Scenario. Excessively elderly bunny (12 years, 8 months) with arthritis is three legs, her back and her hips. She was previously managed in terms of her pain but after a trip to the vets she now hurts a lot and is very medicated up. She’s very doddery but her mind is willing and doesn’t realise that she is so old. There is no where to go with meds.
- situation one- when her pain relief is lower (such as when she’s due a dose), she is much brighter and livelier, but I know she is hurting (some tooth grinding when sitting). I can’t see the quality in this because she hurts more.
- situation two- she’s well medicated up but sleeps all the time. She’s more comfortable but I can’t see see the quality in this.
I always want to make sure they never suffer and she doesn’t suffer but some part of me feels that if I have her it’s when she isn’t ready or when she still has the ability to be lively in her, then I’m giving upon her and letting her down because she’s not ready. But I don’t want her to be too ready and suffer because I didn’t pick it soon enough. PTS for unmanageable pain feels such a sad way to die.
If she were yours, what would you do?
- situation one- when her pain relief is lower (such as when she’s due a dose), she is much brighter and livelier, but I know she is hurting (some tooth grinding when sitting). I can’t see the quality in this because she hurts more.
- situation two- she’s well medicated up but sleeps all the time. She’s more comfortable but I can’t see see the quality in this.
I always want to make sure they never suffer and she doesn’t suffer but some part of me feels that if I have her it’s when she isn’t ready or when she still has the ability to be lively in her, then I’m giving upon her and letting her down because she’s not ready. But I don’t want her to be too ready and suffer because I didn’t pick it soon enough. PTS for unmanageable pain feels such a sad way to die.
If she were yours, what would you do?