Fester and Franklin

Fester and Franklin were surrendered to us as their owner was unable to provide Franklin - who was struggling with severe respiratory issues - with the medical care he needed.
They had personalities like chalk and cheese; Fester was somewhat spunky and a little fiesty, whereas Franklin was laid back and wanted a peaceful life.

Warning: contains images and video footage of medical themes.

Franklin:

It was clear upon Franklin's arrival that he was dyspneic, suffering from frequent episodes of respiratory distress, lethargy, pain, and had audible respiration upon auscultation of both lungs. We believed he was suffering from bacterial pneumonia.

He was introduced to oral  Baytril/Enrofloxacin, oral Ronaxan/Doxycycline, oral Terbutaline Sulfate, and nebulized F10. When in respiratory distress, Franklin had oxygen therapy.

Despite some improvements, Franklin declined further. He developed oral discharge and was 'air-hungry'. He was introduced to nebulized Gentamicin, and later, oral Azithromycin. 
When he was failing to respond, we had concerns about something non-infectious given that Franklin failed to respond to four different classes of antibiotics (and other respiratory agents). We decided to admit Franklin for chest x-rays.

There was evidence of a deviated trachea most likely caused by a mediastinal tumour, as well as lung abscess(es). Undoubtedly, the kindest decision for the ever-so-gentle, Franklin, was humane euthanasia.

Franklin passed away on the 6th of January 2020.

Fester:

Fester was bonded to our mischief of bucks, we decided to keep him as a sanctuary resident given his old age - he fit right in.

Many months later, Fester developed a very stubborn upper-respiratory infection. He was introduced to oral Baytril, oral Bisolvon,  oral Metacam, and nebulized F10.

Rather frustratingly, 20 days into his antibiotic course, his symptoms were still very much present. The vet prescribed Fester oral Ronaxan.

Fester was also struggling to maintain his body condition and had lost a small amount of weight. We decided to introduce him to WUB porridge; one of our favourite high kcal porridge for weight gain in mice, rats, and hamsters.

Fester was doing amazingly well and was responding to the medication prescribed. Unfortunately, that all came crashing down overnight.

Fester suddenly developed unilateral proptosis of an eye, severe dyspnea, audible choking sounds, signs of pain, and was extremely distressed. Instead of offering Fester his evening Metacam dose, he was offered oral Prednisolone instead.  

By morning, Fester was worse. He was booked in for an emergency vet appointment. The vet believed Fester had a pulmonary granuloma(s) alongside a retrobulbar issue. The prognosis may have been brighter had Fester not already been on all of the appropriate medications. Unfortunately, it was kindest to have Fester humanely euthanised.

Fester passed away on the 13th of April 2020.