The toll of illness

Hi Guys,

Just need to vent a bit and thought I'd move it away from the health forum as there's no real update. I know this just sounds like a massive whinge but I can't believe, or maybe I'd forgotten as it's been a while since I owned a pet, how painful it is watching them cope with illness. Or not cope in Big's case.

Fact is he's had pneumonia since the beginning of December. None of the treatments have made any difference although with-holding meds (when he had an upset tummy last week) has resulted in his condition worsening over the past few days, so I suppose they're at least keeping him stable. He's been back on full meds for two days. My vet has a couple more ideas but I'm losing hope to be honest.

I feel like there's a lead weight around my neck the whole time. I constantly have a headache and any cheerfulness in my day evaporates when I get home and see him and remember that he's sick. I can't check my bank balance because I'm actually scared to look as he's cost me so much. I'm almost totally ignoring my other bunny at the moment because he's taking up all my attention. I feel completely miserable and exhausted so god knows how poor Big is feeling.

He's such a trouper, but I do know how much more to put him through, or if my motivations are right. It's not totally hopeless yet but I just can't see him getting better. Every time I think about loosing him I start crying like a child.

I can't believe just how much I love this ball of fur.

Blergh Sorry to moan.

Also, I can't thank you guys enough for your interest in Big and your helpful suggestions, especially Jane. Thanks so much guys, it really helps me (and Big). x

I cant help but just want to send you a bug hug!!

Fee xx

I do wish the Vet would consider a diuretic. I know I keep banging on about it, but I have nursed so many Rabbits with similar issues and it was the diuretics that made the most difference re symptomatic control.

I honestly cant understand why after a chest Xray showing 'fluid in the chest' diuretics have thus far not been tried :?

Hi there,
Ive been following your thread in Health and just wanted to say that i admire your dedication and love for Big. Hes so lucky to have you and i am sure in his own way, appreciates all that you are doing for him.

Caring for pets, i find, is somewhat like caring for a sick family member (i see my bunnies as part of the fanily anyway). Its sometimes very emotionally, mentally and financially draining. In fact, its sometimes worse as humans can at least express pain and discomfort and animals cannot speak or tell you what or where it hurts. Its very frustrating to say the least. I am choosing to stay home this weekend as my Leo is experiencing another one of his mysterious bouts of depression and gut slow down. We rushed him to the emergency vets last night but as usual the vets are baffled and i am left with trying to force feed him every few hours and watching over him.

But its a duty done with love and i wouldnt have it any other way. I am sure thats true of you too as far as i have read. No matter the outcome with Big, you should be proud of the way you have cared and fought for him. Hang in there! Dont give up hope as it seems hes still a happy bouncy bunny. You are a great bunny mommy!!

Lots of snow where i am today, but what a beautiful sight! Maybe take a short break sometimes and go for a walk or do something thats just for YOU.

Sending lots of happy vibes to you and Big!!
:wave:

I do know how you feel - as I'm sure do most of the RU population. It particularly strikes a chord with me as we've just gone through 5 weeks of trying to diagnose why our beloved dog had completely lost his appetite. We - and the vet - identified several real medical problems along the way - for which he was treated - but the actual problem, which had efficiently hidden itself, was only identified when it was too late.

The perpetual worry of an ill pet is draining - not least because of the need to keep trying to second-guess what's going on. You can't say "How are you feeling? Are you alright?" and get an informed answer. You just keep looking an analysing behaviour and worrying. It's a very unhappy place to be and I hope things improve for you and Big soon.

But don't lose hope... shed some tears and carry on. But be kind to yourself too - don't beat yourself up for not being clairvoyant or a miracle worker.

Eugh, I know exactly how you feel.

Jack's-Jane said:

I do wish the Vet would consider a diuretic. I know I keep banging on about it, but I have nursed so many Rabbits with similar issues and it was the diuretics that made the most difference re symptomatic control.

I honestly cant understand why after a chest Xray showing 'fluid in the chest' diuretics have thus far not been tried :?

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Hi Jane,

Thanks again for all your help. I have mentioned it to my vet many times, and I took him to another one for a second opinion and mentioned it, as well as to the specialist. They all seem to think the answer lies in getting the right antibiotic treatment and that messing with his fluid levels would be too dangerous becuase he's so prone to stasis, except as a very last ditch attempt sort of thing. However, if he doesn't pick up in the next few days (being back on full meds now) then hopefully they'll relent. They've also mentioned using a bronchial dialator drug but they've already warned the getting the doseage right for a rabbit would be very hard.

Just picked up some more metacam as I wasted most of the bottle when I was still trying to syringe him. Despite the heavy breathing his looking quite chilled at the moment. He's sitting next to me with his eyes half closed having just chomped down some kale and a little bit of broccoli. I don't know if it's the next drugs or just the illness but he seems absolutely ravenous the whole time.

Thanks for your nice comments guys, and I'm sorry to hear some of you are struggling with pet health issues of your own....

Keep strong all of you xxxx

Awe I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this and poor bunny for being so sick. It is so hard when pets gets sick.
I know from experience with my guinea pig and trying to pay for everything, etc. So difficult. ((((hugs))))

I'm so sorry that you're going through such a difficult time.

It is physically and emotionally draining when you have an ill pet, but Big is very lucky to have such a caring and dedicated owner.

Sending a hug and loads of get well vibes for Big. xxx