my rabbit has lung fibrosis

[twistedtiggerz69]

It has been a while, so I thought I would give an update, Benji had been quite up and down but we thought he seemed okay through December, the idea of putting him down wasn't in the discussion; mid-late dec his terbutaline was all finished and my mum went into surgery so ordering more never happened although we aren't convinced it made a huge difference. In London, it reached -4 degrees, and although rabbits can survive in colder temperatures Benji passed away on Saturday morning as I found him lying just inside his hutch at the entrance. I'm very heartbroken as I never really expected to find him passed away, and I don't think it's fully hit me he's not coming back but I feel so sick just reading what I've written. Hopefully, I can upload a photo as he was such a sweet little rabbit and so cute. We think ladies a bit depressed as she has been avoiding the hutch (which is a double-decker) and we aren't sure if it's because she saw where Benji was lying. We contacted the breeder we got him from and told her the news but she has 2 more boys who are around 7 months old that we could have I want both because although they don't live together I'd feel awful leaving one behind as I've grown attached just through pictures of them but I know it might be hard to bond 3 rabbits all together and I'm not sure if two will bully the other. Lady is very dominant so I don't think they could bully her but I just need some advice as I want to give the best life possible to my future rabbit/rabbits because Benji never got an easy pain free life. RIP baby Benji

(im going to copy and paste this to respond to other people)

I am really sorry to hear about Benji. You did so well caring for him and giving him the best life. It is so heart breaking to lose a bunny. They find a little place in your heart with their gentle personalities and funny antics. Rip sweet little Benji

Best of luck bonding Lady. It is sad to see your rabbit looking down and you want to make her happy again. I can't help you with bonding three bunnies as I have never done it but I am sure you will work out what is best for Lady and any future admirers. It is lovely to read your posts and feel the love you have for your bunnies. They are very lucky to have you to care for them

 

[InspectorMorse]

It has been a while, so I thought I would give an update, Benji had been quite up and down but we thought he seemed okay through December, the idea of putting him down wasn't in the discussion; mid-late dec his terbutaline was all finished and my mum went into surgery so ordering more never happened although we aren't convinced it made a huge difference. In London, it reached -4 degrees, and although rabbits can survive in colder temperatures Benji passed away on Saturday morning as I found him lying just inside his hutch at the entrance. I'm very heartbroken as I never really expected to find him passed away, and I don't think it's fully hit me he's not coming back but I feel so sick just reading what I've written. Hopefully, I can upload a photo as he was such a sweet little rabbit and so cute. We think ladies a bit depressed as she has been avoiding the hutch (which is a double-decker) and we aren't sure if it's because she saw where Benji was lying. We contacted the breeder we got him from and told her the news but she has 2 more boys who are around 7 months old that we could have I want both because although they don't live together I'd feel awful leaving one behind as I've grown attached just through pictures of them but I know it might be hard to bond 3 rabbits all together and I'm not sure if two will bully the other. Lady is very dominant so I don't think they could bully her but I just need some advice as I want to give the best life possible to my future rabbit/rabbits because Benji never got an easy pain free life. RIP baby Benji

(im going to copy and paste this to respond to other people)

I am very sorry that you lost Benji

With regards to obtaining a new companion for Lady personally I would approach a Resue to adopt a Rabbit. If you bought the two Bucks from the Breeder you would have to get them neutered and vaccinated before any attempt at bonding could take place. It takes 6-8 weeks AFTER neutering for hormones to settle, so it would be months before Lady had any chance of having a companion. And of course there is no guarantee that a trio bonding of 2 Bucks and a Doe would work. The Bucks might fight, even after neutering. There is also the fact of the additional expense of having three Rabbits. You’d need to be able to provide large enough accommodation, a shed + aviary set up as a minimum. Vet Bills are another very important thing to bear in mind. There are so many unwanted Rabbits in Rescue all over the UK, by adopting it not only helps that Rabbit but also frees up much needed rescue space for the never ending tide of new intakes. So one adoption helps two Rabbits. That said, it is a personal choice as to where one obtains their Rabbits. I have bought from Breeders in the past. I would not do so now though.

So in short, I would consider adopting a single Buck from a Rescue.Reputable Rescues will neuter and vaccinate all Rabbits they rehome. Many Rescues will bond the Rabbits for you too. If you are in the London area try contacting ARC. They definitely offer a bonding service and they currently have some lovely bucks looking for a forever home. ARC will also give any post adoption help you might need.

Adopt a Rabbit

Please note that ARC doesn't rehome single rabbits to live on their own, but we will bond a single rabbit of yours with one of ours, to make a happy couple. Find out about our rabbit adoption process Find out about our rabbit adoption process

animalrescueandcare.org.uk

RIP BenjI

 

[bunny momma]

I am so sorry for your loss. You gave him the best care. Lady will need extra attention as she grieves with you.
I hope your mum's surgery went well.

 

[ncol147]

I am very sorry that you lost Benji

With regards to obtaining a new companion for Lady personally I would approach a Resue to adopt a Rabbit. If you bought the two Bucks from the Breeder you would have to get them neutered and vaccinated before any attempt at bonding could take place. It takes 6-8 weeks AFTER neutering for hormones to settle, so it would be months before Lady had any chance of having a companion. And of course there is no guarantee that a trio bonding of 2 Bucks and a Doe would work. The Bucks might fight, even after neutering. There is also the fact of the additional expense of having three Rabbits. You’d need to be able to provide large enough accommodation, a shed + aviary set up as a minimum. Vet Bills are another very important thing to bear in mind. There are so many unwanted Rabbits in Rescue all over the UK, by adopting it not only helps that Rabbit but also frees up much needed rescue space for the never ending tide of new intakes. So one adoption helps two Rabbits. That said, it is a personal choice as to where one obtains their Rabbits. I have bought from Breeders in the past. I would not do so now though.

So in short, I would consider adopting a single Buck from a Rescue.Reputable Rescues will neuter and vaccinate all Rabbits they rehome. Many Rescues will bond the Rabbits for you too. If you are in the London area try contacting ARC. They definitely offer a bonding service and they currently have some lovely bucks looking for a forever home. ARC will also give any post adoption help you might need.

Adopt a Rabbit

Please note that ARC doesn't rehome single rabbits to live on their own, but we will bond a single rabbit of yours with one of ours, to make a happy couple. Find out about our rabbit adoption process Find out about our rabbit adoption process

animalrescueandcare.org.uk

RIP BenjI

Our breeder will actually neuter both boys if we ask her to but yes i understand what your saying about the bucks fighting and the expense of medical bills. my mums very set on getting from the breeder because of there looks and how the breed is quite pure, im willing to talk to her about resuces, we have a outdoor run for the rabbits and during summer we make a pen which lets them graze on the grass i our garden quite freely if someones out there watching them so i feel we wont need to worry about space, im wondering if ldy will get protective over the hutch as the new rabbit/rabbits will have never been there before? thankyou for your kind words about benji!!

 

[ncol147]

I am so sorry for your loss. You gave him the best care. Lady will need extra attention as she grieves with you.
I hope your mum's surgery went well.

Thankyou so much, i feel awful for lady so im going to try and be there for her as much as possible although shes quite skitish and does like hugs but lots of her favourite foods and strokes should hopefully sooth her a bit

 

[ncol147]

I am really sorry to hear about Benji. You did so well caring for him and giving him the best life. It is so heart breaking to lose a bunny. They find a little place in your heart with their gentle personalities and funny antics. Rip sweet little Benji

Best of luck bonding Lady. It is sad to see your rabbit looking down and you want to make her happy again. I can't help you with bonding three bunnies as I have never done it but I am sure you will work out what is best for Lady and any future admirers. It is lovely to read your posts and feel the love you have for your bunnies. They are very lucky to have you to care for them

everyone on here has been so kind and really supportive over these past few months so thankyou so much its meant the world to me i know benjis at peace i just wish he couldve had a easier life with me as now i feel ive failed him RIP my little baby benji

 

[InspectorMorse]

Our breeder will actually neuter both boys if we ask her to but yes i understand what your saying about the bucks fighting and the expense of medical bills. my mums very set on getting from the breeder because of there looks and how the breed is quite pure, im willing to talk to her about resuces, we have a outdoor run for the rabbits and during summer we make a pen which lets them graze on the grass i our garden quite freely if someones out there watching them so i feel we wont need to worry about space, im wondering if ldy will get protective over the hutch as the new rabbit/rabbits will have never been there before? thankyou for your kind words about benji!!

You won’t be able to just put the bucks in with Lady. Bonding needs to be done in neutral territory

 

[ncol147]

You won’t be able to just put the bucks in with Lady. Bonding needs to be done in neutral territory

yes we will bond them else where but if the bonding goes well will ldy still be protective over the hutch shes in now? should we get a new one because i assume theres a scent she will recognise on this one

 

[ncol147]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I've just recently lost my Joey very suddenly, I know exactly what you mean about not grasping that you've fully lost him. You did so much for him, I know that must have helped him feel more comfortable. Do keep a close eye on Lady, I can tell you from current experience that rabbits can go into gut stasis just from stress and grief, and you want to catch that early. Try to keep a close record of her eating and poos, and keep all her favourite foods on hand. Sending vibes for her. It may help you to know that although it's upsetting for us, it is thought to be very healthy for rabbits to see their companion's body, it helps them understand what happened.

I wish you luck finding a new friend for Lady, I'm embarking on the same journey myself. People on here have so much experience bonding, when you need support/advice on that just post.

im so sorry to hear about joey my wishes are sent to you thankyou for all the advice on what to check out for with lady this is sure to help and hopefully over the next few months ill have some ahppier updates! did joey have a companion before he passed or did he have a companion that passed before him? im going to spoil lady with treats and strokes as she doesnt like hugs but maybe one day she will!!

 

[katbun]

im so sorry to hear about joey my wishes are sent to you thankyou for all the advice on what to check out for with lady this is sure to help and hopefully over the next few months ill have some ahppier updates! did joey have a companion before he passed or did he have a companion that passed before him? im going to spoil lady with treats and strokes as she doesnt like hugs but maybe one day she will!!

Thank you, Joey left behind his friend Piper, who is going through a hard time right now, she's lost her appetite and got a bit of gut stasis. This is why it was at the front of my thoughts to let you know to keep a close eye on Lady. My thoughts to you and Lady.

On what you said in a previous reply, I want to say that I think it's especially hard to lose pets, as they can't tell us what's happening with them or how they feel. Also, with a pet, it can feel like their whole world rests on our shoulders. We can only do our best with the information we have at the time. Benji had a rare condition and you clearly did so much for him, it's documented here. So I would not say you've failed him at all. You alleviated his symptoms, gave him a safe place to live, a friend, and lots of lovely food. That's more than so many rabbits get. And he gave you and Lady all the time he could. My point is don't be hard on yourself at this time, it's already hard enough

 

[InspectorMorse]

yes we will bond them else where but if the bonding goes well will ldy still be protective over the hutch shes in now? should we get a new one because i assume theres a scent she will recognise on this one

You could try to neutralise her scent by scrubbing the hutch and all other areas possible using a dilute white vinegar solution. Moving the accommodation around to a different location might help too.

However, if a completely new set up is an option personally I’d go for that. There is some great advice here about outdoor accommodation

Outdoor Housing

Explore outdoor rabbit housing solutions for happy, healthy bunnies. Get expert tips on creating the perfect outdoor environment. Hop over now

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

indoor too

Indoor Housing

Explore our indoor housing guide for tips, ideas, and best practices to create a safe and stimulating environment for your rabbit.

rabbitwelfare.co.uk

 

[twistedtiggerz69]

everyone on here has been so kind and really supportive over these past few months so thankyou so much its meant the world to me i know benjis at peace i just wish he couldve had a easier life with me as now i feel ive failed him RIP my little baby benji

You definitely did not fail Benji. You did all you could but even RVC were not sure how to treat him and they are a leading vets in the UK. I have had some dealings with RVC aswell and they are very good.

I think it is bad luck as much as anything if a bunny gets something really serious. You know as much as anyone how delicate bunnies are. You and your mum have given both Lady and Benji the best care and gone to the best vets but unfortunately Benji was just too poorly.

It is heart breaking to lose a bunny like this but the experiences you have had with Benji and the bond you got with him when he is a sick bunny will help you with your new bunnies.

I wish you all the best with bonding a new bunny with your Lady. You will always have your love and wonderful memories with Benji however now also brings a new beginning finding a new bunny to bond with Lady. She will need lots of love and care as she is grieving too. I personally would probably stick with the one bunny to bond with Lady too. Bonding can be difficult and you really need to find a friend for Lady fairly quickly. Good luck with everything x