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Mr Pickle :( wish i'd taken him to a RWAF vet sooner

Compass

Warren Scout
Gutted, wish i'd taken Mr Pickle to a specialist rabbit vet sooner. After visiting our local vets at least 4-5 times this year, each time being told there was nothing wrong and to keep giving pain relief which we did. Eventually his reduced appetite became more and more frequent and after taking him to the vet again only to be told the same we decided to take him to a gold RWAF approved vet. The vet was excellent, spent a good 45 minutes with him checking him over and discussing what she she had picked up (anaemic looking eyes, increased bowels sounds and a lump near his bowel). He went in today for chest x-rays, blood tests and ultrasounds and has been found to have at least 5 masses just outside of his intestine, possibly tumours, ulcers or adhesions. He has also gained at least 100g of fluid in the past week and the vet said it's quite noticeable when she examined him again :( . Vet is waiting on blood results to try to have a better idea of whether a tumour or not, either way the outlook is not good. We are thinking probably best not to put him through exploratory operation when the outcome may be quite poor but will decide when we know a little more. The vet said to let him have as many carrots as he likes and to spoil him rotten (he's already pretty spoilt). He is at least 6 years old (possibly older as he was estimated to be at least 2 when we adopted him 4.5 years ago). We have four and I hate to say it but he's my favourite :cry:
20934170_10159096315705328_3688640510664761959_o.jpg
 
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I'm really sorry to hear that :( he's gorgeous - is there any possible positive outcome? :( sending lots of vibes for Mr Pickle <3 xx

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What a lovely looking chap. I'm sorry that he's poorly.
Fingers crossed there may be good options for him once all of the information is available. XX
 
I hope that the test results are not as bad as you fear and that Mr Pickle will remain well for a long time to come. Sending lots of vibes xx
 
Gutted, wish i'd taken Mr Pickle to a specialist rabbit vet sooner. After visiting our local vets at least 4-5 times this year, each time being told there was nothing wrong and to keep giving pain relief which we did. Eventually his reduced appetite became more and more frequent and after taking him to the vet again only to be told the same we decided to take him to a gold RWAF approved vet. The vet was excellent, spent a good 45 minutes with him checking him over and discussing what she she had picked up (anaemic looking eyes, increased bowels sounds and a lump near his bowel). He went in today for chest x-rays, blood tests and ultrasounds and has been found to have at least 5 masses just outside of his intestine, possibly tumours, ulcers or adhesions. He has also gained at least 100g of fluid in the past week and the vet said it's quite noticeable when she examined him again :( . Vet is waiting on blood results to try to have a better idea of whether a tumour or not, either way the outlook is not good. We are thinking probably best not to put him through exploratory operation when the outcome may be quite poor but will decide when we know a little more. The vet said to let him have as many carrots as he likes and to spoil him rotten (he's already pretty spoilt). He is at least 6 years old (possibly older as he was estimated to be at least 2 when we adopted him 4.5 years ago). We have four and I hate to say it but he's my favourite :cry:
20934170_10159096315705328_3688640510664761959_o.jpg


Sending loads of vibes for the absolutely gorgeous Mr Pickle xx
 
I spoke to the vet today and she feels from the blood results it is more likely that the masses are tumours. She says they felt as though they were stuck very firmly to his intestine which would make surgery more difficult and probably a 50:50 outcome or less. We discussed how Pickle is still eating and hopping around the garden (although looks uncomfortable at times) but he appears to be managing well with regular pain relief. I asked the vet what she would do if it were her rabbit but she said she couldn't answer that. She did say if she felt the chances were good she would be pushing more for surgery but she agreed what we are doing now is perfectly okay as we are keeping him comfortable. After some deliberation we have decided to continue to keep him comfortable, managing his pain and spoiling him with all the foods he loves.

I agree he is a gorgeous bunny and a super friendly one, he's the type of rabbit who could be paired with anyone, even a grumpy rabbit. He brightens up everyone's day :cry:
 
I spoke to the vet today and she feels from the blood results it is more likely that the masses are tumours. She says they felt as though they were stuck very firmly to his intestine which would make surgery more difficult and probably a 50:50 outcome or less. We discussed how Pickle is still eating and hopping around the garden (although looks uncomfortable at times) but he appears to be managing well with regular pain relief. I asked the vet what she would do if it were her rabbit but she said she couldn't answer that. She did say if she felt the chances were good she would be pushing more for surgery but she agreed what we are doing now is perfectly okay as we are keeping him comfortable. After some deliberation we have decided to continue to keep him comfortable, managing his pain and spoiling him with all the foods he loves.

I agree he is a gorgeous bunny and a super friendly one, he's the type of rabbit who could be paired with anyone, even a grumpy rabbit. He brightens up everyone's day :cry:

I think you have made the right decision for Mr Pickle. He is blissfully unaware of his problems, unfortunately for you you have to do the 'knowing'. I hope that he can remain comfortable for as long as possible. It's a big ask, but try to live in the moment, as he will be doing. xx
 
I spoke to the vet today and she feels from the blood results it is more likely that the masses are tumours. She says they felt as though they were stuck very firmly to his intestine which would make surgery more difficult and probably a 50:50 outcome or less. We discussed how Pickle is still eating and hopping around the garden (although looks uncomfortable at times) but he appears to be managing well with regular pain relief. I asked the vet what she would do if it were her rabbit but she said she couldn't answer that. She did say if she felt the chances were good she would be pushing more for surgery but she agreed what we are doing now is perfectly okay as we are keeping him comfortable. After some deliberation we have decided to continue to keep him comfortable, managing his pain and spoiling him with all the foods he loves.

I agree he is a gorgeous bunny and a super friendly one, he's the type of rabbit who could be paired with anyone, even a grumpy rabbit. He brightens up everyone's day :cry:


He certainly brightened up my day :)


I think you're making the right decision for him at the moment.

It sounds like he's getting the most out of life, and with your care and medication he will be totally unaware that he's poorly at all. I would be doing the same thing as you :)
 
Thank you for your kind words. It's such a difficult decision but I think it's the right one. He's happily munching away on his kale and carrot tops as I write this. I just think the risks outweigh any possible benefit and his quality of life should come first. I hope he would agree too :)
 
Thank you for your kind words. It's such a difficult decision but I think it's the right one. He's happily munching away on his kale and carrot tops as I write this. I just think the risks outweigh any possible benefit and his quality of life should come first. I hope he would agree too :)


His jolly attitude shows he agrees with you :D

If an animal isn't in pain, and they have a good quality of life, then I believe to them it's 'normal' and we should roll with it :D
 
I'm sorry it isn't better news. I hope he will remain happy and comfortable for a long time to come. Sending lots of vibes and hugs xx
 
Hoping your gorgeous boy can remain happy and comfortable for a long time. Hugs to you. This news must be devastating :(
 
Thank you for your kind words. It's such a difficult decision but I think it's the right one. He's happily munching away on his kale and carrot tops as I write this. I just think the risks outweigh any possible benefit and his quality of life should come first. I hope he would agree too :)

I certainly do. It is what I would want for myself when my time comes. Just because a lot of invasive 'high tech' treatment may be possible it is not always morally right to do it. That judgement call can only be made by the person/people who know the individual Rabbit the best. Looking at the situation holistically, not just from a clinical perspective.

I hope Mr P has a good day today xx
 
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