I was hoping to get advice on an 8 year old castrated male rabbit who has a chronically recurrent upper respiratory infection. The infection has been off and on again for just over a year.
The upper respiratory infection produces thick white nasal discharge primarily with a small amount of ocular discharge.
A culture of the material was collected by performing a nasal lacrimal duct flush which grew a scant amount of a nonfermeter species (the lab was unable to further identify). However, it is supposed to be sensitive to all antibiotics listed including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, enrofloxacin, chloramphenicol and tobramycin which have all been used with some improvement, but no resolution.
These medications have been used both orally and in some cases within an ocular combination with acetylcystein.
In addition to this issue, the rabbit has had bilateral hind limb paresis and generalized muscle wasting over the dorsum/pelvis and hind limbs since 2015. Radiographs at that time showed no signs of lesions/tumor and Ecuniculi was suspected (with a titter performed that was unsupportive of this).
The owners (self prescribed) have recently started the rabbit on San Ren Teng 1/4 tablet q12hr. This was not prescribed by our clinic and I wanted to reach out to see if this herb is ok in this situation and if not, what would be recommended.
Thank you for your help.