GENERAL INFORMATION TREATMENT OPTIONS

When your bunny gets a cut, it is no small matter. 
Bunnies have a very serious reaction to cuts and other wounds. In many cases, when a foreign body enters a bunny's body, it becomes encapsulated. The bacteria from the foreign agent react with the bunny's own antibodies, creating the thick creamy gunk that fills an abscess capsule.

Unlike other animals, including humans, bunnies do not simply reject the foreign antibody and expel it. Instead, the capsule thickens into a wall and the foreign matter is held inside while the abscess grows and grows...sometimes killing the bunny in the process.

In this way, a very small, very simple wound can end up endangering a bunny's life. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent the cycle from ever starting:

  • Make sure any cuts are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. 

  • Get a good bunny vet to take  a look at any wounds to be sure they are healing properly.

Unfortunately, abscesses are a fairly common occurrence. Also, some bunnies are just more prone than others. The first thing a vet usually tries is an antibiotic. I've tried them all. My favorite one is Chloramphenicol. It has worked the best for me.
There are also a number of surgical treatment options available. I've listed some of them here. Talk them over with your vet. With a little luck, you will find the one that works best for you. Good Luck!

Penelope is an Abscess Survivor... Read Penelope's Story HERE!

1. Standard Surgery: The vet makes an incision, removes the capsule and closes up.
This is usually accompanied by a course of post-operative antibiotics. 

  • PROS: Simple and quick with little post-operative follow-up.

  • CONS: If the abscess is not encapsulated, it is difficult to remove it all;

2. Antibiotic Beads: The vet performs the removal surgery above. Before closing, he implants specially prepared antibiotic beads at the abscess site.
Usually, the beads are removed after 6 months.

  • PROS: The vet can use higher dose antibiotics because it is localized, not systemic.

  • CONS: Without a good culture, it is difficult to pinpoint what antibiotics to use.

3. Lancing and Draining: The vet makes a small incision at the abscess site and drains as much fluid as possible. The wound is left open and flushed with a sterile solution at least once a day to remove more fluid. The wound is packed with an antibiotic ointment to help kill bacteria and keep it open for draining. Usually used in conjunction with antibiotic therapy.

  • PROS: No anesthesia...particularly important with older buns or bunnies with recurring abscesses that do not respond to other methods of treatment.

  • CONS: Difficult to drain all the foreign material. Stressful to the bunny.

4. Other Options: Contact us at beaker@dennabun.com and we'll see if we can find you any new information. Good Luck!