As 2000 gave way to 2001, there finally seemed to be a lull between the storms. The wounds from the November 2000 outbreak healed and through the Christmas and New Year's Holiday's Edison did not suffer from any outbreaks.

That all changed in February 2001. Edison suffered from a MAJOR abscess event with six capsules forming all at once just above the area on his jaw that was treated by the May 2000 surgery. The actual treated area stayed pristine.

My pet human's Brought Edison to his vet. Preparations were then made for a second bead surgery. Those plans were then put on hold in March of 2001 since the situation had improved. The abscesses were drained and healed properly and it seemed that the worst was over.  It is not until November of 2001 that another abscess capsule formed, in the same area where the March outbreak happened. My pet humans drained and cleaned the wound and reported the situation to Edison's vet.

As the calendar changed to 2002, the situation with Edison's abscess went from manageable then to bad and deteriorated to worse. During the Winter and Spring months, the abscess began to appear one after another. Just as one would heal, another would appear two weeks later. With no end in sight the abscess and options being all but exhausted, my pet humans start thinking it may be time to think about a second opinion from another vet, just to make sure that they were doing everything possible to help Edison and for additional ideas on how to end this abscess scourge.

They are afraid that if this continues, Edison's immune systems may become drained. Depleted to the point that he may not be able to repair any more damage to his skin caused by the wounds from the ruptured abscess capsules. This face would then become one un-healed open sore. 

A veterinarian is located through the  House Rabbit Society's Veterinary Recommendations List. (please note that the HRS makes no claims with respect to this list) My pet humans call and make an appointment for June 18 to discuss the situation. 

The new vet agrees that Edison has received excellent care from the previous doctor. Edison is given a full medical exam, well... as much as he would allow the doctor to do. Edison hated being poked and prodded and by this time, even though his patience was infinite, it was reaching a bit of a breaking point.

As a result of the visit, Surgery is scheduled for
June 20,2002 to remove the current abscess capsule in tact. Also a full series of X-rays and an extensive physical and dental exam are scheduled for while Edison is still under the anesthetic. A blood sample is drawn and the results of the sample indicate that Edison's white blood count is abnormally low. The thought is that his immune system is indeed showing the strain of the abscess events. 

The morning arrives and even though Edison and my pet humans have gone through this before, it is still a scary time for all of them. Edison is placed inside his carrier once more and endures the 30 minute ride in rush hour traffic to the vet's office. Even though Edison has been through this a few times there is still that feeling of dread. He received a kiss on the forehead for luck and a hug. Then Edison was off to the pre-op area to prepare for surgery.

A few hours later, the procedure was complete and Edison came through with flying colors! The abscess capsule was removed in tact. New beads were placed under the site in question on Edison's face. The older beads from the previous surgery were also replaced. According to the x-ray's, Edison's jawbone was in great shape, but indicated there may be some things to watch for in his left inner ear, and perhaps one or two teeth needed to be watched too.. A follow up visit was scheduled for 1 July to remove the sutures and to see how he was doing.

There were other complications however during Edison's recovery. The main feature was a necrotic tissue episode which occurred at the site of the surgery during his healing process. That eventually worked itself out but with extensive application of regular Neosporin® treatments to the tissue from my current pet humans.

Edison did not live long enough to establish if this surgery would help him long term. His battle ended on Tuesday, 24 September, 2002 at 3:02 PM.

This was just one study on rabbit jaw abscesses. The main thing that my pet humans learned through Edison's  this ordeal was that this is a serious condition. It must be taken care of in an aggressive manner if there is any hope of recovery. 

Hopefully this record of Edison's battle with jaw abscesses was of some help to you.  If you have any questions for my pet human with reference to Edison and his battle with this aliment, please drop Lucy and I a note and we'll let him know.

Jaw Abscesses Part One
Jaw Abscesses Part Two

 Chronology:
A Rabbit's Battle

June 2002:
Seems like the abscess events are increasing these past few months . Soon as Edison is treated at home for one, and it heals, another one forms in the same general area. Its decided that Edison  should visit another vet just to get a second take on this issue and to make sure he is on the correct path.

June 18, 2002:
 Edison goes to a different bunny doctor: Dr. Deborah Adleshon in Morris Plains, NJ. She gives me an extensive exam and does indicate that my other bunny doctor has given me good care. A decision is made that the abscess capsule needs to be removed in tact and a full series of x-rays be performed as well as a dental exam. Surgery is scheduled for 20, June 2002. Blood work is also performed that evening. Results the next day indicate Edison's white blood cell count is exceptionally low. A new test is planned to confirm the results. Edison is placed on a new antibiotic called Sulfatrim. It's in a liquid form and grape  flavored so he loves the stuff!.