SAWYER'S TREATMENT
March 12, 2008: Sawyer arrived at the rescue from another shelter and had been diagnosed with conjunctivits with a possibility of Pasteurella infection. He was being treated with a course of Baytril by the
originating shelter, which was continued by the rescue. The underlying cause of Sawyer's eye issues was not yet confirmed, but it was noted that his right eye was bulging significantly and his incisors were slanted (although they seemed to be occluding). These observations led the rescue to believe he could be suffering from a molar root infection and possible retrobulbar abscess.
March 20, 2008: Sawyer's course of Baytril, being almost completed, was not aiding his issues and his appetite had begun to diminish. He began to be force fed with Critical Care and was administered Metacam daily for pain while he awaited treatment over the holiday weekend.
March 26, 2008: Sawyer's veterinary examination determined no obvious molar spurs, but confirmed an abscess behind his right eye. He was immediately scheduled for surgery the following morning.
March 27, 2008: X-rays were performed on Sawyer under anaesthetic, which showed no root infection. However a loose molar was found and promptly extracted. Sadly, there was no possibility to access the abscess and treat it through this area and an enucleation (removal of the eye) had to be performed. Upon doing so, a large abscess encompassing a significant portion of the area surrounding the eye was found. Sawyer had had his surgery not a moment too soon!
Both the area of the eye and the extracted tooth were implanted with antibiotic impregnated beads and he received a penicillin injection to aid in killing the bacteria that caused his infection and in preventing a recurrence. Sawyer spent 3 and a half hours under anaesthetic for his various procedures and remained hospitalized overnight.
A culture was sent to the lab for analysis and the results should be received by April 4.
March 28, 2008: Sawyer was sent back to the rescue and began his process of recovery. He was prescribed a combination of Tramadol and Metacam for pain and is to receive penicillin injections twice a week at least until the results of his culture are received.
April 7. 2008: The results of Sawyer's culture were received. The bacteria responsible for his abscess was a Group B Strep (Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus). He is to continue injections of penicillin twice a week over the course of 2-3 months, with less frequent injections thereafter to fully cure his infection. It is possible that the molars on the left side (opposite to his original issues) may need to be trimmed, as spurs appear to be forming and pointing towards his cheek. It has not yet been determined whether his incisors are occluding at this time, however he is being assessed both by the rescue and our veterinarians on a regular basis to monitor the possibility of an incisor malocclusion.
After having tapered off his dose of Tramadol (while continuing daily Metacam), Sawyer showed significant pain and the Tramadol was reintroduced.
His post-op check-up was scheduled for April 10, at which time the rescue will have a clearer assessment of his teeth.
April 10, 2008: Sawyer's incisors were now aligning, however the molars on the left side had significant points. These points were trimmed down without sedation (hoping to put off anaesthesia to allow him to recover slightly more). Although he was not yet comfortable with solid foods, he was recovering very well. Tramadol was discontinued, while the Metacam was to be still be administered.
His remaining eye was still tearing and it is thought that it might be due to a partial tear duct blockage from elongated incisor roots.
A recheck for his teeth was scheduled for April 17.
April 17, 2008: Sawyer was now happily eating solid foods such as greens and pellets. The molars on his left side were only slightly pointed and again, a small tooth trim was done. The Metacam was discontinued and he continued to do well.
Sawyer was scheduled for a tooth recheck on April 24.
April 24, 2008: In the week since Sawyer's last veterinary check, he had begun to sneeze occasionally. He was, however, beginning to try nibbling at hay and continued to eat pellets and greens very well. His molars had not worsened significantly, but another small trim was warranted. In the process of this procedure, the veterinarian noticed a small bit of pus on the file. Unsure as to where the pus originated from and taking note of his sneezing, Sawyer was sent back to the rescue to be observed for one week, at which time he would be given Enroflaxin (Baytril) if the sneezing and/or discharge had continued.
May 1, 2008: Both the rescue and the veterinarian were delighted to find that Sawyer's molars were looking good enough not to neccessitate another trim! He was eating huge portions of greens, pellets and timothy-based hay cubes. His sneezing had continued occasionally over the past week and under stress in the veterinarian's office, he had significant discharge from his right nostril. It was determined to be the best course of action to place him on Enroflaxin.
During his examination, it was observed that a "puffy" pocket had developed at Sawyer's right eyelid. Confirming that another abscess had formed by drawing the pus through a syringe, the veterinarian recommended immediate surgery to clean out the new abscess.
Sawyer's surgery went very well, however his sinus congestion caused some issues for him while under anaesthetic. That didn't stop the fight in him and he came through with flying colours. Additional antibiotic-impregnated beads were implanted at the abscess site and an opening was left for flushing with a Betadine/Saline solution. This aids in keeping the site from healing too quickly and allowing another abscess to form. The rescue began this once a day (minimum) regiment with Sawyer, as well as reintroducing Metacam for a short period and beginning a 3 cc/day course of Enroflaxin for 20 days. He was to concurrently continue receiving penicillin injections twice/week.
May 6, 2008: It was observed that Sawyer seemed to be developing a slight head tilt and that his gait had become a little "unsure." Although his appetite and spirits remained high, his activity level had dropped. He showed no signs of pain and the Metacam was once again discontinued.
May 8, 2008: The site of Sawyer's abscess was looking quite good and the rescue was to continue the "flushing regiment" for a week if possible. The concern of a brain abscess was discussed with the veterinarian and was confirmed to be a real possibility (it is also possible that he has pressure on his inner ear or brain from what remains of the abscess in the eye socket, thus leading to neurological symptoms). He is to be monitored for any further or worsening neurological symptoms and is still continuing pencillin injections.
May 26, 2008: No neurological symptoms are being observed and Sawyer has begun to eat regular mixed grass hay on his own. He has completed his "flushing regiment" with no signs of a returning abscess.
June 16, 2008: Sawyer is showing all the signs of being a normal rabbit clear of ongoing infection. He is active, hungry, playful and happy. His weight is normal, as are his molars and incisors. He is to receive two more penicillin injections on June 23 and June 30 and will be neutered then. We anticipate that he will be available for adoption in approximately one month!
August 12, 2008: After completing treatment and making a full, miraculous recovery, Sawyer found a wonderful forever home!
 March 12: Arrival day |
 March 16: Sawyer gets his eyes cleaned |
 March 16: Slanted incisors |
 March 16: The bulging right eye gives the appearance of a slight head tilt |
 March 26: The evening before his surgery, the eye is looking much more red and the third eyelid is more inflamed. |
 March 27: The morning of the surgery, the third eyelid is extremely inflamed and the mucus from the eye has increased in volume. |
 March 28: Sawyer returns to the rescue |
 March 28: Adjusting well to life without his right eye |
 March 28: Happy to be home, Sawyer settles down for some love and attention |
 March 29: After an exhausting few days, Sawyer takes a much needed nap in his cage |
 April 13: Sawyer recovering well and very happily. |
 May 1: Returning to the rescue after a second emergency surgery. |
 May 1: Returning to the rescue after a second emergency surgery. |
 May 2: Taking his ordeal well, Sawyer's spirits remain high |
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REGISTERED CHARITY
# 82515 0329 RR0001
