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Lola is losing the use of back legs :(

sophiebssn

Young Bun
Hey everyone..

Since the last 24 hours Lola seems to be weakening in the use of her back leg(s). Last night my boyfriend noticed she looked like when she was hopping that her back feet weren't lifting as they should and looked like they were slightly getting dragged. Today she has moments when she looks to be hopping fine, when we showed the vet this afternoon - she was hopping fine (of course!!). Ive been noticing her feet dragging along the carpet a little bit when she hops today sometimes, or when she hops out the litter tray her feet are clipping the edge because they aren't getting lifted as high as normal. Earlier she hopped into the litter tray and fell over on her side a little bit. A minute ago she tried to itch herself with her back foot and fell over :cry: it broke my heart. She's not been eating well but I've been syringe feeding her and after two doses of metaclopramide and zantac today she is eating better, she's still perky, the vet even said so this afternoon. We are going back tomorrow afternoon too to keep an eye on her.

Any advice? Anything to help her? Sometimes its just that her feet are lifting off the floor at different times, other times it seems slightly more like her feet get dragged, or that she's a bit unstable/wobbly when sitting etc. Earlier as I was stroking her she started washing herself with her two front paws and got unstable as I stroked her and wobbled backwards (didn't fall, just a little wobble).

I know if it gets worse she won't be able to care for herself, she's still doing ok mostly.

Thanks everyone

Sophie (a worried mummy :()
 
Hey everyone..

Since the last 24 hours Lola seems to be weakening in the use of her back leg(s). Last night my boyfriend noticed she looked like when she was hopping that her back feet weren't lifting as they should and looked like they were slightly getting dragged. Today she has moments when she looks to be hopping fine, when we showed the vet this afternoon - she was hopping fine (of course!!). Ive been noticing her feet dragging along the carpet a little bit when she hops today sometimes, or when she hops out the litter tray her feet are clipping the edge because they aren't getting lifted as high as normal. Earlier she hopped into the litter tray and fell over on her side a little bit. A minute ago she tried to itch herself with her back foot and fell over :cry: it broke my heart. She's not been eating well but I've been syringe feeding her and after two doses of metaclopramide and zantac today she is eating better, she's still perky, the vet even said so this afternoon. We are going back tomorrow afternoon too to keep an eye on her.

Any advice? Anything to help her? Sometimes its just that her feet are lifting off the floor at different times, other times it seems slightly more like her feet get dragged, or that she's a bit unstable/wobbly when sitting etc. Earlier as I was stroking her she started washing herself with her two front paws and got unstable as I stroked her and wobbled backwards (didn't fall, just a little wobble).

I know if it gets worse she won't be able to care for herself, she's still doing ok mostly.

Thanks everyone

Sophie (a worried mummy :()

I am sorry to hear this

There are many possible causes for hind leg weakness and as Lola has other problems already going on it is not really possible to say what the primary cause of her hind leag weakness is. It could be skeletal, it could be neurological. Hopefully the Vet will be able to give you more information after examining her.

Rabbits with hind leg weakness, regardless of the cause, will need help to keep themselves clean, they nay not retain litter tray habits either. Hind leg weakness can also mean the Rabbit gets gunky ears, so regular checks inside the ear canals are needed. It would be useful to buy a very basic otoscope for you to use to check Lola's ears if it should become necessary to do so.

Rabbits with hind leg weakness are prone to developing sore hocks, so it may be necessary to change the type of surface they are kept on. Carpet can be very abrasive and it can exacerbate sore hocks.

Not every Rabbit with hind leg problems will always develop all the possible additional issues. So try not to think too far ahead at this stage. Easier said than done I know !!

These links may be useful to take a look at:

http://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/back-and-hindlimb-quandaries/

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Neurology/Differentials/paresis.htm

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=490

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/paralysis.html
 
Jack's-Jane,

Thank you for your reply! Another visit to the vets today and we spoke about how we think her tumour on her shoulder blade (growing to across the other side) is pressing on her spine and maybe causing the weakness in her back legs. It also seems to be worse with her left back leg. I don't know if this may be related but also recently she has been doing really small poos, or mostly cecotropes that she isn't eating (she does eat some) - and they REALLY smell bad, I actually think they are getting worse. Her poos might also have changed because she doesn't really want to eat many nuggets/pellets at the moment, she's eating a lot of veg and banana (basically whatever she will eat) and some critical care. She is also still eating some hay and drinking lots of water. But she's eating ok and grooming herself etc, she's ok for now. Just trying to keep her comfy!
 
Jack's-Jane,

Thank you for your reply! Another visit to the vets today and we spoke about how we think her tumour on her shoulder blade (growing to across the other side) is pressing on her spine and maybe causing the weakness in her back legs. It also seems to be worse with her left back leg. I don't know if this may be related but also recently she has been doing really small poos, or mostly cecotropes that she isn't eating (she does eat some) - and they REALLY smell bad, I actually think they are getting worse. Her poos might also have changed because she doesn't really want to eat many nuggets/pellets at the moment, she's eating a lot of veg and banana (basically whatever she will eat) and some critical care. She is also still eating some hay and drinking lots of water. But she's eating ok and grooming herself etc, she's ok for now. Just trying to keep her comfy!

Having spent the day with Frances Harcourt Brown - the UK's only rabbit specialist, and having experienced what you are going through with a rabbit, I would say the only thing that will help you decide what to do is an X-ray.

Speculation is just that, but to deal with what's in front of you, you need the facts. I don't know if she's had an X-ray, or when the last one was, or what it showed up. X-rays can show up problems at different times, and right now I think you need some reassurance as to the right way forward.

Good luck, thinking of you both x
 
Jack's-Jane,

Thank you for your reply! Another visit to the vets today and we spoke about how we think her tumour on her shoulder blade (growing to across the other side) is pressing on her spine and maybe causing the weakness in her back legs. It also seems to be worse with her left back leg. I don't know if this may be related but also recently she has been doing really small poos, or mostly cecotropes that she isn't eating (she does eat some) - and they REALLY smell bad, I actually think they are getting worse. Her poos might also have changed because she doesn't really want to eat many nuggets/pellets at the moment, she's eating a lot of veg and banana (basically whatever she will eat) and some critical care. She is also still eating some hay and drinking lots of water. But she's eating ok and grooming herself etc, she's ok for now. Just trying to keep her comfy!

Her cecotrophs may well smell differently (and taste 'wrong' to her) due to what she is now eating which has caused a disruption in the balance of bacteria in her cecum. Could you maybe cut out the banana as whilst you obviously want her to keep eating the huge amount of sugar in bananas will make cecal dysbiosis much worse.

Will she eat bramble leaves, either fresh or dried ?

As Lola is an elderly girl with a terminal illness I would not want to be putting her through any diagnostics requiring a GA. In reality would any results, good or bad, change what can be done ? My personal belief is that whilst certain procedures/diagnostics may be possible to do it is not always right to do them. Each case is unique and what is 'possible' and what is 'right' are never a black and white decision. A holistic view of the individual case is needed taking all aspects of the Rabbit's specific situation into account. Whilst you may not know the exact cause of the hind leg weakness you and the Vet are addressing the symptoms.You are giving Lola palliative care under the supervision of your Vet and you are doing all you can to make her remaining time as comfortable and stress free as possible. For what it's worth I think you are doing an amazing job taking such great care of your special friend xx
 
I'm sorry Lola isn't doing so well. I'm afraid I don't know her previous history, but I agree with MightyMax and Jane have said already.

Fudge's back legs are also becoming weak recently. With her it's almost certainly due to EC, which has also caused her to have chronic renal failure. And recently she has started having 'episodes' of instability, where she becomes wonky and loses balance - we're now keeping her on Panacur full time for this as it seems to help, and every time we bring her off it she starts with it again. She has also stopped eating all of her caecotrophs since she started losing her legs (and yes they really do smell!). Hers aren't really bad yet - she can still run around the lounge and stomp at us, but she can't get up onto the sofas any more.

We've had x-rays and bloods with Fudge. And recently they took swabs to check if the balance thing was anything easily identifiable with he ears (although we are fairly sure it's EC, it would be easy to assume that because of her other symptoms and miss something else). We can't know if it's anything going on deeper in her ears without putting her through a GA and due to her other issues have opted not to - as Jane says above, it wouldn't change anything we could do for her as she's not in a fit state to be putting through any kind of surgery.
 
Just to add, there are vets who will be able to do abdominal/spinal X-rays without sedation or GA. It wouldn't be necessary to put her through that. But it would be worth talking it through, as all vets work differently.

I do know though, that without a diagnosis, you/we are basically shooting in the dark! Even if it's a case of understanding what's happening and upping the dose of pain relief, or changing it.

thinking of you both x
 
Her cecotrophs may well smell differently (and taste 'wrong' to her) due to what she is now eating which has caused a disruption in the balance of bacteria in her cecum. Could you maybe cut out the banana as whilst you obviously want her to keep eating the huge amount of sugar in bananas will make cecal dysbiosis much worse.

Will she eat bramble leaves, either fresh or dried ?

As Lola is an elderly girl with a terminal illness I would not want to be putting her through any diagnostics requiring a GA. In reality would any results, good or bad, change what can be done ? My personal belief is that whilst certain procedures/diagnostics may be possible to do it is not always right to do them. Each case is unique and what is 'possible' and what is 'right' are never a black and white decision. A holistic view of the individual case is needed taking all aspects of the Rabbit's specific situation into account. Whilst you may not know the exact cause of the hind leg weakness you and the Vet are addressing the symptoms.You are giving Lola palliative care under the supervision of your Vet and you are doing all you can to make her remaining time as comfortable and stress free as possible. For what it's worth I think you are doing an amazing job taking such great care of your special friend xx

Yeah I mentioned to the vet I was worried about giving her too much sugar and she said don't worry about it, give her what she wants and if she goes with diabetes then thats ok....I don't agree. I don't want to make her more poorly by disrupting her eating. I've been trying to cut down the banana already, but what you've said has confirmed to me that I definitely need to try to cut her sugar down. Do you think the broccoli will be ok? She usuallyy has some but she's having a lot more recently, she's doing ok with the pellets too, I'm trying to encourage her to eat them and eat hay over everything else. Her hay intake has decreased a lot though.

What will bramble leaves do? I could go in search for some, I'm just a bit worried to upset her stomach more, as she's not had them before!

I also agree, I really don't want to stress her out anymore. It has come on so quickly (about 36 hours) that we think it probably is her tumour pressing. Thanks so much for your kind words, they really do mean a lot. Its times like this where you really doubt yourself. xxxx


Just to add, there are vets who will be able to do abdominal/spinal X-rays without sedation or GA. It wouldn't be necessary to put her through that. But it would be worth talking it through, as all vets work differently.

I do know though, that without a diagnosis, you/we are basically shooting in the dark! Even if it's a case of understanding what's happening and upping the dose of pain relief, or changing it.

thinking of you both x

Thanks for the reply MightyMax, I'm worried I'm not doing the right thing, I really don't know what to do. All of the vets we have spoken to recently seem to think it is caused by her tumour affecting her spine, but now I'm worried I could help her and I'm not doing anything. I don't think my vets would do X-rays without at least a sedation, as we have briefly talked about this before.

I'm sorry Lola isn't doing so well. I'm afraid I don't know her previous history, but I agree with MightyMax and Jane have said already.

Fudge's back legs are also becoming weak recently. With her it's almost certainly due to EC, which has also caused her to have chronic renal failure. And recently she has started having 'episodes' of instability, where she becomes wonky and loses balance - we're now keeping her on Panacur full time for this as it seems to help, and every time we bring her off it she starts with it again. She has also stopped eating all of her caecotrophs since she started losing her legs (and yes they really do smell!). Hers aren't really bad yet - she can still run around the lounge and stomp at us, but she can't get up onto the sofas any more.

We've had x-rays and bloods with Fudge. And recently they took swabs to check if the balance thing was anything easily identifiable with he ears (although we are fairly sure it's EC, it would be easy to assume that because of her other symptoms and miss something else). We can't know if it's anything going on deeper in her ears without putting her through a GA and due to her other issues have opted not to - as Jane says above, it wouldn't change anything we could do for her as she's not in a fit state to be putting through any kind of surgery.

Lola has has the same episodes of instability and wobbliness, then dragging her back feet and now practically can't use her back legs, but this has happened over a period of hours/days! I also think she is getting a bit incontinent, although she does try to make it to the litter tray bless her. The vet was talking the other day about doing a CT scan to see if it was affecting her spine, but we were saying that there won't be anything we can do anyway regardless of result. she said she had a dog the other day they did an X-ray of and it was clear, but when they did CT they saw metastasis (because I was saying how her previous X-ray from 10th march was clear.

I don't know anything about EC. Could it cause symptoms to progress this quickly? And are they any other symptoms that could indicate it is EC? Would my other bunny not have caught it also if it was that? (sorry 1000 questions!!) Thanks for your experience, hope your bunny is doing ok, love to you all xxxx
 
Sending lots of vibes for your rabbit. It must be very distressing for you.

Regarding bramble leaves, they are supposed to be really beneficial for a rabbit's digestion. Most rabbits also find them very tasty. You could try giving her just a couple to start with, like any new food really.
 
Sending lots of vibes for your rabbit. It must be very distressing for you.

Regarding bramble leaves, they are supposed to be really beneficial for a rabbit's digestion. Most rabbits also find them very tasty. You could try giving her just a couple to start with, like any new food really.

Thanks :) I'll see if I can find some! I just always worry about giving her leaves and stuff from random wooded areas! Overprotective mum lol.


I have also booked an appointment for tomorrow at the vets, going to talk to them about it possibly being EC. She's drinking a LOT of water and her weed are so dilute! She also has been shaking (one symptom is tremors apparently (Goddard Veterinary Group website). The girl I spoke to on the phone said EC is when they get a head tilt, she has had a very slightly wonky head when sitting down, I said this and was insistent I wanted to come in.

So with diagnosis, I hear there is a test for it - but I down know how long it takes. I've heard some people just treat it anyway (with Panacur I think), would people recommend this. I'm worried as one thing it says it can cause is renal failure...
 
Yeah I mentioned to the vet I was worried about giving her too much sugar and she said don't worry about it, give her what she wants and if she goes with diabetes then thats ok....I don't agree. I don't want to make her more poorly by disrupting her eating. I've been trying to cut down the banana already, but what you've said has confirmed to me that I definitely need to try to cut her sugar down. Do you think the broccoli will be ok? She usuallyy has some but she's having a lot more recently, she's doing ok with the pellets too, I'm trying to encourage her to eat them and eat hay over everything else. Her hay intake has decreased a lot though.

What will bramble leaves do? I could go in search for some, I'm just a bit worried to upset her stomach more, as she's not had them before!

I also agree, I really don't want to stress her out anymore. It has come on so quickly (about 36 hours) that we think it probably is her tumour pressing. Thanks so much for your kind words, they really do mean a lot. Its times like this where you really doubt yourself. xxxx




Thanks for the reply MightyMax, I'm worried I'm not doing the right thing, I really don't know what to do. All of the vets we have spoken to recently seem to think it is caused by her tumour affecting her spine, but now I'm worried I could help her and I'm not doing anything. I don't think my vets would do X-rays without at least a sedation, as we have briefly talked about this before.



Lola has has the same episodes of instability and wobbliness, then dragging her back feet and now practically can't use her back legs, but this has happened over a period of hours/days! I also think she is getting a bit incontinent, although she does try to make it to the litter tray bless her. The vet was talking the other day about doing a CT scan to see if it was affecting her spine, but we were saying that there won't be anything we can do anyway regardless of result. she said she had a dog the other day they did an X-ray of and it was clear, but when they did CT they saw metastasis (because I was saying how her previous X-ray from 10th march was clear.

I don't know anything about EC. Could it cause symptoms to progress this quickly? And are they any other symptoms that could indicate it is EC? Would my other bunny not have caught it also if it was that? (sorry 1000 questions!!) Thanks for your experience, hope your bunny is doing ok, love to you all xxxx

To try and answer a few points :)

Bramble leaves are good, but not a cure all. To be honest, they are not my rabbits' favourites, and I haven't observed they've made any noticeable difference to digestion. However, there is certainly no harm in feeding them :)

X-ray, yes I guessed your vet would need a sedation for X-ray. That's a pity though, as it may have given you useful info on management. Of course you can always seek a second opinion from another vet - notes can be sent on and no one minds you doing this.

Broccoli is fine and contains a lot of anti-cancer properties. I can't see the problem with her eating plenty of it? Some people will say it causes wind, but you don't have to give her masses - just a mix including it.

EC - certainly you could treat with Panacur, without the complicated blood test (which usually involves two tests, very expensive and unreliable). Many rabbits have EC and it can compromise them in many ways. If you feel it wouldn't stress her out to medicate her with it. You can buy 10% solution and with her weight the vet can help you work out a dosage.

I agree about a healthy diet being a precursor to longevity - whatever that may mean in Lola's case. I wouldn't feed sugary foods just because she may be close to the end. I would give treats like herbs/coriander and rose leaves ...And fresh picked grass.

Sending many vibes xx
 
Thanks :) I'll see if I can find some! I just always worry about giving her leaves and stuff from random wooded areas! Overprotective mum lol.


I have also booked an appointment for tomorrow at the vets, going to talk to them about it possibly being EC. She's drinking a LOT of water and her weed are so dilute! She also has been shaking (one symptom is tremors apparently (Goddard Veterinary Group website). The girl I spoke to on the phone said EC is when they get a head tilt, she has had a very slightly wonky head when sitting down, I said this and was insistent I wanted to come in.

So with diagnosis, I hear there is a test for it - but I down know how long it takes. I've heard some people just treat it anyway (with Panacur I think), would people recommend this. I'm worried as one thing it says it can cause is renal failure...

Bramble leaves are usually well tolerated by Rabbits, even if they have never had them before. I have found them to be very beneficial to Rabbits with gut dysbiosis, the Rabbit will often seek the Brambles out in preference to other food types. Rabbits seem to know what they need I have found. You can buy brambles dried if you'd be happier doing that

https://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/raspberry-leaf.html

https://galensgarden.co.uk/shop/dried-herbs/blackberry-leaf-whole

https://galensgarden.co.uk/shop/dried-herbs/raspberry-leaf-whole

When taking spinal Xrays it is usually necessary to sedate the Rabbit in order to be able to obtain all of the various views needed for a definitive diagnosis.

''Generally, chemical immobilisation is required.
Safe, accurate positioning of the patient is facilitated.
Motion artefacts are reduced.
Personnel can remain well away from the area during radiography.
It may be possible to obtain lateral and ventrodorsal views using manual restraint.
However, it may be difficult to produce good positioning with the limbs drawn well away from the body.
Additionally, there is a risk of an unsedated rabbit suddenly jumping up and off the table.''


Some Vets may attempt to use Tonic Immobility ('Trancing') but not all Rabbits are susceptible and the danger of them 'coming round' from the 'trance' and jumping off the table is a real risk.

More detailed information here:

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Man/LagomorphOverviews/Imaging_Rabbits.htm

With regards to EC, I'd take a read of the following links and then talk to a qualified Vet before giving Lola Panacur

http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.106081!/fileManager/E CUNICULI IN RABBITS.pdf

http://www.gwexotics.com/wccms-resources/a/5/0/e/77554b90-a660-11e0-a685-0050568626ea.pdf

Good luck at the Vets xx
 
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I don't know anything about EC. Could it cause symptoms to progress this quickly? And are they any other symptoms that could indicate it is EC? Would my other bunny not have caught it also if it was that? (sorry 1000 questions!!) Thanks for your experience, hope your bunny is doing ok, love to you all xxxx

I spent all Saturday afternoon learning about EC and still can't answer that! It can certainly be responsible for a lot of things though. It sounds like there's a lot of support for it being related to the tumour and her spine, but I just posted about Fudge because she's another case where we just don't know what's wrong with her for sure. And probably won't ever know for sure, because we've opted not to pursue it to a conclusion due to her existing issues.

Good luck at the vets today.
 
Ah ok, I'm not really sure I'll be able to get out to find some anyway! I think I have fed her some before actually, dried ones from pets at home! My bunnies thought they were ok, but weren't really fussed about them. They loved the dandelion mix (and obviously also this time of year the fresh dandelions) much more! They go mad for them as I suppose most bunnies do.

Trying to keep Lola's diet stable and normal. Have also cut out banana mostly. She's been eating a bit more hay and nuggets (she didn't want them at all before) and has done some more normal looking poos. Although she did a yucky one again this morning that looked like mousse (all mushy) and then ate it (it stank so bad, but obviously she liked it:shock::lol:.

Esupi - thank you for looking you did have to do that:love:.


Jack's-Jane - thanks!! And yeah I wouldn't have given it to her without talking to our vet :)

Just a general reply to everyone (sorry the others are so short! I'm so strapped for time at the moment :( )
We took Lola to the vets this morning and the surgeon who has done all her operations was doing our consult which I was happy about as he seems quite rabbit-savvy! We've taken her off the metacam because of the dilute urine he seems to think it must be affecting her kidney function. Apparently her bloods before her GA (10th march) showed her kidney function was "borderline" (his words). He doesn't think her kidney function will get better, but wants to stop it from getting worse. We spoke about EC and he didn't think this was the cause. He said how fast the mobility of her back legs has deteriorated indicates it is most likely to be a spinal problem (he has had a similar case recently, it was a dog but apparently very similar) - with the tumour causing a compression on her spine. We agreed not to do an X-ray (might not show everything), or MRI/CT etc, because even if it did show a compression he was saying he wouldn't want to operate and do a big operation anyway.

As for Lo, her mobility is pretty bad, and going downhill, but she can still move around a bit. But she's still herself, happily enjoying food and seems ok. She needs help, she still attempts to make it to the litter tray to wee, she really makes an effort bless her but sometimes can't make it (I don't even mind) and her stubbornness and willpower is still there. I know some people may say because she can't move well her quality of life is low, and I agree its not how it should be, but as she is herself and still puts up a fight if things aren't her way - I feel now isn't the right time. When she doesn't try anymore and isn't herself, I'll know its then. I know her inside out and I think she will let me know, now isn't the right time yet.

Thanks everyone your responses mean so much to me, they're really helping :wave::love: xxxx


ps sorry about my spelling on these! I always just think autocorrect will sort it but I read them back and am like :shock: lol.
 
Ah ok, I'm not really sure I'll be able to get out to find some anyway! I think I have fed her some before actually, dried ones from pets at home! My bunnies thought they were ok, but weren't really fussed about them. They loved the dandelion mix (and obviously also this time of year the fresh dandelions) much more! They go mad for them as I suppose most bunnies do.

Trying to keep Lola's diet stable and normal. Have also cut out banana mostly. She's been eating a bit more hay and nuggets (she didn't want them at all before) and has done some more normal looking poos. Although she did a yucky one again this morning that looked like mousse (all mushy) and then ate it (it stank so bad, but obviously she liked it:shock::lol:.

Esupi - thank you for looking you did have to do that:love:.


Jack's-Jane - thanks!! And yeah I wouldn't have given it to her without talking to our vet :)

Just a general reply to everyone (sorry the others are so short! I'm so strapped for time at the moment :( )
We took Lola to the vets this morning and the surgeon who has done all her operations was doing our consult which I was happy about as he seems quite rabbit-savvy! We've taken her off the metacam because of the dilute urine he seems to think it must be affecting her kidney function. Apparently her bloods before her GA (10th march) showed her kidney function was "borderline" (his words). He doesn't think her kidney function will get better, but wants to stop it from getting worse. We spoke about EC and he didn't think this was the cause. He said how fast the mobility of her back legs has deteriorated indicates it is most likely to be a spinal problem (he has had a similar case recently, it was a dog but apparently very similar) - with the tumour causing a compression on her spine. We agreed not to do an X-ray (might not show everything), or MRI/CT etc, because even if it did show a compression he was saying he wouldn't want to operate and do a big operation anyway.

As for Lo, her mobility is pretty bad, and going downhill, but she can still move around a bit. But she's still herself, happily enjoying food and seems ok. She needs help, she still attempts to make it to the litter tray to wee, she really makes an effort bless her but sometimes can't make it (I don't even mind) and her stubbornness and willpower is still there. I know some people may say because she can't move well her quality of life is low, and I agree its not how it should be, but as she is herself and still puts up a fight if things aren't her way - I feel now isn't the right time. When she doesn't try anymore and isn't herself, I'll know its then. I know her inside out and I think she will let me know, now isn't the right time yet.

Thanks everyone your responses mean so much to me, they're really helping :wave::love: xxxx


ps sorry about my spelling on these! I always just think autocorrect will sort it but I read them back and am like :shock: lol.

I know she will let you know. You obviously have a very, very close bond and I dont doubt for one second that any decisions you make will be made with Lola's best interests as a priority. I would try to take things one day at a time. Lola is happy within herself at the moment and blissfully unaware that she has a terminal illness. As long as she feels OK as far as she is concerned she is OK.

If the litter tray is a bit much for her now you could use one of these instead

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compact-P...426129?hash=item2109911e11:g:kfcAAOSwFqJWsfPe
 
I know she will let you know. You obviously have a very, very close bond and I dont doubt for one second that any decisions you make will be made with Lola's best interests as a priority. I would try to take things one day at a time. Lola is happy within herself at the moment and blissfully unaware that she has a terminal illness. As long as she feels OK as far as she is concerned she is OK.

If the litter tray is a bit much for her now you could use one of these instead

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Compact-P...426129?hash=item2109911e11:g:kfcAAOSwFqJWsfPe

Thank you:love: I am definitely focusing on one day at a time. Just difficult when she is still herself in her mind but her body isn't as capable :(

I just bought one! Looks much better, we made a make shift flat litter tray for her last night but that will be much better, also getting a bigger box (at the moment she loves sitting in a storage cardboard box with the lid on and front cut out, but she's struggling a bit to turn around in it so needs a bigger one which I'm going to sort out).
 
Thank you:love: I am definitely focusing on one day at a time. Just difficult when she is still herself in her mind but her body isn't as capable :(

I just bought one! Looks much better, we made a make shift flat litter tray for her last night but that will be much better, also getting a bigger box (at the moment she loves sitting in a storage cardboard box with the lid on and front cut out, but she's struggling a bit to turn around in it so needs a bigger one which I'm going to sort out).

I'm sure she'll love investigating a new box !
 
Ah ok, I'm not really sure I'll be able to get out to find some anyway! I think I have fed her some before actually, dried ones from pets at home! My bunnies thought they were ok, but weren't really fussed about them. They loved the dandelion mix (and obviously also this time of year the fresh dandelions) much more! They go mad for them as I suppose most bunnies do.

Trying to keep Lola's diet stable and normal. Have also cut out banana mostly. She's been eating a bit more hay and nuggets (she didn't want them at all before) and has done some more normal looking poos. Although she did a yucky one again this morning that looked like mousse (all mushy) and then ate it (it stank so bad, but obviously she liked it:shock::lol:.

Esupi - thank you for looking you did have to do that:love:.


Jack's-Jane - thanks!! And yeah I wouldn't have given it to her without talking to our vet :)

Just a general reply to everyone (sorry the others are so short! I'm so strapped for time at the moment :( )
We took Lola to the vets this morning and the surgeon who has done all her operations was doing our consult which I was happy about as he seems quite rabbit-savvy! We've taken her off the metacam because of the dilute urine he seems to think it must be affecting her kidney function. Apparently her bloods before her GA (10th march) showed her kidney function was "borderline" (his words). He doesn't think her kidney function will get better, but wants to stop it from getting worse. We spoke about EC and he didn't think this was the cause. He said how fast the mobility of her back legs has deteriorated indicates it is most likely to be a spinal problem (he has had a similar case recently, it was a dog but apparently very similar) - with the tumour causing a compression on her spine. We agreed not to do an X-ray (might not show everything), or MRI/CT etc, because even if it did show a compression he was saying he wouldn't want to operate and do a big operation anyway.

As for Lo, her mobility is pretty bad, and going downhill, but she can still move around a bit. But she's still herself, happily enjoying food and seems ok. She needs help, she still attempts to make it to the litter tray to wee, she really makes an effort bless her but sometimes can't make it (I don't even mind) and her stubbornness and willpower is still there. I know some people may say because she can't move well her quality of life is low, and I agree its not how it should be, but as she is herself and still puts up a fight if things aren't her way - I feel now isn't the right time. When she doesn't try anymore and isn't herself, I'll know its then. I know her inside out and I think she will let me know, now isn't the right time yet.

Thanks everyone your responses mean so much to me, they're really helping :wave::love: xxxx


ps sorry about my spelling on these! I always just think autocorrect will sort it but I read them back and am like :shock: lol.

Thank you for taking the time out to reply. You must have very little to spare right now!

You have such a lovely bond with her that I know she will let you know when the time is right. It will just feel right to you, as well.

It's so difficult, but you are doing all you can, and that's the most anyone can offer our beloved little companions :D

For my elderly, arthritic and poorly buns I always use a potting tray, as they are so low at the front they can easily get in and out. I also use one for the bed as well, with a 24/7 heated pad in there for ultimate comfort :)

I'm really glad to hear she's still enjoying her food. A wonderful sign!

Keep going and much luck xx
 
You guys have been so helpful, I'm so grateful! I bought a heat pad for her a couple of weeks ago incase we needed it down the line, and today is the first day we have used it. Although in a warm (not too warm though :lol:) house, her ears felt really cold, I know this isn't a sign that inside she is cold, but its pretty unusual for her not to have even lukewarm ears when inside! I bought a thermometer to take her internal temp (I've been shown how to do this) but it gives a vastly different reading every time???? (i.e. checking her temp three times in a row), so I don't use it anymore because i don't think it works :S
I'm also thinking maybe to get some puppy training mat type things because then the area is easier to keep fresh and maintain for her (and us!!), don't really know where is best to get them though, any ideas? :)
 
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