RampantRabbits
Mama Doe
We were back at the vets last night with Bilbo and Isla.
It has been confirmed that Bilbo is indeed completely blind. No response to light or movement or anything. He also still has slight head tilt and seems to have a tremor/twitch. We're pretty sure that this is all caused by EC, as I doubt a middle ear infection would cause this much of a problem? Also, Isla and apparently other rabbits from his litter had symptoms too. Isla also has a slight tremor.
Anyway, I have rough general knowledge of EC, and potential problems associated with it, but im far from an expert. I know what I know from uni, but mostly what ive read up on. I know things may or may not improve for him, and that its a waiting game. The vet said that she would be very wary of ever vaccinating him as he is, and would also have reservations about putting him under GA to be neutered. She did say though, that it has to be balanced with quality of life and that we can discuss it further in future. As a blind bun, he seems to rely on his sister and they get on so well, although hes become a bit of a sex pest and they can now only see each other through the bars of their run.
Anyway, they were initially fosters. I didnt want to take on any more rabbits, but couldnt have left them in the state they were, and had every intention of finding them a home once neutered and bonded. Im now not sure this is possible, unless Bilbo finds a home with someone as experienced, preferably more so than myself. Hes likely to have ongoing vet bills and need special considerations/care. The vet said she is concerned that his twitch may develop into seizures at some point. With these things in mind, I think the best home for him would be somewhere that can house him indoors. This is something I cant provide for him.
What I can provide is a shed, all on one level, with blankets and some draught excluders to bolster the edges, and look in to what else i can do to make it as perfect as possible. It will eventually have a permanent run attached. Being on his own though isnt an option if he is outdoors, and he will really need the support and company of Isla. I will have to seriously think about taking the risk and having him neutered, if he stays here. I may have to get a referral to an even more bunny savvy vet, but i just want what is best for him. At the moment, everything seems so uncertain, and im not sure where to turn.
Anyway, I was just wondering what your thoughts are. Ideas, opinions, anything really. I just dont want anyone to think im passing the book. I was aware he may be expensive when I took him on, money isnt the issue and id bend over backwards for him. I just want to know that im doing everything i can, and that either staying with me will be ok for him, or...i dont know. I really dont! Any advice from sanctuaries or people that have had experience with buns like Bilbo would be much appreciated. I want to know that even if he stays here, he will be happy.
He is currently in a 5ft hutch that someone has kindly let me use as we have just moved house and all my bunny accommodation is a work in progress. A shed is coming at the end of the month that they can go in. At the moment though, he seems quite happy and is getting out into a little run all day most days. Under the circumstances, i feel hes adapted well, so far and seems to be a happy little chap otherwise.
ETA: They hve also been on panacur for 2 weeks now. Bilbo has been on Metacam and we discussed stopping it at this point. He doesnt seem to be in any pain, and the vet doesnt feel it will be making much difference now.
It has been confirmed that Bilbo is indeed completely blind. No response to light or movement or anything. He also still has slight head tilt and seems to have a tremor/twitch. We're pretty sure that this is all caused by EC, as I doubt a middle ear infection would cause this much of a problem? Also, Isla and apparently other rabbits from his litter had symptoms too. Isla also has a slight tremor.
Anyway, I have rough general knowledge of EC, and potential problems associated with it, but im far from an expert. I know what I know from uni, but mostly what ive read up on. I know things may or may not improve for him, and that its a waiting game. The vet said that she would be very wary of ever vaccinating him as he is, and would also have reservations about putting him under GA to be neutered. She did say though, that it has to be balanced with quality of life and that we can discuss it further in future. As a blind bun, he seems to rely on his sister and they get on so well, although hes become a bit of a sex pest and they can now only see each other through the bars of their run.
Anyway, they were initially fosters. I didnt want to take on any more rabbits, but couldnt have left them in the state they were, and had every intention of finding them a home once neutered and bonded. Im now not sure this is possible, unless Bilbo finds a home with someone as experienced, preferably more so than myself. Hes likely to have ongoing vet bills and need special considerations/care. The vet said she is concerned that his twitch may develop into seizures at some point. With these things in mind, I think the best home for him would be somewhere that can house him indoors. This is something I cant provide for him.
What I can provide is a shed, all on one level, with blankets and some draught excluders to bolster the edges, and look in to what else i can do to make it as perfect as possible. It will eventually have a permanent run attached. Being on his own though isnt an option if he is outdoors, and he will really need the support and company of Isla. I will have to seriously think about taking the risk and having him neutered, if he stays here. I may have to get a referral to an even more bunny savvy vet, but i just want what is best for him. At the moment, everything seems so uncertain, and im not sure where to turn.
Anyway, I was just wondering what your thoughts are. Ideas, opinions, anything really. I just dont want anyone to think im passing the book. I was aware he may be expensive when I took him on, money isnt the issue and id bend over backwards for him. I just want to know that im doing everything i can, and that either staying with me will be ok for him, or...i dont know. I really dont! Any advice from sanctuaries or people that have had experience with buns like Bilbo would be much appreciated. I want to know that even if he stays here, he will be happy.
He is currently in a 5ft hutch that someone has kindly let me use as we have just moved house and all my bunny accommodation is a work in progress. A shed is coming at the end of the month that they can go in. At the moment though, he seems quite happy and is getting out into a little run all day most days. Under the circumstances, i feel hes adapted well, so far and seems to be a happy little chap otherwise.
ETA: They hve also been on panacur for 2 weeks now. Bilbo has been on Metacam and we discussed stopping it at this point. He doesnt seem to be in any pain, and the vet doesnt feel it will be making much difference now.
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