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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 21sd replies, 12 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 6 months ago by SirThumpsey.

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- 08/20/2009 at 11:40 PM
  earthisours
  Participant
  129 posts
  Original Post:
  
  This is regarding our problem bunny, the one without front teeth.
  
  He’s not eating. He’s incredibly lethargic and it looks like it may have peed on himself and peed blood. He’s had red urine before, but it never looked like this. Almost sticky.
  
  I knew I shouldn’t have trusted my sister. I’ve been incredibly busy with work before my school begins, so since he’s always been the problem bunny, it was her job to watch him. But lately she’d been neglecting him, but I made sure he’s had food and water each morning, but that’s all I can do before I have to leave. Plus, he’s in her room, and technically I can’t be in her room, so I can only make quick trips there, and I can’t go in if she’s home. We’ve tried to convince her to let us move the bun into my other sister’s room, but she refused again and again. And i’m afraid of her locking her room, completely locking me away from what little I can take care of her rabbit.
  
  So I knew he’s been down lately, told her to keep an eye. So today since she was out late and I was home, I thought I’d spend a little time with the bun. I immediately notice he’s laying down, even though I’m incredibly near (He’s very skittish, and even more so when her room is dirty, which I’d been nagging her to do for her bun’s sake) he’s not getting up. I also notice he’s in the same corner he was when I checked his food and water earlier in the day. Red flags go up. DOesn’t look like he’s pooed either, hard to tell as she hadn’t cleaned the box in days (again, ignoring my nagging. My fault, though, I should’ve just ignored her and done it myself. Trust me, I hate myself as is) but he goes outside when it’s dirty, and didn’t look like he’d pooed. Then I notice the urine, I figure it’s the red urine and go to clean it up, when I notice it’s lighter than usual and sorta sticky. Never been like that before. Still hasn’t gotten up at this point, even though I’m doing all this near him. I bring his water near and immediately begins drinking and sits down soon after. Thirsty, so he hadn’t got up since who knows when.
  
  I notice then his paw is incredibly dirty, like caked cecals or poo. I touch it lightly, and he finally gets up and moves a couple of feet away and lays down again. His back legs look incredibly dirty, like he’s been peeing on himself. I then bring him some of the leftover alfalfa pellets I moved him from, as he’s always loved them more, but ignored it, offered him treats, nope.
  
  At this point, my sister comes home. I want to pick him up and turn him over, but she just shouts and kicks me out her room and locks it. So I don’t know what he looks like underneath. Stuff happens regarding me and the two of my sisters.
  
  In the end, my older sister will be getting out of work early to take him to the vet tomorrow, but we have to wait until the evening, as the closest rabbit vet is some time away, so we have to wait until our dad gets home. I don’t know what to do right now, or rather, in the morning. Is there something that rabbits absolutely adore that they eat? Or something to add to the water? For this sort of thing I usually grate some carrots, but we’ve run out. I’m really upset and worried and don’t know what to do.
  
  I’m really sorry about the rambling, but I don’t know what to do. I think you’re all sleeping by now, but I’ll check this in the morning.
- 08/20/2009 at 11:57 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  I’m sorry you’re having difficulties with your sister. That would make things even tougher. I really think that you need to get that bunny out of her room though so that he can be observed more closely. Have you got something else you can grate to feed him? Celery, maybe feed applesauce or cooked pumpkin. Even grind down pellets to add to them. If he’s not moving too well, be sure his food and water is near by. Also, try getting fluids into him. Is it very hot where you are?
  Mainly, he needs a vet as you know. Hope he’s ok.
- 08/21/2009 at 8:27 AM
  earthisours
  Participant
  129 posts
  It’s not really hot hot, but a little warm. Not enough to bug him, I think.
  
  But he’s looking a little better this morning. Looks like he ate the treats I left, at least, and may have eaten the alfalfa pellets. He did poop, but I couldn’t see urine. But he may have just done it on himself… But he looks a bit more active.
- 08/21/2009 at 1:32 PM
  bunnymama
  Participant
  161 posts
  Gosh sorry too that you are having issues with your sister but that bunny is a living thing too that needs love, care and attention and it sounds like you are it’s only hope! Did you get him to the vet yet? Is he doing better and is your sister taking better care of him? Rabbits perfer temps between 60 and 70 degrees F. If they get over 80 it can be harmful or fatal I’ve read. Keep us posted and thanks for watching out for him.
- 08/21/2009 at 3:02 PM
  skunklionshow
  Participant
  1257 posts
  I am EXTREMELY concerned about your rabbit. I think you are rather lucky that he made it through the night. B/c rabbits mask their illness, by the time you notice they are ill it may be too late. I have 2 sisters, older and younger. First, if sister isn’t caring for the rabbit, he needs to be removed from her care immediately! There is really no way around this and no matter what your issues are, this is a living creature. I think it’s time for your parents to intervene. I have no idea your ages, but this is really unacceptable. Please let us know what the vet says….we are very concerned!!!! Take care
- 08/21/2009 at 3:05 PM
  bunnymama
  Participant
  161 posts
  Yes it may be time to get your parents involved if that rabbit isn’t doing well. It seems your sister is not capable or just doesn’t care about the rabbit — you need to talk to your parents about it. That rabbit should NOT be sick, or neglected because of your sister. It deserves to be loved and taken care of just as you do….keep us posted please.
- 08/21/2009 at 4:26 PM
  earthisours
  Participant
  129 posts
  My parents won’t intervene. They just say, ‘your rabbits, you figure it out.’
  
  I’m frustrated because the bunny vet can’t see us until tuesday. So I’m gonna research and find another rabbit savvy vet to take him to.
  
  Sad thing was that she used to be an excellent caretaker, and both rabbits used to adore her. She used to be VERY dedicated. But for the past while, she’s just been ignoring him. Argh. But I’ll figure out a way to remove him from her care… Especially as my other sister would be much more dedicated. She’s the one that used to pay for the teeth sawing, and eventually, teeth surgery.
  
  It’s just so ARGH. We’ve had so many problems with this little guy, and usually I’m all over it. All I did was ask that she keep a closer eye on him, that was all. I feel horrible.
  
  I called home, though, and he seems to have gained more energy. I suppose the alfalfa pellets were just too enticing… I’m just frustrated that I won’t be able to take him today. Bleh.
  
  EDIT: I got home and took the chance that my sister wasn’t home to check him over. His hair is a little matted, but not nearly as bad as I thought. And I managed to sneak in and catch him eating! Still plan to take him to the vet, but he looks MUCH MUCH better. I don’t feel like he might die any sec. The urine still worries me (didn’t find any new red urine, though), but I saw lots of new poo.
- 08/21/2009 at 9:25 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Well that’s hopeful. Goodluck in finding another vet to go to. You would really need to get onto this before the weekend hours come into play. It will likely get harder to get him seen. Keep us posted.
- 08/22/2009 at 5:45 AM
  RabbitPam
  Moderator
  11002 posts
  It’s time for your parents to intervene. Skunkslionshow is right, the bunny needs total care, not intermittent attention and if your sister is no longer being responsible she shouldn’t have the privilege of caring for a living being. What I’m wondering about is her change of behavior. That’s a red flag to me that there’s something going on with her, too, not just teenaged hormones. If she’s having an unrelated problem that’s making her more upset, they need to pay her some attention as well. But that’s not your problem. Obviously, she will not respond to your general reminders and nagging. If you continue she’ll continue to be stubborn and not do it. And clearly privacy in your rooms is part of the issue.
  
  Appeal to your parents to allow you to respect the needs of the rabbit and take over its care. Why must the other sister be next? Can you take this little guy on yourself? You are doing it anyway. The right care in a cramped space like your room is much better than no care in hers.
- 08/23/2009 at 1:44 AM
  BinkyBunny
  Moderator
  8776 posts
  I am so glad to hear things are better, but if I were you, I would make sure that it could not happen again, and would not allow my sister to be responsible for the care of my bunny. I don’t know what the laws are in your area, but as far as care goes in many of the states - if the children are all under 18, then parents are legally responsible for the care of any pet in the household regardless if they don’t want to be. They have to make sure that there is proper care being given.
  
  Are there any other options than having your sister care for your bunny?
- 08/23/2009 at 7:48 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  Can you confiscate the bunny and cage when she’s not home, move him into your room and refuse to allow her access? I know it sounds harsh, but it’s important that he get the best level of care. You guys have done SO MUCH for this poor little bun. Many sacrifices have been made to make sure he is healthy and able to live a normal life despite his teeth problems. Please don’t give up now! He needs you!
- 08/23/2009 at 7:55 AM
  mattw
  Participant
  11 posts
  I know this will sound harsh, but the bunny’s health should come first
  LIke binky said, the parents are responsible for a pet owned by anyone under the age of 18(i think it’s 18)
  I’d tell your parents this fact, and say that the only options are to let you look after it, or you will “tip off” the animal protection (sorry i dont know what the american equivalent is to the RSPCA) so that the Rabbit gets the care he needs – which would mean either an agreement whereby you have the rabbit, or he goes somewhere else……
- 08/23/2009 at 5:01 PM
  bunnymama
  Participant
  161 posts
  Just wanted to add that if I give my rabbits carrots, their urine always turns to a reddish orange for the next 24 hours or so. Have you given the little guy carrots? That could be causing it…
- 08/25/2009 at 12:32 PM
  bunnytowne
  Participant
  7538 posts
  Parents can be a pain. Their not intervening for the health of the bunny is not right. Why is your sister not taking care of the bunny anymore?
  
  Snagging the bunny away sounds like a good idea since nothing else is being done. I wish you and bunny the best on resolving this situation.
  
  Keep trying.
- 08/25/2009 at 8:23 PM
  earthisours
  Participant
  129 posts
  My sister is 18, and I’m nearly 20. The other sister that’s been helping me is 25. But yeah, there’s been a lot of behaviour changes within the last couple of years… defintely yet another red flag. But yeah, that’s an issue for another forum, heh. No need for the family drama here. Except when it’s related… anyways. Technically the rabbit is hers, not mine (Thomas, the other one, is mine), but I usually just consider Dylan as mine as all his extra care needs are usually done by me. But from now on, he’s not hers anymore. To get to this point is crossing the line.
  
  Okay, so I took him to the vet, and he’s staying a couple of nights. The vet showed us (of course, younger sis didn’t come) his xray, and OMG, his stomach was completely distended. It was HUGE. Lots of air bubbles, probably from hairballs. So he’s gonna do some meds, pain killers and forcefeeding with critical care from Oxbow. Plus added enzymes and stuff.
  
  And I’ve decided. When he comes home, he’s no longer going to her care. My other sister and I have decided that we don’t care what she’ll do or say, and she’s going to my older sister’s room. We plan to lock the room to make sure she doesn’t try to do anything funny. This is too much. If she had cleaned her room, cleaned out the mounds of fur that have built up under bed, where he eats, etc etc this would have never happened. She doesn’t even plan to help pay for it. Seriously, at this point, I don’t care if she never talks to me again. He’s not going in that room ever again, unless she proves to me she can take care of an animal again.
  
  The vet will give us an update tomorrow afternoon, I’ll keep you all updated.
  
  EDIT: I forgot to mention before. A good side effect has come out of this: his hay eating habits have picked up. Maybe it was in effort to help pass the hairballs? I always offer some of the softer hays I have (and cut up of course) but he never really eats any, but he stole some of my other rabbit’s really coarse oat hay, and he was eating it! I cut some up of that, and he ate it right away. We’ll see if he’ll still want it when he comes back from the vet.
  
  Oh, also. When I say he goes to my other sister, it’s because they’re free-run bunnies, no cages. Sadly, the two brothers’ bond broke some years ago and I haven’t had success in re-bonding them. So we keep them in separate rooms, which is why I can’t take him into my room in the first place. If he’s in the other room, she doesn’t care if I go in or whatever, and she’s very good with rabbit care, she’s been helping me by taking them to the vet when I can’t (and helping me pay) as well as making sure Dylan has food and water. I trust her. Of course, since I’d be allowed in her room, I can spend lots of time with the bun.
- 08/25/2009 at 9:47 PM
  Monkeybun
  Participant
  10479 posts
  I’m glad the bun is getting care now, your sister has been very irresponsible. Hope bun gets better!
- 08/25/2009 at 11:45 PM
  BinkyBunny
  Moderator
  8776 posts
  Good for you for taking charge of this and making sure that he gets the needed vet care. It sounds like you actually saved his life as what he had could have easily turned deadly. I am so glad your older sister is helping and has a place for Dylan in her room. I just hope that it can work out that way without too much drama – for the sake of Dylan.
  
  I don’t doubt that if you hadn’t stepped Dylan might not be alive today. He is very lucky to have you and your older sister watch out for his welfare.
  
  Keep us updated.
  
  Continued healing vibes for Dylan!
- 08/26/2009 at 4:35 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  I’m so glad you guys are getting this worked out. Bunnies are A LOT of work to care for, keep clean, supervise… The amount of fur I pick up in the vacuum every couple days is UN-be-liev-able… I couldn’t imagine going longer than that…
  
  It sounds like your sister just has other priorities right now, and Dylan is not one of them. It’s good he’s going to get the attention he needs.
- 08/29/2009 at 4:12 PM
  earthisours
  Participant
  129 posts
  Dylan came home today! Vet says he’s been pooping more, and has better sized pellets. =) They said that he was a very difficult little bunny, hates being force fed. (Ah, silly bun!) They also taught me and my older sister how to force feed him. We still have to give him a gut mobility drug, plus some sort of gas reliever med. Told us to make sure that he moves a lot (the vet suggested to put him somewhere he hates so he runs away, lol)
  
  But, wow, I LOVE the vet. He’s amazing! Defintely deserves the credit he has as the best bunny vet in the area! He explained all he was doing, plus the plan, and gave me the impression he KNEW bunnies. Also impressed me that he said to make sure to call back and update him how the bunny’s doing. Plus, the vet charge was NOT nearly as much as I was expecting. =D
  
  Dylan has SO SO much more energy now! Like a new bunny! Exploring much more than he used to. =) I’m so happy he’s doing so much better.
- 08/29/2009 at 4:44 PM
  Monkeybun
  Participant
  10479 posts
  Good to hear he’s doing better
- 08/29/2009 at 4:50 PM
  Furface
  Participant
  618 posts
  That’s terrific.
- 08/29/2009 at 10:06 PM
  SirThumpsey
  Participant
  539 posts
  That is such great news! I’m so glad that he’s doing better.
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