• Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

    You should always consult your vet before following any suggestions for medication or treatment you have read about. The wrong treatment could make your rabbit worse or mean your vet is unable to give the correct treatment because of drug interactions. Even non prescription drugs can do harm if given inappropriately.

    We are very grateful to members who take time to answer other members questions, but please do be clear in your replies that you are sharing personal experience and not giving instructions on what must be done.

    Urgent Medical Advice: If you need, or think you might need, urgent medical advice you should contact a vet. If it is out of working hours phone your vet's normal number and there should be an answer phone message with instructions on what to do.

Aoife- U/D 17th Sept 2023- She’s Gone :-(

Bless her :(

Honestly that's kinda how I approach things, if the diagnostics won't change the treatment or the outcome, it's unnecessary stress, especially if the animal doesn't do well with that stuff. I'd have picked the same in your situation. Sends loads of hugs and vibes xx

Sent from my SM-S918B using Tapatalk
 
Another brief update- our Vet’s professional opinion is that Aoife’s clinical presentation is that which fits with either idiopathic epilepsy or a brain lesion/mass :cry:

We discussed options going forward.

1- Brain CT/MRI scans to ascertain if there is a brain mass.

2- ‘Wait and see’ - Keep a diary of symptoms. If seizures become frequent start anti-convulsant medication. If Aoife’s QOL is adversely effected every day, regardless of treatment (side effects of medication can be unpleasant) then we let her go :cry:

I asked what would we can gain from scans with regards to other treatment options.Our Vet said that treatment wise nothing. It would just rule out a brain mass/tumour. If a tumour were found my Vet does not think it would be ethical to even contemplate surgery/biopsies/ chemo etc. I agree.

So, after much discussion we are going with option 2. I know some people won’t agree with this and maybe feel I am not doing enough to try to help Aoife. But me and our Vet have come to this decision with Aoife’s welfare as our priority. Our Vet said it’s the decision she would make if Aoife were her Rabbit.

We don’t know how things are going to pan out but at the moment Aoife is doing OK within herself. And for her ‘at the moment’ is all that matters.

I totally think you are doing the right thing. Hugs xxx
 
Just taken this pic of my big brave girl :love:

g7fnnrn.jpg
 
I don't really see the point of extensive / expensive testing when you already have a very short list of possible diagnoses and very limited treatment options anyway, and it won't change the treatment plan. I always go through everything and the final question is always if it would change the proposed treatment. Option 2 is most sensible here, IMO. I hope she stays stable.
 
I see no reason to do more diagnostics if the treatment plan would not change.
I have done the same for my bunnies.
Sending you and your beautiful girl lots of vibes. I hope she does well with meds and supportive care.
 
I am very grateful to those of you who are showing you care about my big girl :love: Thank you

I will keep this thread updated should anything significant occur. Last night Aoife has been very active and has been eating tons of hay.

She is so good about allowing me to treat her sore eyes whilst she sits in her enclosure. She rests her chin on my lap as I bathe her eyes, then offers her head forward, as if asking for a nose rub, to allow me to administer her eye drops. She doesn’t pull away or flinch. She then nudges me expectantly as she always gets a tiny cube of carrot as a treat. I don’t usually feed my Rabbits carrot, but Aoife loves them and I figure in the circumstances she should be allowed two tiny pieces a day.
 
Anyone who has ever had to deal with a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy in a beloved animal companion will understand your choice for Aoife's sake, Jane. The medications to be used in this situation are terrible in their effect on the body, plus the constant monitoring of bloodwork which just creates more stress for the animal, that often sets off the seizures.

I'm so sorry to hear this is what she has, but under your loving care, the remainder of her life is sure to be blessed. I'm thinking of you both and sending vibes your way. xxxxx
 
Back
Top