns out alright.
Helpful - 1
234713 tn?1283526659
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It sounds as if it is either trauma or Torticollis. Prednisone will help for both.  Supportive therapy may be enough if you are lucky and the trauma doesn't involve too much brain damage.

Emergency dose of prednisone is 1 mg per pound of body weight twice per day.  I would give the Baytril daily.  Sub Q fluids can't hurt either, but no more than 30 to 50 mls every 2-3 hours.  I don't know if you can place in an IV catheter?

Maintain body temperature, and try to get the rabbit to eat, force feed if necessary.
Helpful - 0
518247 tn?1212194254
Hiya;
ThankS,  we called.  Our closest equine vet whom was on call yesterday would not see the rabbit, even if we choose to drive him all the way in to see him.  ; (    He said he use to do rabbits and a lady reported him or something, so he said he could not see him.  The mobile lady vet we use often was not available, she had done a s/n clinic for cats all day long and would not answer. The first vet did talk to me about some treatment, though...  which we tried, but by then trying to find vets within a reasonable distance like 50 and under 50 miles away to even get him there safe and timely was impossible.  We live so remotely is seems yet it still makes no sense how our vet care here is.   I am not use to this as I am a San Diego native.  We are above Spokane WA now.   So we lost him trying everything we could till the wee hours.  The only solace I have is that he is with the good Lord at Rainbow Bridge. (I am so sad though)...
Again, thank you.  Stardusty~  @hunterjumpers.com  
Helpful - 0

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