More bad news for Mack.

Just back from his latest check-up after the removal of abcesses 2 & 3 and his culture and sensitivity results were back in. They showed the presence of Pasteurella which was completely expected and not a huge issue in the grand scheme of things as it registered susceptible to all antibiotics.

However it also showed a result of Pseudomonas, again, not unusual as it does tend to be a fairly widespread & opportunistic bacteria but what was unusual was it wasn't appearing as a surface infectant rather it was located inside a cross section of the abcess capsule itself which had been taken at the deepest point of the cavity (connecting with the mandible). It is also Penicillin resistant and resistant to all the other antibiotics (bacteriacidal) we have tried. The lab results showed it as susceptible to Baytril but given the poor tissue penetration of enrofloxacin it's not going to touch it.

So Mack is now on a Oxytetracycline injetion every third day as the lab indicated the use of a bacteriostatic antibiotic to make the abcess environment inhospitable might halt the growth of the bacteria. However the fact that Pseudomonas is showing a significant factor in Mack's issues has meant we are left with very few options for the long term and it looks like it is almost certainly now a case of control rather than cure.

Oh and to top it off, whilst waiting for our appointment, I noticed the poor little lad has started with a mite infestation.

Gutted

Arww the poor little mite
Really hope he'll get better soon!
Cuddles to him xxx

Oh no, poor mack. he really seems to be going through it. Hope you are able to find something that works.

Oh gosh, how horrible for Mack I'm so sorry for the bad news, Sooz. lots of get well vibes coming to Mack xx

Poor Mack - what rotten news for you. Mack has been through so much, he deserves better luck than that. Loads of vibes to you both xxx

I can't stop thinking about oor mack. I wasn't going to say anything as I know this may sound crazy, but here goes.

I know of cases in dogs where they have had psudomonas which has been helped using Manuka honey. This was done with guidance from their vet who is supportive of alternative therapies. I don't know if it would work in this situation though. I can find out what what was involved if you think it might be worth following up.

I did find this on the internet about psudomonas in rabbits and using it.
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Bacterial/abscess_management.PDF

Other articles on psudomonas and Manuka honey
http://www.activemanukahoneyusa.us/Research.htm

http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Health/Manuka_Honey_Benefits_193455.html

thumpersmum wrote:I can't stop thinking about oor mack. I wasn't going to say anything as I know this may sound crazy, but here goes.

I know of cases in dogs where they have had psudomonas which has been helped using Manuka honey. This was done with guidance from their vet who is supportive of alternative therapies. I don't know if it would work in this situation though. I can find out what what was involved if you think it might be worth following up.

I did find this on the internet about psudomonas in rabbits and using it.
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Bacterial/abscess_management.PDF

Other articles on psudomonas and Manuka honey
http://www.activemanukahoneyusa.us/Research.htm

http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Health/Manuka_Honey_Benefits_193455.html

Thank you for the information but we have been using UMF 20 Manuka honey in Mack's abcesses since the day the first one was removed, on the understanding if it didn't do any good then it also wouldn't do any harm. What I do suspect is that it is actually speeding up the healing process.

It's use in rabbits is quite well documented (though not fully scientifically) and my Vets suggested it to me before I even suggested it to them...so your not mad at all.

Vibes for Mack ((((()))))

I can't believe this Sooz. This is such rubbish news. This poor little fella.

Aw no, that's rotten news. As if the wee soul hasn't been through enough already Sending vibes to him x

What a pity. As if he hasn't had enough to worry about. Healing anti-bug vibes.

Poor wee Mack. Sending him lots of ((((VIBES))))

Poor Mack. I had an awful dream about him last night so I was not surprised to see this thread today.

All my thoughts are with you Sooz. I really hope he fights the odds and pulls through

Come on Mack!