Bunny Buddy
Wise Old Thumper
Thank you all for your kind words.
So, it turns out that the stricture in Esme's intestines was adenocarcinoma (cancer). When Tinkerbell's histology came back as adenocarcinoma I was told that intestinal adenocarcinoma hadn't been recorded in rabbits previously, yet they both had it. Both came to me in 2008 and died within three weeks of each other ten years later from this incredibly rare condition. The vet who did the PM wonders if it is actually not so rare in elderly rabbits as she has also lost a ten year old rabbit to it, it is possibly just that PMs in that age group are rare, rather than the condition itself. Esme appeared to be really well and healthy, not losing weight etc unlike Tinkerbell who was much more obviously unwell.
So, it turns out that the stricture in Esme's intestines was adenocarcinoma (cancer). When Tinkerbell's histology came back as adenocarcinoma I was told that intestinal adenocarcinoma hadn't been recorded in rabbits previously, yet they both had it. Both came to me in 2008 and died within three weeks of each other ten years later from this incredibly rare condition. The vet who did the PM wonders if it is actually not so rare in elderly rabbits as she has also lost a ten year old rabbit to it, it is possibly just that PMs in that age group are rare, rather than the condition itself. Esme appeared to be really well and healthy, not losing weight etc unlike Tinkerbell who was much more obviously unwell.
Very sad. I have never had a pm done so don't know what some of mine have passed away with. I expect the majority of people don't. Mr B definitely had cancer so he didn't need a pm. Cancer is so horrible, it's quite frightening were it grows.
The histopathology report said that it "had the potential to metastasize" but it hadn't gone to her kidneys or liver, I don't know if that suggests it was a "new" cancer. Tink's cancer was also in other areas of her body, potentially in her spine given neurological problems with her leg. I just get the feeling that a lot of "old age" deaths are probably cancer.
The histopathology report said that it "had the potential to metastasize" but it hadn't gone to her kidneys or liver, I don't know if that suggests it was a "new" cancer. Tink's cancer was also in other areas of her body, potentially in her spine given neurological problems with her leg. I just get the feeling that a lot of "old age" deaths are probably cancer.