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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Very sick bunny and a hard decision to make…

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    • BooBooBunny
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        I found out this evening (after a vet visit because of strange and shallow breathing that started last night) that my 5 year old bunny has cancer.  They think it started on the ovaries and has spread to her lung which is now filled with fluid, and they recommended I have her put to sleep.  I tried to tell myself that it was cruel to let her suffer, but she still looks so normal and healthy (alert, ears up, hopping around, jumping on and off her little house in her cage, even hopping around and inspecting the exam table at the vet) aside from the shallow breathing, I just couldn’t have her put down tonight no matter how much I tried to convince myself to.

         Its just a lot to wrap my head around to be told that my bunny who didn’t appear at all ill til last night is dying and in serious distress.  The timing is horrible ( not that there is ever a good timing I guess…), my mother was just diagnosed with late stage cancer this week and is in the hospital right now.  Having that already weighing on me just makes the info about my bun that much more difficult, I just feel so overwhelmed. 

        Has anyone ever been in a similar situation with a bunny?  I realize that there is nothing they can do for her in the long run, but they did mention a procedure they could try to drain the fluid, although they didn’t seem certain that would work.  But if it could give her a little bit longer with some comfort so I didn’t have to make this decision to put her to sleep right now, then maybe it would be worth it?  I have always hated having to euthanize pets and Ive felt guilty every time ive done it, I just wish there were a way for her to go peacefully and in her little pen at home without me having to ‘play god’.  Or is it even worth it to take her to another vet for a second opinion?

        I’m sorry and I know this post is kinda scattered all over the place, but I’m just so overwhelmed and upset and I don’t have anyone else to bounce my thoughts off of right now.  Any words of wisdom would help me right now…. Thanks in advance.

         


      • FluffyBunny
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          How do they know that she has cancer? What tests have they run?


        • Beka27
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            I’m so very sorry. This has been quite the week for you.

            The suggestion to have her put to sleep was just that, a suggestion. It’s not something you should do unless she’s obviously in pain and her quality of life has declined greatly. You don’t know necessarily how much longer she will have, so spend time with her now and make your peace. When it’s time to let her go, you will know.


          • Cupcakesmom
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              I am so sorry to hear about all of your news. I can’t even imagine what you are going through right now…but know that you have friends here and we are willing to listen and help!! yell if you need anything!!
              I would make your bunn as happy and comfortable as possible. Maybe restrict movement a bit when you arent around to watch her, or when it seems like its “too much.” She loves you and she knows how hard things are for you right now and she wants to be with you to make you smile. If it gets worse and she seems to be in pain or major distress, then think about sending her to the bunn field in the sky. Love her and love your mom.


            • Sarita
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                Hugs to you. This decision is difficult and it doesn’t sound like a decision that you had to make today. However, I’ve been in a very similar situation with a rabbit that declined very quickly and it was an easy one for me to make. There was discussion of the draining of fluids but i knew it was not a long lasting solution and possibly painful. I do have to say that shallow breathing is not a good thing and she is probably having a difficult time and this can be draining for her.

                If she appears fine right now, I would just say watch her very closely and especially that breathing.

                I know the guilt that you think you have when you have to euthanize a pet and it’s not something to be taken lightly but I always listen to my vet and have a good hard discussion with them and have always felt I made the right decision even though it hurt.


              • BooBooBunny
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                  Thanks for all the kind words and advice everyone. @FluffyBunny, they diagnosed the cancer by what an x ray showed. Still hard to wrap my brain around the fact that she could be so sick and show no signs til recently, but I know that they are good at hiding distress.
                  She does seem to be having more trouble breathing this morning, its hard to watch her like that. Shes not really eating her pellets hay or lettuce although she eagerly took a few pieces of dried apple. She spent some time out of her pen last night and hopped around and chinned everything in sight, but after a few minutes voluntarily went back in. By the looks of things I am going to have to suck it up and do what I dont want to soon, for her sake. I know I’m mainly being selfish because I’m not ready to say good bye to her, shes one of the few things that makes me smile right now with everything else going on. But if I know its my responsibility to do whats best for her, as much as I hate it.

                  Thank you again for the support everyone, it helps a lot to just hear from other ‘bunny people’ right now who understand.


                • bunnnnnnie!
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                    It’s a very hard decision to make, but sometimes it’s better a day early then a second too late.  I’ve read somewhere that euthanizing a pet is taking their pain away and making it your own.  That definitely rings true for me.

                    I lost a very sweet bun a few months ago.  It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I don’t regret it.  Animals live in the minute, for the right now.  They don’t think about the future or what tomorrow brings.  If they’re hurting right now, then sometimes it’s kindest to end that hurt.


                  • Princess*Smudge
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                      I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. I too went through a similar situation back in August. My bun was a senior and had a few minor age related health issues that were perfectly treatable. Then one morning she started showing signs of distress, she seemed to be having problems with controlling her bladder and wasn’t moving easily. I took her to the vet thinking she had a UTI or something similar but was informed after tests that her kidneys were failing. I had to choose to let her go and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Even as they were about to perform the procedure I wanted to change my mind, snatch her off the table and take her home. But I knew that day, when she cuddled in my arms in the vet’s office and was clearly suffering, that it was time to let her go.

                      Try not to over analyze how you didn’t know she was so sick. I had no idea my bun was sick either, they are so good at hiding their illnesses. You’ll know when she’s ready, she knows you love her and you’ll take care of her. It’s such a hard choice to make, but we’ll be here for you whenever you need. Big hugs to you and your bun.


                    • longhairmike
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                        2 years ago tomorrow, vets found cancel in Buki. granted we had the money to go ballsout on meds to slow it down, but hers was non-operable.

                        reassess her condition day by day and spend all your free time with her.
                        keep bunny exercise to a minimum and your vet on standby.


                      • peppypoo
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                          I’m so sorry you have to go through this, condolences to you both.

                          If she isn’t in apparent distress and still seems comfortable and happy for now, I would just try to make life as comfortable as possible for her. When the time comes that she is suffering, then at that point you could evaluate the option of euthanasia, but there’s no reason why she can’t enjoy being with you for a while if she is still able.


                        • jerseygirl
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                            I’m so very sorry for what you’re going through with both your mother and bunny. Sending peace (((vibes))) your way.

                            Rabbits do hide things well and sometimes the outward signs come when something has progressed to late stages. It’s common for cancers of the sex organs in Does to spread to the lungs.

                            Do you feel confident with your vets knowlege in rabbits? If so, then let them advise you. If you can see she is not suffering to much at the moment, then absolutely spend the precious time you have with her while she’s enjoying life. Try not to feel guilt when you need to help her go free. I know that can be hard not to feel it but the decision really is 100% FOR them.


                          • RabbitPam
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                              I’m so sorry you’re going through all of this. It is difficult to cope with either situation, but both together can be overwhelming. As hard as it is to make a decision for your bunny, it must be complicated by your strong feelings about your mother and the sense of any similarities. I know that with cancer, in humans or animals, it often makes aggressive progress before any signs are detectible. You just can’t know many times until it’s at a late stage.

                              I think you can make your bunny comfortable in her way of life at home, but watch her carefully for signs of discomfort. I agree that the treatment is temporary at best, and it may just prolong your bunny’s suffering. She is a mature bunny now, having had 5 years of your love and care which is not all that long to us but a full life in bunny years. When her respiration becomes noticeably labored, she may soon be in acute distress. You will be in a position to relieve her suffering soon, so please know we support you in any decision you make.

                              And please remember to be patient and caring with yourself as you go through this long and difficult time with your mother as well. Our pets bring us a lot of comfort in difficult times, but the illness of one may make dealing with the illness of the other that much harder. Do what is best for yourself and be gentle and non-judgmental. I am sure all your actions will be motivated by love.


                            • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                Really sorry to hear this. It’s already such a difficult time for you, I’m sorry to hear about your mother too. That’s really really hard to deal with, I can’t imagine what your going through right now. So sorry. I really ditto Pam’s advice on caring for yourself, couldn’t say it better myself. If you need to just cyber-vent to us while you go through this, we are here!


                              • bun-crazy
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                                  Words cannot say how sorry I am for you, sweetie! I can’t begin to fathom the emotions that you are feeling right now. I am new to bunnies (only had mine for 2 months) but I am so attached to them already! They sure touch our hearts in a very special way, don’t they? Bless your heart! And to have your mom so sick at the same time…that’s devastating. Please know that you, along with your mom and bun, are in my prayers. A few years ago I had to make that hard decision for one of cats and I felt the same trepidation that you are feeling now. But my wonderful vet told me that euthenasia is the nicest last thing you can do for your pet. To end their suffering is the last act of love you do for them. I pray you can cherish and enjoy this time with her, and please don’t forget to take care of yourself! Hugs to you!!


                                • BinkyBunny
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                                    I am so sorry, What a very difficult and heartbreaking place for you to be in. You have been given some wonderful advice.  You had asked if others had gone through this. I lost my bunny Jack, (the white bunny in my avatar), last year June 25th, to cancer — his was actually in the lungs (no where else) but it was the fluid build up due to the cancer that was causing the real breathing issues over time. 

                                    I noticed less energy at first, and then a heavier type of breathing at rest, I just figured he was getting older and more easily winded, but I still took him into the vet to double check.  Scans revealed inoperable cancer. 

                                    My vet, who is very rabbit-savvy, really could just offer a vague time line of a few weeks to a few months as an average. That just broke my heart, as like you, I was not expecting any of it. Around the same time I was also dealing with some stressful family health stuff, and so I understand how the timing of it all just makes this all worse.  I am just so sorry about your mother.  Life – so incredibly not fair. My heart goes out to you. 

                                    I don’t know about the fluid relief but I am not sure how an bunny who is already having a tough time breathing would do under anesthesia,   Something for only you and your vet to decide. 

                                    Trying to figure out the “right” time was my biggest challenge too.  I didn’t want to do it too soon and feel like I stole his life away, yet wait too long and have him suffer a horrible death.  I understand the position you are in.  Some days were better than others, but he still seemed to enjoy things like hanging out and grooming his gal, purring at pets — he just got more tired, and his breathing slowly got more labored, but his umpf for life was still there – which only made trying to make the decision even that much harder. 

                                    In our situation, the vet suggested building little pillow ramps because as the symptoms progressed, Jack was able to be breath a bit easier if the front of his body was propped up a bit.  He also found that if he put his head on his bonded mate’s back, he could breath easier. 

                                    The day I made the decision to help Jack cross over, was because of an incident the night before.  I had picked him up because he had urinated on himself (which was unusual for him) and just the little bit of stress of me picking him up to check his backside, caused him to breath heavier, (could have shifted the fluid too), but he couldn’t catch his breath, which only caused him to panic. It was heartbreaking to watch. I got him calmed down, and pet him and kissed him.  I was luck to have calmed him down, but it was a glimpse of the distress that was to come and wasn’t that far away at that point — if something just startled him through the window or ??, I could see where it could cause such a terrible way to go. If that hadn’t happened, I don’t know when I would have made the decision, as he never was in that kind of distress – I knew it was getting closer but I was still unsure day to day. 

                                    I don’t know how the fluid in lungs of your bunny will progress, and that may be something to discuss with your vet, if you haven’t already. 

                                    But I do know that what the others said about trying to enjoy as much time as you can is true.She is so lucky to have you love her. I’m sure she feels it. 

                                    I also double ditto that it is also very very important to take care of yourself. You have a lot of pain you are dealing with – so cry it out, vent it, exercise it out and then make sure you get sleep.  Have people you can lean on and support you. 

                                    I am sending you virtual Big Binky Hugs.   


                                  • BooBooBunny
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                                      Hello all, I’m sorry I’ve taken so long in replying. Its been another busy week, my grandmother passed away sunday, so between her funeral and helping my mom I unfortunately havent been home much.

                                      I wanted to thank you all for your sweet messages, its really touching to see such support and understanding from people who dont even know me. So many of your words really rang true for me and helped me not to feel guilty about keeping my bunny around a while longer. Shes still here with me, but I can tell she’s gotten worse in the past day and I know its time to let her go now. Its unfortunately looking like monday will be the soonest I can take her to the vet as I’ve got to take my mom to a doctor appointment tomorrow and the vet isnt open late on saturdays and not open at all on monday. I hate that it has to be put off, it feels like a really pathetic thing to say I haven’t even had time to put my pet to sleep because I’ve been so busy.

                                      But I’m glad I got this extra time with her. In the evenings before bed each night I’ve spent some time holding her or sitting with her and petting her (and having a good cry while I’m at it), she still loves to be petted and it breaks my heart when i have to stop. She’s fallen asleep a few times in the middle of petting, poor exhausted girl. Up until maybe yesterday she was still alert and curious like she always has been, but now I can see how tired the poor thing is and I realize shes getting little to no enjoyment out of life at this point. At least I won’t have to wonder if I took her chance at life away too soon, I just hope I won’t have to know I did it too late.

                                      Thank you all again, reading all of your messages has really helped me not feel so alone during this difficult time. Its really meant a great deal to me.
                                      Hugs and thanks back to you all.


                                    • Monkeybun
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                                        I’m so sorry It’s beena rough time for you as it is, and on top of it having to let your bunny go. *hugs* keep strong, she knows you love her.


                                      • tobyluv
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                                          I’m sorry for all that you’ve been going through. I’ve had to make this decision before and it’s never easy. I’m sure that it’s a great comfort to your bunny when you spend that late night time with her. Hugs to you.


                                        • Beka27
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                                            Hugs for you! Peaceful vibes for your bunny.


                                          • Sarita
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                                              Hugs, you are having a difficult and sad period. Sending comforting vibes your way.


                                            • RabbitPam
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                                                I am so very sorry to hear about your grandmother. What an awful time for your whole family.

                                                It’s Monday, and you are doing well coping from the sound of it. I think it’s just fine that you have been busy and did not make the decision for your bunny until this week. It sounds like she is ready, and I just have a feeling that she may not even make it to the point where you have to decide. She is resting in your arms, and that is comforting to you both. If she needs help crossing over the bridge today or tomorrow, you will be there to help her go. Don’t worry about having waited too long. You can’t predict these things for anyone, it’s just not in your control. You are doing what you can, when you can.

                                                My Spockie was failing, and we went back and forth to the vet for a couple of days. When I brought him in, having decided to euthanize him to end any suffering, he actually died in my arms on the vet’s examining table about 2 minutes before she got in to her office. It helped me know that I had made a good decision to bring him, but in the end, he went by himself.

                                                Sending cyber hugs. Your family is in crisis mode, and I think you’re doing well now. It may all hit you quite hard farther down the road, so accept our support.


                                              • BooBooBunny
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                                                  I know its been a while (again), but just wanted to update and say thanks again – I took my Bunchkin to the vet last saturday (can’t believe its been a week already) to help her cross over.  It definitely wasn’t easy and I miss her very much, but I’m relieved that she’s done suffering.   

                                                  When she came to live with me several years ago, I looked at it as helping a bunny who needed a home more than gaining a companion (I already had, and thankfully still do have, a bun I adored and babied).  I never realized how much I’d come to love and appreciate her, she always made me laugh and smile the most out of all my bunnies. She had a big personality for a little bunny and she left just as big of an imprint on my heart.

                                                  Thank you all again for your kind words and support, it really has helped me through this. Hugs to you all .


                                                • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                    I’m sorry to hear your bunny has crossed over. What a wonderful life she must have lived with someone who loved her so much and made the selfless decision to let her go when she needed it.

                                                    ((((((((Binky free at Rainbow Bridge))))))))))))


                                                  • Sarita
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                                                      Hugs to you – it is hard. She was lucky to have someone who loved her so much.


                                                    • RabbitPam
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                                                        It’s been such a difficult few weeks for you, but you did what you could to end her suffering. She loved you very much as demonstrated by how happy she was during her time with you. You have a loving heart, so find comfort with your other bunny. So glad we could be here for you to help in our small way.


                                                      • tobyluv
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                                                          I’m sorry about your sweet Bunchkin. The years that you shared together along with the love and laughter were wonderful for both of you.

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                                                      Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Very sick bunny and a hard decision to make…