Rabbit owners UPDATED AGAIN!!!!

[PrincessSuzanne]

I am in need of some advice. I have 2 rabbits, that are my babies. They are 5 years old. My female has been making frequent visits to the vet over the last 2 months, first because she got a string wrapped around her right rear foot and had to have laser therapy, antibiotic therapy, and a spray on medication, well for the most part, that foot is completely healed.

My problem now is her left rear foot. Last summer she developed an ulcer and was treated. We boarded them with our vet recently during our Disney trip and came back to find her left foot bandaged because it swelled and an ulcer again opened on the bottom of the foot. We went back for follow up yesterday and her ankle is still swollen and I told the vet that I wasn't convinced that her foot wasn't broken, so they x-rayed it and sure enough, she has a pathologic fracture, the infection has eaten away a portion of the bone. Well our vet thinks we should condsider putting her to sleep and I don't know what to do. She feels that there aren't really any options for her and has given me time to think about it. She said she would have our other vet (at the same office) look at the x-ray and refer me to Auburn for a second opinion.

My cousin says I should just go ahead and let her go, and my BF says she is my baby and I should do what my heart tells me. I don' want to let her go if something can be done for her. She is a part of my heart. She and her brother are a bonded pair and I can't imagine he will do well without her either. Please give me some advice.

Suzanne

 

[rcraw45425]

Oh honey, no answers just lots of these

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Oh honey, no answers just lots of these

Thank you Robin, I need lots of those. I have just about cried my eyes out with worry and my heart is aching.

Suzanne

 

[Mermaid02]

Is she in pain? If she is in pain I would consider putting her down- it's a difficult situation to be in.

I'm so sorry that this has happened to her.

 

[The Orchid]

Oh I'm so sorry! I wish I could offer some advice, I just don't know. Is it an option to amputate the bad leg? Oh the poor baby. I am so sorry you and your bunny are going through this. I have a bunny too, and I know how easy it is to give your heart to these sweet little critters. Our bunny rules our house! I would be heartbroken beyond words if I were facing your situation. I don't know what else to say but to offer my prayers and hugs.

 

[Honeibee]

Suzanne.....

My first thought too was amputation. Perhaps the wonderful people at the House Rabbit Society can give you advice. We have two three year olds and one year old and the HRS has been a great resource for us.

Please keep us posted. And we'd love to see a picture of your baby!

Wishing her, and you, all the best.

http://www.rabbit.org/

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

No, she doesn't seem to be in pain, and the vet gave her a shot of Meticam on Saturday, and we do epsom salt soaks which give her some relief. She does wence if you have to mess with it for some reason, but other than that she gets around on it. Sometimes she will lay with both back legs out to her side, but that is something they both have always done.

I have thought about amputation, but or vet said with the problem of the other foot that was not a great option, but I am waiting for a referral to Auburn University before I can make a decision to let her go. She has become such a sweetheart, as she wasn't in her early days, no matter how much you held her and cuddled her and we don't know why. I was crying on Saturday afternoon and she started licking my face.

I have been reading alot on the HRS webpage and have some more hope.

I will keep you all updated and continue to hope for the best.

Suzanne

 

[Joyciemc]

Poor bun!
I've cared for quite a few special needs bunnies (at a shelter I used to work at and also as a pet sitter). It's amazing what they can deal with and still have good quality of life.

I would absolutely get the second opinion, as long as she seems comfortable in the meantime. Especially since her bond mate is part of the equation, too!

Good luck to all of you!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

I just wanted to tell you our family is thinking of you and your bun. It is so heartbreaking when they are sick. I've gone thru that a few times and it hurts so much, esp when the bunny seems to be trying to comfort you with their little kisses. Anyhow we're thinking of you!!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Thank you all for your well wishes. We weren't able to get a referral to Auburn, they don't see rabbits, but my vet knows a specialist in Birmingham (who she trained under) and we have an appointment on Friday morning (luckily Dh and I are off). That is a 3 hour drive, but I am willing to do anything at this point.

Suzanne

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Unfortunately, we had to have our baby put to sleep. I am just devestated. She was sicker than we knew and along with the wonderful, caring specialist we saw, we had to decide what was best for her. She is no longer in pain and I just know she is with my mom now and getting as much love as ever. We took some pics with the digital camera before we left, so hopefully I can get them posted soon.

Suzanne

 

[Mommy2three]

Oh suzanne I am so sorry to hear about your bunny. Lots of hugs sent your way.

 

[WDWBarb]

I'm so sorry.

 

[rcraw45425]

Sending hugs across the river to you!

 

[Honeibee]

Oh Suzanne...I'm so sorry.

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

I'm so sorry! I know how hard that is!!

 

[TheBigBadWolf]

Oh my. I just read this and was hoping for good news. I am sooo sorry for the loss of your baby. I know how devastated you must be. We had a pet squirrel for six years that we lost Dec. 5, and we were truly more attached to her than our dogs, cat, and horses. I still cry at times, missing her so much. Many people don't understand how anyone could become so attached to a rodent, but trust me, I do understand and I feel your pain. You didn't mention her brother but I hope he is doing okay and helping you through your loss.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Thank you all, it has been a very painful weekend. I know how sad I am, but I am worried about her brother, he looks sad to me, but since I have no experience with him by hisself, I am not sure. We did as the vet suggested and let him say his goodbyes and he is eating and playing with his toys, he just looks so lonely. We have been giving him extra attention, but can't be there 24/7 like she was. We gave him a stuffed animal and he has ignored it until this morning and he was sitting on it, so maybe some improvment. The vet suggested giving him a couple of weeks and if he seems sad or not eating, we might have to find him a new companion.

Now we just wait and see. Hopefully, I can get their pictures up soon.

Suzanne

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I am so excited, we are going to match our baby boy up with a new companion tomorrow. He had been a bit down, but is a little better now, but he still needs a real live bunny companion so he can live the life he should.

She is coming from a rescue group in North Georgia that only deals with rabbits and they know exactly how to match them up. She has been spayed, as has he, so we have no new babies, but they both needs someone to love of their own variety.

They have also talked to me about becoming one of thousands of rabbit educators across the country and I think I might give it a try, since rabbits are my passion (besides WDW)

Suzanne

 

[rcraw45425]

I am so excited, we are going to match our baby boy up with a new companion tomorrow. He had been a bit down, but is a little better now, but he still needs a real live bunny companion so he can live the life he should.

She is coming from a rescue group in North Georgia that only deals with rabbits and they know exactly how to match them up. She has been spayed, as has he, so we have no new babies, but they both needs someone to love of their own variety.

They have also talked to me about becoming one of thousands of rabbit educators across the country and I think I might give it a try, since rabbits are my passion (besides WDW)

Suzanne

That is so cool! Glad you're going ahead with a new furbaby, sounds like this one will need lots of love and kindness (both of which I know you have plenty of!)