Elderly rabbit problem

[Bunnyking]

My girl Betty is around 8 years old now (a rescue so her exact age unknown) and has always been healthy. She’s a standard Rex and lives with her bonded mate. For their vaccinations and general care they see my vet who’s really good but not an exotic specialist. So a few weeks ago Betty started to make a congested sound when eating hay. I took her to the vet who said her lungs were clear it was most likely upper respiratory infection and put her on Endocare for a week. After a week with no improvement she upped the dosage to twice daily and daily cortisone in case it was allergy. She said if that didn’t improve things I was to take her to the exotic hospital in Toulouse, about 1hr30 drive from me. She has now developed an occasional sneeze too. She is eating, pooping and acting normally, but is losing weight. I keep their area clean, buy dust free hay, hoover every couple of days. Both rabbits had panacur in case it was a parasite. So now I want to take her to Toulouse and see if they can diagnose the problem.
The long drive will be really really stressful for her. Our vet is only 20 mins in the car and I always take her mate too so they can snuggle. Should I take them both in the car in this long journey or is it unfair to put him through the stress too? Or would he actually be more stressed left at home alone for potentially 4-5 hours?
And does anyone have an idea what could be causing her problem, is it common in such an old girl? Sorry for the long post and many questions!

 

[a reader of books]

I'm sorry Betty has been unwell. I can't help with your question about her health problem, but as for taking only Betty to Toulouse or taking her friend as well, I would personally prefer to take them both, simply because bunnies tend to feel safer when they have a bunny companion with them, so I feel it's the least stressful option for both of them, but it really depends on their personalities and their relationship. Does her friend get very stressed travelling to your normal vet? In my experience, if a bunny isn't very bothered by short rides, they aren't really bothered by long rides, either. If you only take Betty, you do run the risk of her coming back covered in confusing vet smells and it causing some trouble when you put them together again, so that's something to consider as well.

I hope they can find out what's going on with her, and that she'll start feeling better soon.

They both look very adorable

 

[Bunnyking]

Hi and thanks for the reply. I have made an appointment in Toulouse for next week so I will take both the rabbits. It took me such a long time to bond them in the first place I don’t want to risk breaking it again!

 

[a reader of books]

That sounds like a good idea. Best wishes for Betty's appointment, and if there's anything else you need help with, you're always welcome to ask

 

[bunny momma]

Sending you lots of positive vibes that the exotic vets will be able to diagnose and treat Betty so she can make a full recovery.

 

[Bunnyking]

Betty had her visit to the clinic today, I took both rabbits and they travelled perfectly fine despite the 5 hour round trip. The vet took nasal samples and blood tests. While we wait for lab results she said on observation she thinks she has e cuniculi and bacterial rhinitis. She has started her immediately on a month of panacur, antibiotics once the lab results come back. She also told me to increase the amount of pellets she has and to split them into 3 or 4 times per day to get her to gain weight asap. That bit shes very happy about!

 

[joey&boo]

I'm glad you opted to take both buns & it sounds like they coped beautifully with the journey. Sounds like a good vet visit too, like they are on the ball. Ha, yes, I bet she is really happy about the extra nuggets

 

[joey&boo]

I meant to say, they are lovely looking rabbits

 

[bunny momma]

The vet ordering extra nuggets is a dream come true for most bunnies. I hope the panacure and abx will soon have Beautiful Betty back to health.

 

[Bunnyking]

I meant to say, they are lovely looking rabbits

Awww thank you!