Roxxy - Tumor behind left eye, nothing vets can do EDIT - She's gone 9pm 06/01/2014

Hi all. Well some of you may remember that in November Roxxy had an abcess on the left side of her face. Well that cleared up but then just after Christmas her left eye began weeping with water. We did check and didn't find any lumps but just before New year her face started swelling. The vets on Monday found two lumps and one suspected to be tooth root (despite the x-rays she had last time showing nothing wrong with the teeth). Well today when Roxxy went for a check up to see if she'd improved (which she hasn't) they checked her left eye and told us she has Glaucoma (unsure of spelling) in it and that the antibiotics are not working. They told us it is a difficult situation but that the best option is looking like PTS. He gave her some medication to help with the pain and said we could take her home and make a decision.

Well I think Roxxy is in too much pain and the best thing for her is PTS. She is refusing everything we try to feed her now even the critical care we have been giving her since Monday. Even though I did think to myself that I would be told there was nothing that could be done this news was still shocking. She is at home now but I am going to phone the vets soon to take her in and say goodbye.

Im so sorry things are so bad with Roxxy. You must be beside yourself.

I wish you strength for this evening at the vets, for both of you xxx

Glaucoma is not a tumour, it is pressure in the eye. Did the vet discuss the possibility of eye removal? Are they saying that the lumps they found are tumours?

Would seeing an eye specialist be an option?

I don't have much experience in this area but others may be able to advise.

bunny babe said:

Glaucoma is not a tumour, it is pressure in the eye. Did the vet discuss the possibility of eye removal? Are they saying that the lumps they found are tumours?

Would seeing an eye specialist be an option?

I don't have much experience in this area but others may be able to advise.

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No they didn't say the Glaucoma was the tumor. They said she has it as well as a probable tumor because her left eye is swollen and the third eye-lid is visible which I know shouldn't be sticking out like it is. The two abcesses on her face, one of them is really hard and the vet said could be tooth root but also can be linked to the probable tumor. They have this thing which can test the eyes and it confirmed she has Glaucoma in the left eye which she is keeping half closed. The vet did say that removing the eye would not improve the situation because she still has the abcesses and with the antibiotics not working and no improvement since Monday regarding eating then it isn't worth it. I suppose you'd have to see Roxxy to know but I do think it is a tumor too. Buffy one of my other rabbits died in May 2013 and her left eye went like Roxxy's has now. The vet I saw for her mentioned ear infection but I knew there was something else and although Buffy did not get abcesses or any tooth root issues I do see similar behaviours regarding the left eye and it has swollen.

I haven't called the vet yet. I was just about to and she began eating again. The vet said that if she stopped eating anything then that would be the time to bring her in for PTS. She seems to be a bit brighter, I know she will not get better but she has passed poop and possibly wee. However I will check her in an hour and if she doesn't eat any recovery food or anything else we try then she will go tonight. If she does eat then I may leave the vet trip until tomorrow.

I'm sure that you are doing the best for your rabbit in a very difficult situation. It's not easy when they go and give you a little glimmer of hope.

I see what you are saying now re the abcesses.
It is such a difficult decision to make and only you will know when is the best time for Roxxy. Thinking of you both x

What a horrible situation to be in. The watching, waiting, clutching at any glimmer of hope and then still having to make a decision. Its an endless cycle of such stress for you. You are doing everything you can and I hope that your decison making leaves you with some sense of relief and knowledge that you gave her the best chance possible. Hugs and best wishes xx

How heart breaking, every bunny mummy's worst nightmare. I'm so sorry. Wish I could help. Will be watching this thread for any updates. xxx

So sorry for ur poor bun. I can't imagine what u must be going through. I have never had to make a pts decision but I know it would be very very difficult and so sad and upsetting. Ur baby knows u are doing ur best for her what ever happens. My thoughts r with u. X

I'm so sorry Thinking of you and Roxxy xx

I am very sorry to hear of the very grave prognosis for Roxy

I'm so sorry thinking of you both at this difficult time xx

I'm so sorry you're both having such a difficult time

Thanks for the messages everyone. Well Roxxy is still showing her personality so I am relieved about that. She is completely refusing critical care and getting stressed about the syringe. So we have been giving her what she is eating, it is not much but she is eating flat leaf parsley, pink lady apples, some carrot and celery leaves. But that left eye is looking more swollen, it is odd it seems to look worse when she is being held but when she is on her towel on a flat surface the eye doesn't look as bad. Well anyway I haven't called the vets just yet but she doesn't have much time left. An appointment for Monday is booked for the vet to check her to see if she could have some more medication for another 3 days but there is no miracle cure and as she is 6.5 years then she has had a long life and as a lionhead I think I read that she is about average lifespan so she has done well.

This is the first time I have had to make a PTS decision with one of the rabbits. All the others died before we got to the vets except Beauty who died while being treated at the vets so I have never had to do it before. It is a very tough decision.

I know it is hours later and a weird time but I am unable to sleep so thought I might as well let everyone know that Roxxy did go to the vets at 12pm Monday and the vet checked her and said as she had been eating (even though small amounts) that we could still look after her for a few more days. We booked an appointment for Friday afternoon. She was alright eating the veg and I brought her in every two hours to feed her and give her some water. But there was one time where she didn't eat much and I did think it was odd but as she ran to the food bowl in the morning and ate pellets which she hadn't done for a few days I put her back in with Harmony and Fuzzy. Well at 9pm I go out to give the rabbits their hay and then to bring Roxxy in for her food and I found her laying in the bed on her back. I noticed Harmony didn't run over when I put the hay in and she usually does that and Fuzzy was not there until I put the hay in and he came running over to me which he doesn't usually do, he usually waits for me to move down the hutch to him and then comes over for attention so they must have known she'd died. When I picked her up she was still warm and her legs were not stiff so she hadn't died too long from when I found her.

Rest in peace Roxxy xxx

I'm so sorry, Binky Free Roxxy xxx

I am very sorry

RIP Roxxy xx

So sad, I'm really sorry

Sweet dreams Roxxy xx

I am sorry. Binky free Roxy.

Sleep tight angel xx