Icky Stuff, Round 2

Sorry, no pictures for this one--I'm just too tired. I will take some new ones of Mick and post them later, so you can see how good he looks (well...except for one spot).

I had planned to make an appointment today to have Mick's vet check out the spot where his abscess had been. It was mainly healed up, but there was a lump remaining; possibly some scar tissue, but still something I didn't like on him. I figured it was better to be safe than sorry, and even if it was just scar tissue, they might be able to smooth the spot out without much trouble.

It's a good thing I had already planned on doing it, though. Last night, Mick came up to me for petting while I was on the computer. I reached down...and felt something gooey on his cheek.

Uh...oh.

I scooped him up and brought him out to the kitchen to check him out. Sure enough, his cheek was coated with ick--his abscess had returned, and this time it had ruptured.

His Majesty did not take too kindly to being poked and prodded again; I had to wrap him up burrito-style in order to clean out the area as best as possible and clean his fur. I cleaned out all the places where he might decide to lay down and flop  (to prevent further infection), then put him back in his cage.

First thing this morning, I called his vet's office and they had me bring him in. Dr. Shanahan looked the area over and felt the lump, which is much smaller now, but still big enough to concern both of us. She said that there was a part of the lump that appeared to be sreading downwards like a root and had me feel the area to show me what she meant. She recommended putting him on Baytril again for two weeks to see if that would shrink the lump; if not, then surgery would most likely be necessary to see what is going on in there and to hopefully smooth out the area. I agreed to that plan of action, and so we came home with Baytril, more Critical Care and an appointment in two weeks' time (sooner if things get worse instead of better)

Other than this, Mickey looks great. He's gained three ounces of weight back, but he looks heavier. His fur is looking good and his eyes are big and bright. His bunnitude is as fiesty as ever for sure. The only mar to all this perfection is the wound on his cheek (which was reshaved to keep it clean and make it easier to see), but even that isn't that easy to spot because of all the surrounding fur. He was not at all happy to be taken to the vet's first thing in the morning, and even less happy when I left him in his carrier while I gave his cage a thorough cleaning before putting him back inside, but a dose of Baytril, a dried apple slice and a fresh bowl of pellets and oats have placated him somewhat.

As for me, I am in dire need of some coffee so I can be functional enough to get some errands done this afternoon before I crash and nap on my couch. I will update more later.