Please Note - Medical Advice
Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.
You should always consult your vet before following any suggestions for medication or treatment you have read about. The wrong treatment could make your rabbit worse or mean your vet is unable to give the correct treatment because of drug interactions. Even non prescription drugs can do harm if given inappropriately.
We are very grateful to members who take time to answer other members questions, but please do be clear in your replies that you are sharing personal experience and not giving instructions on what must be done.
Urgent Medical Advice: If you need, or think you might need, urgent medical advice you should contact a vet. If it is out of working hours phone your vet's normal number and there should be an answer phone message with instructions on what to do.
Thanks everyone for your kind words. Reader he accepted a little massage & ear stroke off you - thank you. Motty - Frances hasn't any miracles up her sleeve with this one, but Ruth did consult with her yesterday so at least we know we've tried.
He is eating a nice selection of herbs I got him & seems more himself this evening
We took Joey (& Boo for emotional support) to Crab Lane vets yesterday morning. Ruth was doing surgery & at our consult was surprised his lump had grown & was really doubtful the lump could be cleanly removed. This wasn't news to me based on some email communication with Frances & just how it looks (to my eyes its not grown much though). He had 4 or 5 xrays & unfortunately the tumour has already grown in to his bone. His xrays showed some Spondylitis but nothing else sinister. Ruth didn't feel he was a good candidate for amputation & I totally respect her opinion.
They were able to xray Joey with just sedation. Biopsy wasn't taken as it wouldn't change outcome & would have required full GA & messing my little soldier about more. Frances has seen 3-4 of these tumours in rabbits - they are not as innocuous as I was led to believe at first consult (not in rabbits anyway). She was consulted yesterday & being sent his xrays
So we are just going to keep Joey for as long as he is happy & comfortable . He has been prescribed metacam & tramadol (to use if pain seems worse). At the moment he is unhappy, he has been out of sorts since getting back yesterday evening. As with 12 days ago, I think its just he is a sensitive sausage & hates the travel. This has given me more confidence in decision to not amputate (btw Graicee, Mimz mum...thanks for your kind thoughts - couldn't face going on that thread to reply).
I don't think we'll have Joey long. He's had a good, long-ish & happy life so far & I don't want him living his last days with unmanaged pain or feeling sad
i feel really ashamed i never saw this thread before. poor Joey. i don't know what to say but he will be in my thoughts always xxx
I'm sorry the X rays showed bad news, but pleased to read Joey is in good spirits. Thinking of you all