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Vets said Ash is dying :'( u/d not just yet

Thanks both for your comments :)

Jack's-Jane said:
I think that may be the only option as her gut problems are almost certainly secondary to something else. Are they taking bloods too ? Will they do skull radiographs ?
Click to expand...

I haven't explained her history properly, but she's had dental problems from a young age (genetic) and so dentals to burr down her molars are pretty routine for her. She has had several skull radiographs in the past which revealed very elongated molar roots. They did another last week at the other vet before the dental, which this vet have looked at and said that nothing is obviously wrong apart from the long roots etc which are an ongoing issue. She had a tooth abscess about 18 months ago which was removed/treated successfully and there's no evidence of recurrence at the moment (again nothing on recent radiograph to suggest this).

She doesn't have the best diet, because despite my best efforts she will only eat a little hay or grass and certainly not as much as she should so the low fibre could be causing an issue as well, although probably unrelated to poor appetite at the moment if her guts are moving as they should.

Vets are due to call me back at lunchtime just before they do the GA, I will ask about bloods then, there must be something going on.
 
Please try not to worry too much about the GA. Doughnut ended up having 3 in just over a week but because it was specialist doing it I didn't worry. He explained her gave her the minimal amount. It's best to get to the bottom of why she isn't eating, hopefully it will be an easy fix and your bunny will be great by the weekend.
 
Thanks both. Vet managed to give her GA successfully and check in her mouth. There was one molar that was a bit overgrown that was obviously missed in last week's dental, so they filed that down. We were hoping that it that would be it, but there's been no change since.

Running bloods tomorrow for liver and kidney problems. Otherwise looking at taking her home tomorrow evening and going back to syringe feeding for a day or so and see if she picks up at home. Unfortunately I only have a whopping 4 hours of leave at work to take until October :?
 
:cry::cry:

The vet gave her some GA and found a long molar that was missed last week. It was trimmed down but this made no difference so they ran blood tests which found her liver is on its way out :(:cry:
She said they could do further tests ie ultrasound etc to determine the exact cause but the outcome would probably be the same, supportive care etc with a poor prognosis of recovery.
She said that the reason was probably the amount of anaesthetic and medication she has had over the years for her numerous teeth issues.

I brought her home last night and she seems bright for now, but she is losing weight because despite the syringe feeding and her occasional nibbling, she just isn't eating enough. She isn't drinking much either, which is going to dehydrate her pretty quickly.

If anyone has any knowledge of this and if their bunnies have recovered perhaps you could share your experiences?

I can't believe this. :cry:
 
oh goodness, i'm sorry to hear this. i'm afraid i don't have any experience so can't offer advice but just wanted to send you a massive hug and i hope you can find a way to keep ash stable and comfortable for as long as that may be. x
 
What a horrible situation for you.

I think the only way forwards at the moment sounds like very intensive nursing from you to try to syringe as much into your bun as possible. Are dandelions or herbs tempting?

I also understand blackberry leaves are soothing for tummies.

Pain medication is also important.

It's heart breaking to be in this position I know. I've been there with a different cause so I can't really help but best of luck.
 
I'm afraid I have no knowledge but I didn't want to read and run.

Huge hugs to you and Ash. You've done your absolute best and no one can ask any more of you. Cherish the time you have with Ash.


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I'm so sorry :cry: I don't have any experience of liver problems, so I can't offer any advice, but I hope she can remain bright and happy for a long time. Sending lots of vibes for Ash xx
 
just found this on another thread:

Milk thistle in lactulose is supposed to be a brilliant supportive therapy for bunnies with liver problems

perhaps discuss with the vets if they haven't mentioned it already. x
 
thank you everyone for your kind words.

She seems not too bad at the moment, although I did rush home in a panic today.

We have an appointment in the morning with the vet, i will mention the milk thistle idea then.
 
good luck for the vets. hoping you can come up with a plan to keep ash comfortable and happy for aslong as possible. x
 
thank you so much.

Saw the vet yesterday and she was really pleased with Ash, she has even gained weight since we brought her home. :love:

She eats a few pellets on her own, but not very much so we are still syringe feeding. She won't touch much hay (although she never has) and the vet said feed her whatever she wants (within reason) so she is eating mainly broccoli and kale on her own plus a few oats to get her weight up.

I just hope we have as much time with her as possible. We were in the process of getting her a friend (we had one on reserve at a nearby rescue) just not sure that's a good idea now. :(
 
ashbunny said:
thank you so much.

Saw the vet yesterday and she was really pleased with Ash, she has even gained weight since we brought her home. :love:

She eats a few pellets on her own, but not very much so we are still syringe feeding. She won't touch much hay (although she never has) and the vet said feed her whatever she wants (within reason) so she is eating mainly broccoli and kale on her own plus a few oats to get her weight up.

I just hope we have as much time with her as possible. We were in the process of getting her a friend (we had one on reserve at a nearby rescue) just not sure that's a good idea now. :(
Click to expand...

sending her lots of love. :love: it's good she has gained some weight and is eating some foods. :love: x
 
Thank you everyone.

Just thought I should probably update, she is continuing to do really well. :love: She is eating almost as well as she used to - she still seems to eat a similar amount of food, just over a longer period - beforehand she just used to scoff the pellets and now she takes the whole day to eat them. I guess that's preferable in a way because it means she is constantly grazing. We've also cut down the syringe feeding and medication to once a day. :)

Her poos look a lot better than when she first came back from the vets too! (sorry, bit poo obsessed here)

We decided not to get her a friend after all, as we just need to constantly monitor what she is eating/pooing, and that's not really feasible with two rabbits. I'm a bit sad about it but I just hope she is here with us for the foreseeable future. :love:
 
ashbunny said:
Thank you everyone.

Just thought I should probably update, she is continuing to do really well. :love: She is eating almost as well as she used to - she still seems to eat a similar amount of food, just over a longer period - beforehand she just used to scoff the pellets and now she takes the whole day to eat them. I guess that's preferable in a way because it means she is constantly grazing. We've also cut down the syringe feeding and medication to once a day. :)

Her poos look a lot better than when she first came back from the vets too! (sorry, bit poo obsessed here)

We decided not to get her a friend after all, as we just need to constantly monitor what she is eating/pooing, and that's not really feasible with two rabbits. I'm a bit sad about it but I just hope she is here with us for the foreseeable future. :love:
Click to expand...

Glad to hear she's doing well :)
Also, if you're a rabbit owner and NOT poo obsessed then there's something wrong!
 
Only just seen this and glad that Ash is doing well. Did you mention the milk thistle to your vet as this is supposed to help liver issues?
 
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