Thanks Prettylupin
, Poppy has been in excellent condition from the word go. The only time I have to take her to the vet is for her mixxy jab every year. The lady I got her from couldnt believe that she was still going strong and that was two years ago, and the vet said she has gone over and above the average life span, so is reluctant to mess her about. She had no urine sample, no lumps on her face, vet says her teeth are not the best condition but said she is old, there doesnt seem to be any problems (vet stuck that thing to back of her teeth and all seems well). She went off her food for a few days, but now seems to be wanting more and more (loves treats). She is drinking way more than normal, is pooing normal, but weeing a lot (but wee is not thick). She just seems to want to sit in same place all day, when I give her run of garden she sits under a ladder not moving, so bring her back in. I did wonder if being man handled by the vet might have made her joints stiff and sore (she did whince a couple of times). I just dont know what to do. She is an old lady, I dont want to give her stress.
Hi there, OK, well I don't want to undermine your vet, but my concern is that your vet may not be the most rabbit-savvy based on what you have said above? :? Myxi vaccinations are currently recommended 6 monthly not anually these days (although anually is better than nothing). Buns can also live up to 10-12 yrs in some cases, so 9 years really isn't that old - although is pretty good going in my book.
You will find there are some experienced rescuers and retirement home people on here who have many buns in this age range and they are still perfectly able to undergo further investigations and even GA's and dentals, Xrays etc in order to rule out any straightforward and treatable illnesses that will give bunnies last few years some good quality of life. I would not entirely rule out the possibility of further investigation at this stage, but of course it is entirely
your choice and you know your Poppy best. I am wondering however that the fact you have posted at all is that you have some doubts in your mind that there is nothing to be done? I sense that you feel there might be? I would certainly want a confirmation from a
rabbit-savvy vet first that this is the case.
If you let us know where in the Country you are someone on here might be able to suggest a good vet?
Her excessive drinking could be as a result of age-related kidney disease but it could also be a straightforward urinary tract or bladder infection? I would want a urine sample done and perhaps some covering antibiotics to see if things improve? If she is incontinent then she may be uncomfortable? Her bladder may not be emptying properly? Sometimes this is treatable. I woud certainly want her to be having
pain relief at this stage regardless, especially if you sense her wincing. EC can also present this way.
If she had some bloods done and she was confirmed fit for a GA then an Xray of her head/jaw might be sensible to assess tooth involvement. But I do appreciate her age greatly and your not wanting to stress her out and put her at more risk.
I think perhaps she could certainly be made more comfortable with pain relief and clearing up any present infection if this is the case?
I take it she is not spayed then? Can you confirm this for me? It is a possibility that she could....considering her lumps on her mammary glands - have some related issues to this. I don't want to worry you though. Unfortunately unspayed does are at a high risk of adenocarcinoma in their latter years (over age 4-5 yrs)
I'm sorry to have to mention this possibility.