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Advice on my poorly rabbit

Cheeky

Young Bun
Hi All

I would like some advice regarding my rabbit. I have had him for 10 years and he came from the RSPCA so I'm not sure exactly how old he is. He has had a degenerative eye/teeth probelm for some years now (an X-ray some years ago confirmed this) but just before Christmas his eyes got very bad always weeping and with white discharge. The vet (who specialises in exotic animal practice) put him on two weeks of injected antibiotics but this has done nothing. He has had his eyes flushed out many times before and last time he had it done it made no difference so the vet and I agreed flushing out this time would have no effect. He didn't think there would be anything else he could do with it being a degenerative problem and it would just be a matter of bathing them with tea and keeping them as clean and painless as possible. However over the last few days he won't let me touch them to keep them clean. He lets me know in no uncertain terms that he doesn't want to be bothered anymore with this.

He is completely blind in one eye with a cattarch and in his other eye he is nearly blind also. On top of all this his back legs have been giving him some jip for a few years and he has been on metacam for them. At the weekend his back right leg gave up completely and today it seems like his back end has now given up. He sits in his house all day and doesnt move very much and when he does move he is struggling to keep balance because of his back end.

The vet thinks it's time to euthanize him as his quality of life is now not good. He is still eating and cleaning himself (although not very well as he can't get to his back end) but I noticed yesterday he hadn't been drinking and I realised it's probably because he can't get to it on his own very well.

I'm struggling to know whether euthanizing him is best for him. Even though his quality of life is not good I don't really know if he is in pain. He certainly isn't grinding his teeth, although he has gone off his food a little and his eyes must be sore.

For all of you who are extremely experienced rabbit owners, would you think that euthanasia is the best option or should I let him continue and pass away naturally on his own?
 
Hi, Im really sorry, this is a tough position you find yourself in. I can only say that you know your bun so well after 10 years.

You will find so many people here who will support your decision and will be there for you.

I wish you all the strength you need to make the right choice for your bunny
 
i dont know :( it must be so awful after so long together.. i am currently struggling with this same dilema with my own rabbit and i can only pass on what several people have said to me..... apparently you will know when your pet is ready to go.. and if you are still unsure then its not time yet.

my vet has told me that when Pearl is lying down with no interest in food or life then its time definately.

only you know your bunny so what ever you decide it will be the right decision xxxx
 
I agree that you know him best. If you think he is in a lot of pain or discomfort then it might be best for him to be at peace. :(
If you think he's fairly happy although he's struggling then let him go when he's ready in the comfort of his own home.

I've had to make the decision twice. The first time was with Lopsie, my old boy who I had for eight years. He was found by a road so I don't know how old he really was. He couldn't walk and wouldn't eat and I let him go at the vets. The second time was only a few months ago with Grimlock. He's young and a fighter so I decided to say no, even though my vet kept saying it was best for him. I went to another vet who scoured the country for a solution and he's recovered the best he can and is living happily with his new girlfriend.

Both times I knew I had made the right decision and I know you will too. You obviously love and care for your bunny very well and ten is a mighty old age. You should be proud. Look into your heart and you will know what to do, either way it will be the right decision an we will all support you.
 
I'm not a hugely experienced rabbit owner. Having just had my Bobbi. But I think, from my own recent experience, the thing that really made me feel sad about her life was the fact she wasn't eating or drinking without help. I'm sure, even up to a few hours ago, my main concern was keeping her alive. But, I think, if I'd brought her home from the vets, to sit in her room, tired, down, waiting to pass away - that would have been unbearable and ultimately cruel.
So if your bun gets to that point, it would probably be the kindest and bravest thing you could do. x x
 
I'm not a hugely experienced rabbit owner. Having just had my Bobbi. But I think, from my own recent experience, the thing that really made me feel sad about her life was the fact she wasn't eating or drinking without help. I'm sure, even up to a few hours ago, my main concern was keeping her alive. But, I think, if I'd brought her home from the vets, to sit in her room, tired, down, waiting to pass away - that would have been unbearable and ultimately cruel.
So if your bun gets to that point, it would probably be the kindest and bravest thing you could do. x x

:( Sorry you find yourself having to make a heartbreaking choice like this but, I tend to agree with the above, I don't see a lot of point in prolonging the inevitable if an animal has reached a good age and is not able to 'enjoy' living anymore. It's very hard but, remember animals don't fear death like we do and although your rabbit will be gone in the physical sense they will always be with you in spirit and in your memories and your heart. Wishing you strength to get through a really tough time. Don't do anything that you don't feel comfortable to do, we are all offering opinions but, only you can decide and will when the time is right xx
 
Thank you all so much for your replies.

I've been trying to get my spotty to move around a bit more but he just isn't interested. He just sits and then starts leaning to one side. I think he is just giving up and he is certainly not the lively, spirited little man I'm used to seeing.

Although it breaks my heart to think about putting him to sleep it is also breaking my heart to see him like he is. I also have another rabbit and although I've never managed to get the two of them to bond, they can see each other between wired fence and should I decide to put him to sleep I know she will miss him too.
 
so heartbreaking :cry::cry::cry::cry:

it does sound like hes nearing his time. my vet suggested that when pearls time comes i can get them to come out so she is as stress free as possible, its worth thinking about.. it may make his passing slightly easier for you to bear
 
Thank you all so much for your replies.

I've been trying to get my spotty to move around a bit more but he just isn't interested. He just sits and then starts leaning to one side. I think he is just giving up and he is certainly not the lively, spirited little man I'm used to seeing.

Although it breaks my heart to think about putting him to sleep it is also breaking my heart to see him like he is. I also have another rabbit and although I've never managed to get the two of them to bond, they can see each other between wired fence and should I decide to put him to sleep I know she will miss him too.

Yes she will and they do say that it helps for the other one to see the body, I have mixed feelings about this, in your case aswell because they aren't actually in the same 'pen' I'm not sure. I'm sure others will advise on that. I am really sorry but, you will know in your heart as ultimately he will stop eating which may be quite a long drawn out process. I feel for you. Its incredibly sad but, wow 10 is a fab age for a bunny especially when you consider he may have had a tough start before you rescued him. x
 
This sounds so much like our little Sweet Pea - first the eyes and the nose and then the legs went one by one (they sort of buckled under him). Sweet Pea ('Pea' for short) was 10 as well - and we kept him going as long as he seemed to want to eat and drink his favourite things, and move round a bit. But the time came when he didn't want to move anymore and really he knew his time had come, and the vet came to our home and helped him pass away. It was very sad but on the other hand it was like the end of a long and happy book whose ending time had come. He passed away very quickly like a long breath being let out.
 
What you said happened to sweet pea is exactly what's happening to my spotty. He is now at the point where he just doesn't want to move and I've been with him for the last 30 minutes or so giving him 1/4 bottle of water as he won't get up and get it himself.

Just another question if anyone knows the answer. In the last few days when I've been giving spotty a cuddle, he has been kissing me. He's never done that before (even after all these years) and I'm wondering if he knows his time is nearing the end and he's saying goodbye in he's own way - any thoughts?
 
I'm in tears reading this and my heart goes out to you.

Spotty is kissing you because he loves you and it's also his way of saying 'Thank You' for everything.
 
What you said happened to sweet pea is exactly what's happening to my spotty. He is now at the point where he just doesn't want to move and I've been with him for the last 30 minutes or so giving him 1/4 bottle of water as he won't get up and get it himself.

Just another question if anyone knows the answer. In the last few days when I've been giving spotty a cuddle, he has been kissing me. He's never done that before (even after all these years) and I'm wondering if he knows his time is nearing the end and he's saying goodbye in he's own way - any thoughts?

Quite possibly, he will know it's near the time but, he won't have a sense of fear about it. He may be trying to reassure you, he may feel the end is near and saying goodbye. I think animals are far more intelligent than is assumed by some people and to realise it is truly a 'gift' and is what makes your relationship so unique. x
 
i'm so sorry your having to go through this. as everyone else says you'll what to do in your heart. sending calming vibes for him and you. :cry:
 
Thanks everyone for all your kind thoughts and advice.

Although it has been a hard decision, after watching my spotty all today, he is rapidly going down hill and I suspect doesn't have much longer with us due to his age and his health problems. As I don't want him to suffer any more I have made an appointment at 6.20 tonight to pts. If you all could give both Spotty and me some calming and strength vibes around this time, I'd be most appreciative to you all.

:cry:
 
im really sorry youve had to make the decision.. your very brave.

lots of peaceful vibes for you both xxxx
 
I'm so sorry you've had to make this difficult decision :cry: Thinking of you both & hoping Spotty passes peacefully, big hugs to you xxxx
 
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