I took Bunny to the vets last week. Hes slowed down a lot recently and wadnt eating much. Teeth are fine but he had a small sore on his mouth. He has antibiotics, pain relief and anti inflamitories. Also critical care. But hes deteriorating. Hes so skinny. Were booked back into the vets but I'm worried xx
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I dont know what else to do :(
- Thread starter moi
- Start date
Have you tried upping the level of critical care? ie give him enough by syringe feeding to maintain his weight.
I would also be concerned at the sore - is it in or on his mouth? If it is inside, I would still be looking at ruling out dental issues.
Have you had any bloods done? It would help to identify infection or any issues with various organs. It is usually done from an ear vein and may not need sedation.
If he is going to be sedated, an x-ray may be useful to rule out other things and the back teeth can be properly looked at as spurs are not always visible with a conscious examination.
How old is he?
Has he been treated for EC as well? ie Panacur for 28 days, assuming bloods are normal.
I would also be concerned at the sore - is it in or on his mouth? If it is inside, I would still be looking at ruling out dental issues.
Have you had any bloods done? It would help to identify infection or any issues with various organs. It is usually done from an ear vein and may not need sedation.
If he is going to be sedated, an x-ray may be useful to rule out other things and the back teeth can be properly looked at as spurs are not always visible with a conscious examination.
How old is he?
Has he been treated for EC as well? ie Panacur for 28 days, assuming bloods are normal.
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
It is not possible to get a 100% view of the Rabbit Oral Cavity whilst Rabbit is awake. So it may be that there are some Dental problems that cannot be seen just by a conscious view. This fact is noted in this article by an Exotics Specialist Vet- see the 'Clinical Examination' paragraph
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Dental_diseases/Differential/Rabbit_dentistry.pdf
Personally I would consider seeking a second opinion from another Vet. A full blood profile may also be useful, especially to assess renal function. Oral ulceration can occur in cases of renal failure in all species, including humans
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4501439/
Thank you... I will ask the vets. Off there soon. The vet did say last time they are reluctant to give him a anesthetic due to his age (hes at least 11). He takes his meds really well, but the critical care he absolutely hates. We do it 3 times a day which is incredibly stressful. I feel so bad. I see many ill people at work and get cross that they have to go through such invasive things... and feel I'm forcing that on my bun 
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
Thank you... I will ask the vets. Off there soon. The vet did say last time they are reluctant to give him a anesthetic due to his age (hes at least 11). He takes his meds really well, but the critical care he absolutely hates. We do it 3 times a day which is incredibly stressful. I feel so bad. I see many ill people at work and get cross that they have to go through such invasive things... and feel I'm forcing that on my bun
Many Rabbits do not like CC. Try making a mash with his usual pellet feed. Soak them in a small amount of boiling water til soft then mash them up with some veg puree. You can buy the baby food in pouches from almost all supermarkets.
As Jane said, sometimes sores and spurs aren’t always visible, when my Frosty last had a dental I thought I had caught it early as he was in as soon as he slowed eating, but when they did the dental and he was under anaesthetic he’d got a huge ulcer either side of his tongue. It took 10 days post dental for him to recover on painkillers and gut meds.
Frosty liked pellet mush as Jane said, if I mixed mashed banana or some vegetable baby food in it, his favourite is the parsnip apple and carrot pouch one from Aldi!
Sending lots of vibes and hugs
Frosty liked pellet mush as Jane said, if I mixed mashed banana or some vegetable baby food in it, his favourite is the parsnip apple and carrot pouch one from Aldi!
Sending lots of vibes and hugs
The vet said he may not survive anesthetic and I said I'll need to think overnight but hes booked in for tomorrow. Anyone have experience of an old bun going under?? I tried his food mashed with baby food and he struggled just as much. Tried a little mashed on it's own. Still wasnt having none of it. But did eat a small bit of kale and parsley. I gotta leave for work in a mo but the kids are gonna keep and eye out and offer more foods x
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
Lots of additional fluid therapy during and after the GA could be beneficial. Also, having him in an incubator during post GA recovery. I have had numerous very elderly (12+) Rabbits undergo GAs and whilst the risk is obviously greater, in the hands of a Rabbit savvy Vet who will ensure all additional supportive care/monitoring takes place hopefully all will go well. I would advise you to request he be hospitalised overnight for ongoing intensive nursing care after the procedure.
This was always my approach when we had run out of other options, and not going through with it was not really the best option for the rabbit. If you are looking at the options of carrying on as you are, PTS, or a GA with potential improvement in quality of life, I would take the GA.
