Am I doing the right thing? Booked in to say goodbye tomorrow.

[Megangarner]

I inherited a 8 year old mini lop in December. He has never been a fan of hay, his back legs aren't what they used to be, he has diarrhoea if he has any veg but he comes running for his pellets, drinks water and loves a salt lick.

I noticed his front bottom tooth was growing and crossing over so took him vets last week and she said that one of his back teeth is very big. Apparently bunnys don't show pain well and i think its been there a long time. They have said they can put him under to clip it but will grow back within a few months, if he makes it through, or its time to say goodbye.
He is booked in tomorrow but i’m feeling such guilt and sadness as he doesn't even seem poorly. My heart is hurting and my brain is telling me its for the best. Please any advice? Am i doing the right thing?
Thanks in advance,
Megan

 

[Orenoko]

Anaesthesia can be a big risk and if the bunny doesn't eat hay then your vet is right, there is a greater chance of the problem recurring. There could also be something else going on as well. It is a difficult choice of either doing recurring dentals or saying goodbye, it is never easy but it sounds like you have thought through what is best for your bun. There is a saying of better a week too soon than a day too late, I recently had to say goodbye to my bun, he had a serious health issue, rushed to the vet in the morning and although he seemed better in himself by evening I decided the time was right. I am sure you will do the right thing whatever you decide to do.

 

[Megangarner]

Anaesthesia can be a big risk and if the bunny doesn't eat hay then your vet is right, there is a greater chance of the problem recurring. There could also be something else going on as well. It is a difficult choice of either doing recurring dentals or saying goodbye, it is never easy but it sounds like you have thought through what is best for your bun. There is a saying of better a week too soon than a day too late, I recently had to say goodbye to my bun, he had a serious health issue, rushed to the vet in the morning and although he seemed better in himself by evening I decided the time was right. I am sure you will do the right thing whatever you decide to do.

I think this is why I'm struggling, he seems normal to me. If he wasn’t eating or drinking it would make more sense in my head because at the minute i feel like im ending his life too soon
Sorry to hear about your Bun and thank you for the reply x

 

[Orenoko]

I think this is why I'm struggling, he seems normal to me. If he wasn’t eating or drinking it would make more sense in my head because at the minute i feel like im ending his life too soon
Sorry to hear about your Bun and thank you for the reply x

I think one thing to remember, which your vet has mentioned, is that rabbits are great at hiding pain. Not saying he is definitely in pain but it's something to bear in mind, they will try and hide any pain as much as possible. It's never easy, it sounds like you have really been trying your best to give him a good life since you took him on. You could try a dental and see how he goes, and how long it might be before his teeth need treatment again, ultimately only you can make the decision.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Personally I would give him a chance and go ahead with the Dental. He sounds to be in good spirits and once the Dental is done if you can get him on to a diet that is mostly hay he might never need Dental treatment again.

Best wishes for what-ever you decide to do. You are the one who knows him best. I have cared for numerous 'dental Rabbits' over the years. Some needing many treatments under GA. Most coped very well and had a good QOL. Each case needs to be judged individually. What is right for one Rabbit would not be right for another one.

 

[joey&boo]

Given that bunny is bright in himself & it really sounds like this doesn't feel right for you, I too would try the dental. Does he like grass? Its equally good for teeth

 

[Megangarner]

I’ve cancelled the appointment! Goi no to try taking him to a different vet! Thank you all

 

[Shimmer]

As he's happy and lively, I would also go for the dental and see what happens. The teeth should be burred and not clipped. Clipping puts a lot of stress on the tooth and it's root, so can cause more issues. Burring is gentler.

I would ask the vet to check the back teeth as well while he's under anaesthetic. Any spurs can be burred at the same time.

If it's only a front tooth that's an issue, there may be other options in future, such as removing it - but that can have a knock on effect to the other teeth.

Monitor his weight weekly so you can see if he's eating enough. He may well need other dentals, but altering the diet (if you can & he will eat more hay / grass) can make a difference, at least by increasing the intervals between treatments.

Can you swap the veg for high fibre forage, such as bramble leaves, apple / willow / raspberry leaves & branches? Introduce very slowly in case there are any adverse reactions.

 

[Megangarner]

Its the back tooth that the vet said will be causing him problems, I only went for his front tooth and she didnt seem that bother by that one. Ill start weighing him more and definitely try some of that forage thank you

 

[Orenoko]

Its the back tooth that the vet said will be causing him problems, I only went for his front tooth and she didnt seem that bother by that one. Ill start weighing him more and definitely try some of that forage thank you

Will the same vet be willing to do the dental instead of having to go through the hassle of going to another?

 

[Megangarner]

Ive been talking on a facebook group, im currently with pdsa as im a single mum to an autistic 7 year old boy so funds are quite tight. They have said they wouldn’t trust pdsa and i should get a 2nd opinion or rehome him to someone that can afford it. Im going to try and find the money from somewhere. I definitely dont think he is ready to go yet. Thank you for your help

 

[joey&boo]

Good luck in finding another vet. Its worth seeing if anyone in your area recommends anyone specific, plus phoning round to ask prices, if they see many rabbits...ideally you need someone savvy who is experienced & interested in rabbits or an exotics vet (while rabbits are far from exotic its exotic vets in the UK who have a decent level of training on rabbits ...its minimal for regular vet training. I appreciate your finances are potentially restrictive but savvy does not necessarily mean more expensive.

 

[Megangarner]

My neighbour took her hedgehog to an exotic vet this evening! Ill ask her for their details thank you

 

[Pets mum]

Just read your thread, glad you are giving bunny a chance with the dental. Good luck, hope you find a good vet to help.

 

[bunny momma]

I had a couple bunnies who only needed a single dental and I also had a bunny who needed regular dentals that had to be done closer together as his dental problem progressed.

You may want to consider having the dental and seeing how it goes. After his dental he may start eating hay, which requires a different chewing motion than pellets..

If the vet felt your bunny was in pain did the vet prescribe any pain meds? While it is true bunnies hide their pain, there are signs like not eating, hiding, sitting hunched, grinding teeth that can be monitored.

Some bunnies are sensitive to certain veggies so perhaps try a small quantity of dandelion greens (a favorite of my bunnies) or kale.

Sending positive vibes for you and your bunny.

 

[Shimmer]

How are you both doing today?

 

[bunny momma]

Please update us when you are able.