Fluffytail
New Kit
Hi,
I am new to the forum, so I appologise for jumping straight in, but I really need your advice.
I have a 6 year old dwarf lop eared rabbit. He has a hutch outside and last week my eldest child opened his hutch just before bedtime (he was playing outside). I did not know or notice this and it was next early morning that I noticed his hutch was open and he wansnt inside. He is used to walking around in the garden, but never at night. I searched everywhere in the garden, asked the neighbours (later that morning) and had a look in the street. Nothing. I felt absolutely awful and kept checking the garden every couple of hours. Almost a week went by (with me checking the garden every time) and yesterday he suddenly appeared! He was hiding behind a big plant pot. I am 100% sure he wasnt there before because I checked. I was over the moon, because I didnt think he would ever return.
The thing is: he isnt the same. He was very dirty, messy, extremely skinny, shaky and he dribbles urine. I have managed to clean him, groomed him a bit (although he has got a big chunk of knotted moult just above his tail. I have tried removing it gently, but I am struggling). The saddest part is that he seems to leak urine. It smells strong and his backside is wet. I noticed this yesterday when he returned and cleaned him up. After this I thought it would be best for him to rest so I left him in his hutch with plenty of food, hay, water, etc. This morning he seemed ok, but was sleeping so didnt disturb him. I have been in uni all day and when I came back I noticed the smell again and also that he is wet at the back
I am taking him to the vet tomorrow (just made an appointment) but I was wondering what it could be? I dont think he had much food or drink during the time he was away. Could this have done him some serious harm. I feel so bad. Could it be an uti?
Also, has anyone an idea of the costs involved? I know a consultation at our vet is £13.50 but how much would an xray cost for example? Or antibiotics?
Sorry for the lengthy post all the questions. Any advice would be very much appreciated.
I am new to the forum, so I appologise for jumping straight in, but I really need your advice.
I have a 6 year old dwarf lop eared rabbit. He has a hutch outside and last week my eldest child opened his hutch just before bedtime (he was playing outside). I did not know or notice this and it was next early morning that I noticed his hutch was open and he wansnt inside. He is used to walking around in the garden, but never at night. I searched everywhere in the garden, asked the neighbours (later that morning) and had a look in the street. Nothing. I felt absolutely awful and kept checking the garden every couple of hours. Almost a week went by (with me checking the garden every time) and yesterday he suddenly appeared! He was hiding behind a big plant pot. I am 100% sure he wasnt there before because I checked. I was over the moon, because I didnt think he would ever return.
The thing is: he isnt the same. He was very dirty, messy, extremely skinny, shaky and he dribbles urine. I have managed to clean him, groomed him a bit (although he has got a big chunk of knotted moult just above his tail. I have tried removing it gently, but I am struggling). The saddest part is that he seems to leak urine. It smells strong and his backside is wet. I noticed this yesterday when he returned and cleaned him up. After this I thought it would be best for him to rest so I left him in his hutch with plenty of food, hay, water, etc. This morning he seemed ok, but was sleeping so didnt disturb him. I have been in uni all day and when I came back I noticed the smell again and also that he is wet at the back
I am taking him to the vet tomorrow (just made an appointment) but I was wondering what it could be? I dont think he had much food or drink during the time he was away. Could this have done him some serious harm. I feel so bad. Could it be an uti?
Also, has anyone an idea of the costs involved? I know a consultation at our vet is £13.50 but how much would an xray cost for example? Or antibiotics?
Sorry for the lengthy post all the questions. Any advice would be very much appreciated.
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