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What to do with Bilbo? Also FAO sanctuaries/rescues. Neuro/EC related.

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.
 
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Try rainbow rabbits? On fb as I don't think they're on here much now. I'm sure she could advise as she's had loads sold special needs buns, and could maybe take him if you decided that was best.
 
I would think about getting a second opinion from a very rabbit savvy vet, about getting him neutered. In my opinion, a blind bun living on his own outside, however wonderful the set up, I think would be lonely. I have had blind buns, but have always made sure they had a partner. They also lived indoors on one level.

Good luck whatever you decide. Those buns were certainly very lucky to have found you :wave:
 
I would think about getting a second opinion from a very rabbit savvy vet, about getting him neutered. In my opinion, a blind bun living on his own outside, however wonderful the set up, I think would be lonely. I have had blind buns, but have always made sure they had a partner. They also lived indoors on one level.

Good luck whatever you decide. Those buns were certainly very lucky to have found you :wave:

Thank you. This is my issue, he certainly couldnt stay here if we got a referral and even a bunny specialist wasnt willing to do it. I dont feel single healthy buns should be outdoors alone, not long term anyway, so wouldnt dream of doing this with Bilbo. :)

Were going to take one day at a time. Im going to contact some sanctuaries next week, even if its just for advice. Im so stressed at the moment as I have my last 3 vet nursing exams on Monday and Tuesday too. These things are sent to try us! :lol: ... Im glad i took them though, as i doubt they would be here now, and if they were, id hate to think what state they would be in.
 
Thank you. This is my issue, he certainly couldnt stay here if we got a referral and even a bunny specialist wasnt willing to do it. I dont feel single healthy buns should be outdoors alone, not long term anyway, so wouldnt dream of doing this with Bilbo. :)

Were going to take one day at a time. Im going to contact some sanctuaries next week, even if its just for advice. Im so stressed at the moment as I have my last 3 vet nursing exams on Monday and Tuesday too. These things are sent to try us! :lol: ... Im glad i took them though, as i doubt they would be here now, and if they were, id hate to think what state they would be in.

There's no rush to do anything re the longterm. I think the issue with neutering an already brain damaged Rabbit is that the GA may worsen the neurological symptoms. But I agree with what you said via PM in that it may be a risk that has to be taken to try to give Bilbo a good quality of life. In the meantime both Bilbo and Isla are very lucky to have been rescued by you. For them each day is now a bonus and they will be living in the moment, not thinking of what may happen in the future. I wish I were better at doing that !!
 
I can't really add anything that I haven't already said to you and what hasn't already been said on here. I would just try not to get so stressed about it but I know how difficult that is. You know fine well I'm here for ranting purposes. :lol: I'll pop over after your exams and we can take the pooches for a walk on the beach. :thumb: I think neutering will have to be something to consider in the future, it may be that once Isla is spayed, he calms down, although I know from experience that if he is like this now then spaying her won't make much of a difference to him. :roll:

For now focus on your exams. :thumb:
 
Jane, Lauren, thanks, really :)

I know Im worrying too much, but thats me all over. Knowing that others agree with my thoughts on certain things (particularly Jane!) confirms to me that I am thinking along the right lines, and I am doing everything I can, for the right reasons. That is a big comfort, and I promise I will stop worrying...at least for a week ;)

...I was worried about coming back on here, as when I joined I was 16, and used to get my head ripped off. Nice to know I have learned, and am now on the same wave length as some of you! :lol: Only took 6 years of growing up! ;)
 
Jane, Lauren, thanks, really :)

I know Im worrying too much, but thats me all over. Knowing that others agree with my thoughts on certain things (particularly Jane!) confirms to me that I am thinking along the right lines, and I am doing everything I can, for the right reasons. That is a big comfort, and I promise I will stop worrying...at least for a week ;)

...I was worried about coming back on here, as when I joined I was 16, and used to get my head ripped off. Nice to know I have learned, and am now on the same wave length as some of you! :lol: Only took 6 years of growing up! ;)

I still haven't grown up and I'm 54 !! :lol:
 
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