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Plumpkin - Farewell

Beapig

Mama Doe
Plumpkin only had her last dental 5 weeks ago, but I noticed the past couple of days that she didn't seem right and wasn't cleaning the smoothie off from around her mouth.

We took her to the vet this morning and he said her teeth look terrible again. What's more, she has a horrible rash under her chin, the vet said from salivating because of the teeth. We've been given cream to apply for the rash and she's having another dental tomorrow morning.

I'm honestly miserable. No matter what I do for her, it isn't enough. Nothing lasts long enough to really benefit her in the long run. What's more, I cannot afford to spend £130 a month on dentals. I'm desperately sad that my girl is STILL suffering.

All I can think is to try calling Sonya Miles, the rabbit specialist in Bristol. I don't drive so would have to take the train and then a taxi. It would be a really stressful journey for Plumpkin, but maybe a worth it if this vet actually knows what she's talking about.

I feel like what Plumpkin needs is a longterm operation. But I'm not a vet and I have no idea if such a procedure is even possible. I'm really sad you guys :cry:
 
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Can they take the teeth down further this time?
Have you had skull x-rays taken?
You could ask your vet to contact the specialist, send the x-rays and records across, and get an idea of a treatment plan and costs before going to see her.
Rabbit teeth grow all the time, so a permanent solution is difficult to achieve. Often the time between dentals changes, and there are techniques that can prolong the period between them. No harm in asking for a second opinion.
 
Can they take the teeth down further this time?
Have you had skull x-rays taken?
You could ask your vet to contact the specialist, send the x-rays and records across, and get an idea of a treatment plan and costs before going to see her.
Rabbit teeth grow all the time, so a permanent solution is difficult to achieve. Often the time between dentals changes, and there are techniques that can prolong the period between them. No harm in asking for a second opinion.

She's never had an x-ray - this has never been something suggested and when I brought it up, I was told it wouldn't make any difference/wasn't worth doing (which I totally disagree with)

I have left my number with the rabbit specialist Sonya Miles in Bristol. I hope to hear back from her later today.
 
I really hope you get to see a specialist - it honestly makes the world of difference & I'm guessing others will agree - works out much cheaper because you get to the root of the problem & arrive at solution (if there is one) much more quickly . For what its worth my bunnies cope a lot better on the train than in the car. To see a good vet I had to do several buses, taxis & 4 trains. I still do occassionally when the bunnies chaffeur is unavailable.
Healthy rabbit teeth grow continuously but those with dental disease like Plumpkin often slow down, ultimately stopping ("end stage dental disease"). They can live happily at this stage eating things such as the smoothies you make her.

Millions of vibes. You know how much we love her xx
 
The first thing that any vet will normally do with ongoing dental issues is skull x-rays to see what is really going on with the teeth, roots and jaw. Management of the teeth also depends on what is happening below the gums. The roots can be managed to some extent by what is done to the visible teeth (shortening the teeth will shorten the roots). Can you get x-rays done today while she is under GA, otherwise she will have to be sedated again to have them done at the specialist - I'm just worried about having GAs quite close together, especially if she is likely to need another dental in a bout a month as well.

I think you have done the right thing to ask for another opinion. Are you keeping your vet in the loop?
 
I don't have any advice to offer but I can certainly empathise as I'm in a similar position, my boy seems to need dentals on a monthly basis at the moment and it's just not viable long-term. I hope you can get some sort of answers from a specialist.
 
The first thing that any vet will normally do with ongoing dental issues is skull x-rays to see what is really going on with the teeth, roots and jaw. Management of the teeth also depends on what is happening below the gums. The roots can be managed to some extent by what is done to the visible teeth (shortening the teeth will shorten the roots). Can you get x-rays done today while she is under GA, otherwise she will have to be sedated again to have them done at the specialist - I'm just worried about having GAs quite close together, especially if she is likely to need another dental in a bout a month as well.

I think you have done the right thing to ask for another opinion. Are you keeping your vet in the loop?

Unfortunately I never see the same vet at my practice, which is really frustrating for me. Today I saw a man who had never met Plumpkin before and knew nothing of her history. My vet surgery is part of a branch of three and the practitioners are constantly rotating. So there's no-one specific I can keep in the loop as it were.

When I take her for her dental tomorrow I'll ask to talk to the vet to get an x-ray done at the same time.
 
I don't have any advice to offer but I can certainly empathise as I'm in a similar position, my boy seems to need dentals on a monthly basis at the moment and it's just not viable long-term. I hope you can get some sort of answers from a specialist.

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through a similar thing with your rabbit :( For me it causes a lot of stress, both for Plumpkin's welfare/long term health and for me financially.
 
I really hope you get to see a specialist - it honestly makes the world of difference & I'm guessing others will agree - works out much cheaper because you get to the root of the problem & arrive at solution (if there is one) much more quickly . For what its worth my bunnies cope a lot better on the train than in the car. To see a good vet I had to do several buses, taxis & 4 trains. I still do occassionally when the bunnies chaffeur is unavailable.
Healthy rabbit teeth grow continuously but those with dental disease like Plumpkin often slow down, ultimately stopping ("end stage dental disease"). They can live happily at this stage eating things such as the smoothies you make her.

Millions of vibes. You know how much we love her xx

Thank youe Joey&Boo, I really appreciate your kind words. This has given me some hope that maybe the rabbit specialist will actually be able to get to the root of the problem.
 
Beapig, Loobers kindly sent me a Dentistry special Rabbiting on. Loads of useful info in there with articles by specialists etc. Loobers is happy for me to send it on to you ? If you'd like it p.m. me your address xx
 
I'm so sorry to hear you're going through a similar thing with your rabbit :( For me it causes a lot of stress, both for Plumpkin's welfare/long term health and for me financially.
Definitely agree. My boy has had xrays and there's nothing particularly wrong there, but he is a tilty bun so may favour one side. You just want them to be healthy and happy don't you!

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I'm sorry, I can understand your distress :(

I would certainly ask for an x-ray tomorrow at the same time as the dental. I would also involve the specialist. Ideally I would travel with Plumpkin to see her, but if not I would at least get your vet to send the xrays over to her to ask for an opinion.

Sending loads of vibes for our lovely Plumpkin tomorrow.
 
Plumpkin only had her last dental 5 weeks ago, but I noticed the past couple of days that she didn't seem right and wasn't cleaning the smoothie off from around her mouth.

We took her to the vet this morning and he said her teeth look terrible again. What's more, she has a horrible rash under her chin, the vet said from salivating because of the teeth. We've been given cream to apply for the rash and she's having another dental tomorrow morning.

I'm honestly miserable. No matter what I do for her, it isn't enough. Nothing lasts long enough to really benefit her in the long run. What's more, I cannot afford to spend £130 a month on dentals. I'm desperately sad that my girl is STILL suffering.

All I can think is to try calling Sonya Miles, the rabbit specialist in Bristol. I don't drive so would have to take the train and then a taxi. It would be a really stressful journey for Plumpkin, but maybe a worth it if this vet actually knows what she's talking about.

I feel like what Plumpkin needs is a longterm operation. But I'm not a vet and I have no idea if such a procedure is even possible. I'm really sad you guys :cry:



I'm sorry I haven't been around earlier to reply to this.

It's terribly worrying for you. I know you're doing your absolute best for that little darling, and that nothing you do seems to last very long before there's another trauma.

I can quite understand you are not able to afford that every month for her dentals, and neither would I be able to.

I would call the specialist you mention, and explain the situation in detail. Would you be able to talk with her personally, do you think? Depending on what she says, I would follow through from there. If you can get x-rays, I would get them sent over to her whether you actually visit her or not.

The other point to consider, and it depends on the state of the teeth themselves, is to find out whether conscious dentals would be a possibility (then the only cost is for a consult and there's no recovery time for the rabbit). The specialist may be able to advise on that judging by what she sees on the X-rays.

Good luck. This is so stressful for you xx
 
I understand how stressful it is to have a dental bun so I'm sending you lots of hugs xxx

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk
 
Oh Beapig - I am so sorry to read this update about my favorite beautiful Plumpkin. I am sorry that she continues to have dental issues and I share the views of those that have posted before me. Continuity is something we all value with vets and it is terribly sad that you haven't been able to get this. I totally understand the journey to Bristol with Plumplin and the stress this would place on her. But if it is in the long term welfare benefit for her, then perhaps this is the best way forward. We would love to be able to talk and communicate with out rabbits and tell them that what we do is for their benefit and Plumpkin is so fortunate to have found you. You've put her welfare first and foremost and given Plumpkin at least a fighting chance with life. A specialist is always the best option - if one is available. I'm so sorry I cannot give you more or better advice or help more - I wish I could. Sending you massive hugs and millions of vibes for beautiful Plumpkin and hope that you can get to the specialist and find some positive way forward. xx
 
Thank you so much everyone for your kind words.

Plumpkin is currently at the vet for her dental and she will be getting an x-ray at the same time. I never got a call back from Sonya yesterday, but I might try emailing her instead with the x-rays because she has an exotic pet rescue on the side of being a vet - I should be able to reach her through that email address.

I assume that there's no way I can save money by getting Plumpkin insurance, because this is an existing problem rather than a one off accident? I'm trying to think of if there are any ways I can make this more affordable for me.

EDIT: The vet called and advised us against the x-ray today, saying the specialist will definitely want to take her own x-rays so it will just be more of an expense for us. But he thinks it's a great idea for us to go to a specialist.
 
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Thank you so much everyone for your kind words.

Plumpkin is currently at the vet for her dental and she will be getting an x-ray at the same time. I never got a call back from Sonya yesterday, but I might try emailing her instead with the x-rays because she has an exotic pet rescue on the side of being a vet - I should be able to reach her through that email address.

I assume that there's no way I can save money by getting Plumpkin insurance, because this is an existing problem rather than a one off accident? I'm trying to think of if there are any ways I can make this more affordable for me.

EDIT: The vet called and advised us against the x-ray today, saying the specialist will definitely want to take her own x-rays so it will just be more of an expense for us. But he thinks it's a great idea for us to go to a specialist.

Unfortunately you would not be able to get Dental treatment covered by Insurance as it's a pre-existing condition :cry: Some Vets are willing to set up a Payment Plan where-by you have a 'contract' to pay a specific amount each week/month rather than having to pay for each treatment in full every time. You would keep up the weekly/monthly payments even if Plumpkin managed to go for several months without needing a Dental.

Then there are things you may be able to do to raise a few more £s

Selling stuff on Ebay (Amanda- 'Barn Yard Bunnies' is the expert on that, she sells loads of stuff on Ebay for ARC, our local Rescue) I am sure she'd give you some tips and advice re all that

Car Boot Sales

Setting up a CrowdFund page

Specific sponsored events- something for Easter maybe ?
 
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