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Hello - Week 2 of Stasis (Long read sorry)

Sidditherabbit said:
Sorry to report that it is a mass, it's occupying between 55-70% of his thorax region at present. The vet said that naturally he won't have much time left (months) at most.

We have tried to refer to a radiotherapy clinic (one in Cambridge, who are fully booked until the end of January) and one in Essex (Haven't heard back yet)

I just think given the determination of him, he would want time instead of anything else. Even though he has stiff hindlegs, he still decided after originally being scared in travelling to start exploring the consultation room yesterday, the nature of the ND. Do you know of any of clinics near major motorways I could try if either of you have past experience? We are J9 of the M1, close to the A1 and M25.

Rich
Click to expand...

I am really sorry Rich, I had so hoped that it was not a thoracic mass :cry:

I dont know if this link is of any use

http://www.animalcancertrust.co.uk/cancer-resources/specialist-vets/
 
I haven't posted very much lately on your thread, but I have been following. I am very sorry to read your news.

I personally have no experience of radiotherapy for rabbits, but I *think* that Parsnipbun (on here and also author of the excellent RWAF foraging book) might have had experience of either radiotherapy or chemotherapy. She doesn't come on here very often these days, but I'm sure she would not mind you contacting her outside of the forum on this. These are her contact details http://www.twigsway.com/twigsway.com/Contact_Me!.html
 
Sidditherabbit said:
Sorry to report that it is a mass, it's occupying between 55-70% of his thorax region at present. The vet said that naturally he won't have much time left (months) at most.

We have tried to refer to a radiotherapy clinic (one in Cambridge, who are fully booked until the end of January) and one in Essex (Haven't heard back yet)

I just think given the determination of him, he would want time instead of anything else. Even though he has stiff hindlegs, he still decided after originally being scared in travelling to start exploring the consultation room yesterday, the nature of the ND. Do you know of any of clinics near major motorways I could try if either of you have past experience? We are J9 of the M1, close to the A1 and M25.

Rich
Click to expand...


I am so sorry to read this Rich. I had hoped it wouldn't be that :(


http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Cancer/Thym/Thymoma_rab.htm

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/s...ioration-how-does-it-happen&highlight=THYMOMA

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?457950-Jaspers-Thymoma&highlight=thymoma


I have experience of rabbits who received steroid treatment for thymoma and they slowed the rate of growth of the tumour and 'bought' some time. Obviously you know that steroids aren't without their side effects, and they can have adverse effects on the immune system.

I am so heartened to read that he still has his attitude :) My Nethie, whilst suffering serious illness (not dissimilar) fairly recently had such an attitude and made the most of his time with us.
 
Hey folks, thank you for getting back so quickly!

JJ thank you for this. I've tried calling all of them in the past hour. Newmarket AHT are willing to listen to take the notes from the vets, they're usually Horse/Cat/Dogs but will at least read over his case. Edinburgh are the only ones also who would consider, it's simply too far. I'd have to fly him probably, that's not life quality, that would be fear.

Omi - thank you, I will make contact with her tonight.

Max - thanks for this, we have unlimited supplies of metacam available and all his other meds on standby at the moment.

If we are careful and Newmarket offer assistance, I really hope we can achieve something like Paco's story > http://somecows.com/thymoma/

Even if it's a few bursts, it might hopefully increase his lifespan and offer him time. There's also some academic papers out there that show this to offer progress. Given his nature, I feel we need to try for him so I will at least try to reach out to anyone that might be able to help, it's the least I can do for the troublemaker!

How long did the steroids help for? I was reading it can affect the gut quite significantly, which is half the problem - he has a delicate stomach, hence the daily CC to make sure his poops are ok.

He's going to stay overnight so that they get can see his poops going and he's eating. Hopefully I can get him tomorrow while I work from home.

Rich
 
Sidditherabbit said:
Hey folks, thank you for getting back so quickly!

JJ thank you for this. I've tried calling all of them in the past hour. Newmarket AHT are willing to listen to take the notes from the vets, they're usually Horse/Cat/Dogs but will at least read over his case. Edinburgh are the only ones also who would consider, it's simply too far. I'd have to fly him probably, that's not life quality, that would be fear.

Omi - thank you, I will make contact with her tonight.

Max - thanks for this, we have unlimited supplies of metacam available and all his other meds on standby at the moment.

If we are careful and Newmarket offer assistance, I really hope we can achieve something like Paco's story > http://somecows.com/thymoma/

Even if it's a few bursts, it might hopefully increase his lifespan and offer him time. There's also some academic papers out there that show this to offer progress. Given his nature, I feel we need to try for him so I will at least try to reach out to anyone that might be able to help, it's the least I can do for the troublemaker!

How long did the steroids help for? I was reading it can affect the gut quite significantly, which is half the problem - he has a delicate stomach, hence the daily CC to make sure his poops are ok.

He's going to stay overnight so that they get can see his poops going and he's eating. Hopefully I can get him tomorrow while I work from home.

Rich
Click to expand...

I have had 3 Rabbits who had Thymomas. They were prescribed a long acting injectable Corticosteroid (given every 7-10 days) and an injectable antibiotic given ever 2 days (as corticosteroids are immunosuppressants). They were also prescribed Ranitidine (Zantac) as corticosteroids can cause GI tract ulceration. The treatment obviously did not cure the Rabbits, but the steroid slowed the rate of growth of the Thymoma. On average the Rabbits lived a good quality of life for about 6 months after diagnosis.

I know that an exotics Vet based in Maidstone, Kent, has carried out surgery to remove Thymomas from Rabbits. The Vet is called Mark Rowland and he owns and works at Trinity Vets

http://trinityvetcentre.com/
 
Last edited:
Sidditherabbit said:
Hey folks, thank you for getting back so quickly!

JJ thank you for this. I've tried calling all of them in the past hour. Newmarket AHT are willing to listen to take the notes from the vets, they're usually Horse/Cat/Dogs but will at least read over his case. Edinburgh are the only ones also who would consider, it's simply too far. I'd have to fly him probably, that's not life quality, that would be fear.

Omi - thank you, I will make contact with her tonight.

Max - thanks for this, we have unlimited supplies of metacam available and all his other meds on standby at the moment.

If we are careful and Newmarket offer assistance, I really hope we can achieve something like Paco's story > http://somecows.com/thymoma/

Even if it's a few bursts, it might hopefully increase his lifespan and offer him time. There's also some academic papers out there that show this to offer progress. Given his nature, I feel we need to try for him so I will at least try to reach out to anyone that might be able to help, it's the least I can do for the troublemaker!

How long did the steroids help for? I was reading it can affect the gut quite significantly, which is half the problem - he has a delicate stomach, hence the daily CC to make sure his poops are ok.

He's going to stay overnight so that they get can see his poops going and he's eating. Hopefully I can get him tomorrow while I work from home.

Rich
Click to expand...


Hi Rich

I've just read Paco's story and see what you mean.

The steroids helped my rabbits around 6 - 8 months. Yes, they can affect the gut, and they were also given Ranitidine/Zantac. I don't know whether Sid is on that at the moment?

I also used an alternative supplement to protect the stomach.

I hope he can come home tomorrow :)
 
Hi folks,

We have Zantac available to him but as he's not shown signs of stasis for a while, he's only got it on standby next to his other meds. He took Zantac quite well last time, that and cisapride took him out of Stasis back in May. The vet did mention steroids on a low dose as an option w/ an agent to combat side effects, so certainly an option at this point.

As for surgery, I am aware how amazing it would be if he could get through the surgery and recover but I've been reading academic papers (stole a friends login) and the prognosis looks bad post surgery. If he can make it through the recovery period, it's likely the mass will be gone though. It's rated at 50/50 survival post surgery, whereas radiation is 80% survival post care but guarded when it comes to how long they can live.

To be fair, at the moment of the 3 I just want one to offer the olive branch in front of us so we have to make this decision. Our vet is going to send over the case notes to Newmarket & Maidstone tomorrow. Steroid decision will be made by him.

JJ, do you know of any of the surgeries being successful?

Sid will be home tomorrow, they're keeping him in to make sure he eats and poops following being put under today. Thank you all as always :love:
 
Poor Jasper, he looks like he been through the wars, he is absolutely adorable though! Long may the steroids help him to cuddle up to his bunpal!
 
Afternoon,

First bit of feedback from the vets in Maidstone today. we would need to have CT scanned. If the architecture of the mass is operable, then we could potentially proceed with surgery. He would then be in intensive care (As in looked after intensively, not critical from a health point of view) for up to a week before being able to come home.

Again, I'm really really anxious about surgery, dependent on the structure of the mass, they rate survival at 50/50 post surgery, if he comes through that though - there's a real chance potentially that we could give him his natural life span.

Still awaiting the next steps with regards to Newmarket/radiotherapy & Steroid procedure but there's optimism at least here albeit guarded.

Will hopefully hear from the Beds vet today as to when we can get him home or he might have a CT up there now he has settled there.

Speak soon
Rich
 
Sidditherabbit said:
Afternoon,

First bit of feedback from the vets in Maidstone today. we would need to have CT scanned. If the architecture of the mass is operable, then we could potentially proceed with surgery. He would then be in intensive care (As in looked after intensively, not critical from a health point of view) for up to a week before being able to come home.

Again, I'm really really anxious about surgery, dependent on the structure of the mass, they rate survival at 50/50 post surgery, if he comes through that though - there's a real chance potentially that we could give him his natural life span.

Still awaiting the next steps with regards to Newmarket/radiotherapy & Steroid procedure but there's optimism at least here albeit guarded.

Will hopefully hear from the Beds vet today as to when we can get him home or he might have a CT up there now he has settled there.

Speak soon
Rich
Click to expand...


Evening Rich

What serious decisions you have to make.

Have you had any more news during the day today?
 
Hi Max,

I'm literally in the waiting room to collect him now. Cambridge university vet hospital are going to CT scan him on Monday & then it's up to the analysis of the CT to decide if he's viable for surgery up at Caine vet hospital up in Leicestershire or therapy up in Newmarket.

Nervous waiting game at the moment but we've got to keep moving forward in the hope we can offer him a treatment that will prolong his stay with us and not affect his quality of life. Touchwood we get him home and relaxed today ready for Monday.

He is pooping ok up here but not eating for himself in the vets, hopefully at home it's a different story.

Rich
 
Sidditherabbit said:
Hi Max,

I'm literally in the waiting room to collect him now. Cambridge university vet hospital are going to CT scan him on Monday & then it's up to the analysis of the CT to decide if he's viable for surgery up at Caine vet hospital up in Leicestershire or therapy up in Newmarket.

Nervous waiting game at the moment but we've got to keep moving forward in the hope we can offer him a treatment that will prolong his stay with us and not affect his quality of life. Touchwood we get him home and relaxed today ready for Monday.

He is pooping ok up here but not eating for himself in the vets, hopefully at home it's a different story.

Rich
Click to expand...


They are so fragile, aren't they?

I am sure you value every moment with your special boy.

I hope you get some news to propel you forward with a good plan.
 
They certainly are.

We got him home about 2 hours ago, he's calmed down massively as he was a nervous wreck in the car back, poor thing - we have a travel box for him and cover 90% of it in a blanket with a little peep hole. Pooped a little bit but it's a bit gritty atm, but at least extremely hydrated looking and he is pooping. Now for the usual, critical care and meds etc - just need to keep him as calm & stable as possible until Monday, get him there and home and await the next steps. He's drinking and using the loo by himself but not really shown much interest in food by himself as yet. Normally starts eating from 8pm on wards though so on we go.

God bless heatpads, he absolutely adores his.
 
Sidditherabbit said:
They certainly are.

We got him home about 2 hours ago, he's calmed down massively as he was a nervous wreck in the car back, poor thing - we have a travel box for him and cover 90% of it in a blanket with a little peep hole. Pooped a little bit but it's a bit gritty atm, but at least extremely hydrated looking and he is pooping. Now for the usual, critical care and meds etc - just need to keep him as calm & stable as possible until Monday, get him there and home and await the next steps. He's drinking and using the loo by himself but not really shown much interest in food by himself as yet. Normally starts eating from 8pm on wards though so on we go.

God bless heatpads, he absolutely adores his.
Click to expand...


Yes, I have a couple and they sure are Godsends! :)

I hope he gets comfortable this evening and starts eating well.
 
Hello,

Not great news I'm afraid.

Sid seems to be sliding back into Stasis, We are trying absolutely everything we can at the moment. Hourly belly massages, snugglesafe regularly reheated & meds (Zantec, Cisapride, Fibreplex, Metacam, Infacol/Water syringes) - vet also gave him emeraid over critical care, which he's taking quite a lot of (20ml 4 times a day) - I can hear faint gurgling noises but he hasn't pooped since 4am and while hydrated it's gritty at the moment.

He is however grooming himself and not clicking at the moment as if he is in pain. He has also got runny cecothropes but he is taking a couple of them and seems satisfied, which is something good for his gut at least as it will have that additional processed nutrients in it.

However, next week...

We can't put him through GA again at the moment like this, so I have consulted the radiologist who said she might be able to sedate him instead of put him under, we have also moved it to later in the week for now. That means, it is likely he would only need another GA if he were to have the actual operation. I don't even want to travel him for the hour to Cambridge at the moment for the CT scan though I'm conscious of time. He isn't breathing fast unless stressed, for now he is reasonably normal, even the protrusion is less on the eyes at the moment.

I just don't know what to do, even when he's poorly like this, he just seems to fight it and not give up, but I'm aware of time now and I'm aware he has a massive mountain to climb to return to normal. I just don't have the heart to let him go, he just has too much fight and he's not suffering.

I'm fully aware life quality with daily syringes is not great, but he's "ok" for the rest of the day for now bar that, but the next week is crucial - if he is to be operated on, his faecal output needs to be reasonably normal & we need to get through the CT.

For now, it's just about today.. Speak soon.
 
Sidditherabbit said:
Hello,

Not great news I'm afraid.

Sid seems to be sliding back into Stasis, We are trying absolutely everything we can at the moment. Hourly belly massages, snugglesafe regularly reheated & meds (Zantec, Cisapride, Fibreplex, Metacam, Infacol/Water syringes) - vet also gave him emeraid over critical care, which he's taking quite a lot of (20ml 4 times a day) - I can hear faint gurgling noises but he hasn't pooped since 4am and while hydrated it's gritty at the moment.

He is however grooming himself and not clicking at the moment as if he is in pain. He has also got runny cecothropes but he is taking a couple of them and seems satisfied, which is something good for his gut at least as it will have that additional processed nutrients in it.

However, next week...

We can't put him through GA again at the moment like this, so I have consulted the radiologist who said she might be able to sedate him instead of put him under, we have also moved it to later in the week for now. That means, it is likely he would only need another GA if he were to have the actual operation. I don't even want to travel him for the hour to Cambridge at the moment for the CT scan though I'm conscious of time. He isn't breathing fast unless stressed, for now he is reasonably normal, even the protrusion is less on the eyes at the moment.

I just don't know what to do, even when he's poorly like this, he just seems to fight it and not give up, but I'm aware of time now and I'm aware he has a massive mountain to climb to return to normal. I just don't have the heart to let him go, he just has too much fight and he's not suffering.

I'm fully aware life quality with daily syringes is not great, but he's "ok" for the rest of the day for now bar that, but the next week is crucial - if he is to be operated on, his faecal output needs to be reasonably normal & we need to get through the CT.

For now, it's just about today.. Speak soon.
Click to expand...


I was out yesterday and sorry, I didn't see this last night when I came home.

It's a very difficult and worrying time for you. As you say, he's fighting like mad, and who wouldn't want to fight alongside such a trooper?

I'm glad to see your update - some output :)
 
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