Please help, sick bunny, partially paralyzed

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Ok I got Jack about a week ago for a gift and I knew immediately he was off when I first saw him but I fell in love with him from the get go. After about three days i Took him to the vet because he was severely dehydrated,skinny and bloated. The vet said his GI tract was off. I gave home some probiotics three times a day and some simethicone drops per instruction. And syringed him lots of water multiple times a day because he doesnt seem to drink alot from the bottle along with belly rubs. He was only on hay during this treatment per instructions. Last night his bloat was so bad he had labored breathing and just seemed uncomfortable  gave him his biotic paste and some gas drops and he started eating his hay. This morning I get up and get his paste and I picked him up and realized he had a mouthful of hay. So I put him back down but he wouldn’t swallow the hay. It just hung outnofmhis mouth so i pulled it out and offered him the paste. He took it immediately, almost as if he were starved! 

I then tried giving him some water and he took that immediately, at first, but then he froze and the water kept falling out of his mouth. He wanted to drink but seemed like he was having difficulty swallowing? I also realized where he slept last night was a pile of poop and I was relieved knowing he is finally pooping again… But he drops out a poop every couple of seconds. And he dribbles out pee constantly too like his bowels are so relaxed that he can’t control himself anymore. 

Not only that but his two front legs are paralyzed!! I squeezed his paws and he wouldn’t pull away I then massaged them for about 15 minutes and he never pulled away. He try’s to hop but his front paws just curl. He seems to be able to move his shoulders but his paws are completely numb. Is it over for my baby Jack? He finally got past the GI issue but now he is paralyzed but wants to eat and drink but is having difficulties. What do i do? The vet that worked with him a few days ago is closed. It’s a Sunday. His back legs are just fine. 

Now, I did notice the first day that he seemed to have balance issues with his two front legs because he had wobbly run but he got around fast and fine. So I don’t know if he already had neurological issues from the get go or not. He is only about 4 months old. Like 13 or 14 weeks old. 

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Oh good he is eating some hay right now. I always get excited when I see him eating his hay but I’m still extremely worried about him. I keep reading about back legs being paralyzed but not front legs!

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m sorry your bunny is so unwell. I wish there was some way I could help but he needs to see a vet asap. If your vet is closed, try calling around to find another one. This is really your only option.

Since he is so young, it’s likely that he was born with something that is causing neurological problems. Do you know where he came from?

[Beka27]

There’s a condition call “splayed legs” where the legs aren’t able to support the bunny. That can happen to front or hind legs (or both). That’s the only thing I can really think of. It could just be a neurological problem, but again, I think that’s more common in hind legs.

What do you know about this bunny? Where is he from originally, what kind of conditions was he kept in? Did the previous owner have him examined at a vet, if so, maybe you can get those records sent over to your vet?

What kind of cage is he in now? It’s going to require more clean-up on your part, but make sure the bottom of his space is covered in soft blankets. If it is splayed legs, a slippery, plastic cage bottom can make things worse.

[Beka27]

He needs to see a vet but I don’t think this is an emergency where he must be seen today. Emergency vets are for when they are not eating, labored breathing, dehydration, etc… things that cannot wait 24 hours.

Call your vet first thing tomorrow (Monday) and ask to bring him in. If possible, bring him and leave so the vet can examine him through out the day and see how he is doing as he has time. I’d definitely go back to the vet who just saw him since he has his records and knows what he was given.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Thanks for your responses Jack passed away about an hour ago. He was wrapped in a warm blanket in my lap and died right next to me. I was freaking out because I wasn’t sure how to comfort him. He seemed uncomfortable dying like he didn’t want to so I struggled trying to make him comfortable. But I did the best I could. I’m not sure about his history due to him being a gift. I just know he was purchased at a pet store (I know I know it’s bad) I just got him as a gift and took the best care I could offer with what I received. And I don’t like the vet he went to because she never made herself available. I called yesterday with a concern and she was in surgery and was suppose to call me back but never did and today they are closed. But it doesn’t matter anymore because he is gone. Thanks again everyone.

[sleepy538]

i’m so sorry for your loss. you definitely gave jack the best care and made the end of his life as good as it could be.

[jerseygirl]

I’m really sorry.
It’s not unusually for a bunny to have like a seizure when they pass. I’m not certain they feel anything by then. I like to think they don’t. All the same, it would be distressing to see and I’m sorry your experience with a rabbit ended like this.

*Binky Free Jack*

[NewBunnyOwner123]

He didn’t seize til he stopped breathing but he kept moving around trying to get comfortable and started crying. I’ve never had an animal die in front if me so I didn’t know what to expect

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry. You gave Jack love and a good home in the short time he was here. I’m sure he’s grateful. My deep condolences to you. I know your heart must be full of sorrow right now. It doesn’t take a long time to fall in love with a bunny.

(((((Binky Free Little Jack)))))

[Roberta]

Binky free little Jack, so sorry NBO, what a horrible experience to go through…….There were obviously some major health issues and I doubt you could have done any more than you did.

[tobyluv]

I’m very sorry about your sweet Jack. He knew that you loved him and that must have been a comfort to him.

[RabbitPam]

Oh, I am so sorry this happened. It’s heart-wrenching for you. Some bunnies come to us with conditions they are born with, some not even visible like heart trouble, and pass from us quickly. All I can emphasize is that he had your comfort and love at the end of his life, so he knew care and warmth from you. Sending you hugs and condolences.

[Beka27]

I’m so sorry to hear he passed. From your first post it sounded like he was doing better, besides the issue with his legs. Like Pam said, it’s likely there was something congenital going on and I doubt the vet would have been able to do anything for him, besides helping him pass. I know you only had him a short time but he knew love in his final days here, and that’s what matters.

Binky free bunny!

[Snowytoshi]

I doubt anyone could do more then you did <3 Binky free Jack 

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Thank you everyone. It’s hard not to help but think about what ifs but if I really think about it I know the vet would have recommended a put down either way. I’m just glad that Jack doesn’t have to suffer anymore. Thanks for the condolences. He was one cutie!

[NewBunnyOwner123]

It was just weird how he still had the motive to live by trying to eat and drink but his body wouldn’t allow him to swallow. I like to think he was a hard headed bunny! I remember when he would hang out in my lap during is tummy massages if I stopped for a second he would nudge me to keep going lol even though my first experience with a rabbit wasn’t the easiest and it was short, I’ve decided I will get a new, healthy one in a few weeks. He sure left an impression on me! Lol

[Snowytoshi]

I’d suggest getting a new one from a shelter. Pet stores rabbits often do not recieve medical care and may have developed sickness from improper living conditions and handling. Just a thought

[Roberta]

Snowytoshi is quite right, shelter buns are the way to go even if you are looking for a particular breed. I a fostering a young boy bun called Pascal at the moment who is a purebred Silver Fox… He was rescued from a breeders with his brother and sister and he is the sweetest silliest bun, he can’t have full free range as he is still a bit yung to be neutered (he gets done next month) and I have 4 little girls waiting to be spayed. But his Rabbitat is in the lounge and he loves to sit on top of his cage next to me when I am on the lounge and have a visit through the Xpen panel.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Oh, that reminds me. About what is the average cost for bunny care? When I went to the vet, that was the only one listed on the house rabbit society website, they charged me $57 just for a check up and then $60 for him to get some fluids. I asked for a quote for a neuter so I could see what I’m looking at when the time came and they quoted me $459!! I feel like that is a rip off. A shelter bunny wouldn’t cost so little if the altering was that expensive. They are the only ones in my area who have expert care in rabbits. The other vet clinic was flat up honest when I asked and said they don’t know much about bunnies. But I will def check to see if there are any rabbit shelters in my area. I like the idea of not having to pay $500 for a spay. Because no matter the cost, it will be done. Just feel like they are over priced.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Oh, that reminds me. About what is the average cost for bunny care? When I went to the vet, that was the only one listed on the house rabbit society website, they charged me $57 just for a check up and then $60 for him to get some fluids. I asked for a quote for a neuter so I could see what I’m looking at when the time came and they quoted me $459!! I feel like that is a rip off. A shelter bunny wouldn’t cost so little if the altering was that expensive. They are the only ones in my area who have expert care in rabbits. The other vet clinic was flat up honest when I asked and said they don’t know much about bunnies. But I will def check to see if there are any rabbit shelters in my area. I like the idea of not having to pay $500 for a spay. Because no matter the cost, it will be done. Just feel like they are over priced.

[Roberta]

Hi NBO,
You hit the nail square on the head… Most shelters, if the bun is not already fixed, will do it as part of the adoption package along with vaccinations if they are required in your area. They will also know the local vets…. $59 does sound excessive and from experience I have found that the vets who know bunnies generally charge around the sae as a cat or a dog because they already have the appropriate meds and equipment where as someone who does not treat bunnies routinely has to go out and get the stuff and will not get the discounts the other vet would.
What general area are you in (no specifics) just country and city, some of the other members may know of shelters and vets in the area.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

I am in Delaware. I will be honest when I took Jack for care, it was urgent and I felt I didn’t have time to drive 45 minutes north to another rabbit vet and I felt too rushed to do intensive research on other rabbit vets in the area. I just went to my trusty rabbit website that I have perused since receiving my bunny and called the only vet they had listed for my area. I want to find a vet I am comfortable with BEFORE getting a bunny due to this experience. I don’t want to take them just anywhere for a surgery. I want it to be a good vet without it costing me an arm and leg.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Delaware,USA

[Snowytoshi]

I don’t know where you live, but I found a shelter that services Northern Delaware. http://www.rabbit.org/chapters/se-pennsylvania/adoptmain.html I know this does not help the vet issue, but you may be able to ask them which vets they use.

[Roberta]

I think your decision to adopt, in time, is a beautiful memorial to little Jack. He was obviously not meant to stay long in this world but you showed him love in that brief time. Now as a result of you having known little Jack another bunny or maybe even a bonded pair will be given the gift of a loving home. I bet his is binkying high and proud in Summerland right now.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Looking at that shelter list is saddening. A lot of those rabbits have been there multiple years! Instead of supporting another pet store and their over breeding, I will adopt a poor homeless bunny! Thank you guys so much for everything. Wish Jack had lived tho. When I came home and picked him up to start his treatment of belly massages and giving him water he would give me kisses on my nose. He knew it was special time with mom and he got a nice massage! We bonded so quickly and he left too quickly but I am excited for the next chapter and to help a bun or two out

[Eucalyptus]

That’s a really good idea. Adopting is always the best. If possible, one that could really use it!

That’s what we ended up doing with Java, who’s 3 years old, rather than adopting a younger one, which was the original plan.

Not pushing to adopt an older bunny. If your heart reaches out to a particular bunny, then go for it!

By the way, I’m so, so, so sorry about Jack. I just read that and teared up.

[Baby-Daisy]

Reading all of these post almost made me cry! I am so sorry for your lost.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m glad to hear you will be adopting a bunny when you are ready. There are so many wonderful buns in need of a good home. And if you adopt from a reputable shelter, the bunny will be health checked beforehand and most likely spayed/neutered as well. Good luck to you. Keep us updated on your search for a new bunny friend.

[Beka27]

We really discourage posts on costs because vet prices vary greatly depending on region. We have a member here from Connecticut and she paid a lot for her boy’s neuter ($400+). Like with any business, prices are set by location and practice overhead. In the midwest for example, you might be able to neuter a boy for less than $100, but in big cities or more affluent areas, it could easily be $400 to $500! Because of the different factors, this shouldn’t be taken as a reflection on the vet. There is going to be a range that they can operate at, and chances are other vets in the area have similar prices. I’m sure the vet isn’t just being greedy or trying to “sucker” people out of money.

Researching vets in your area (and outside of your area) will be very important. If there is a more “rural” vet within an hour or so that has cheaper overhead, you may consider them as your primary office for scheduled check-ups and procedures, but keep the closer vet’s info in case of emergency.

[Author]

Messages