What do I do? This bunny is suffering

[guineapig724]

So lots of you know about Bobbi, my minilop that is both blind and paralyzed in her back legs, but gets around fine with a cart. I never thought about getting her a friend, as in her previous home, she was bullyed by another rabbit, because of her disability. Today I got an urgent call from my friend, who happens to be my neighbors landlord. She was crying , and told me that my neighbor had moved during the middle of the night so as not to pay the rent. Thats not even the worst of it. She had left her Rabbit, who appears to be a flemish giant, in a cage in her backyard. The cage was a tiny, store bought cage, that this rabbit could barely even turn around in, let alone stand up or walk. It would be too small for a hamster, let alone a flemish giant! It was raining, and the cage that had a wire top, was letting the pouring rain soak the rabbit. His mouth was bleeding from chewing the cage to escape, and was so dirty and filth covered you couldn’t tell what colour he is. His left back leg was twisted and caught in the cage wires. We had to cut him out of the cage with a large wire cutter, the door was rusted shut. There was no food or water, and he it so skinny you can put your hand around him. After we pried him out, I rushed him to the er vet.

The.vet was relatively unhelpful, they said that his leg was broken, and had been that way for a long time. They prescribed an antibiotic, and a probiotic, benebac which is good. As the er vet rarely treats rabbits, they don’t know what to do with his leg. All that they could do gor him was euthanize him. I talked them out of it, got the meds and left. How do I get all the filth out of his fur without bathing him? My bunny savvy vet isn’t available for more than three weeks. What do I do? I know that he is suffering and in obvious distress, but he is on painkillers and antibiotics , I put him on Bobbis heated pet bed on a low setting, and put her upstairs so she won’t catch any potential illnesses. Should I do anything to treat his foot? It looks pretty bad, and must have been broken for a few months. How much should I feed him? I gave him water and some hay, but he hasn’t had food for a while so I’d hate to make him sick. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks in advance

[vanessa]

Wow! Thank you for rescuing this bunny!
I would give him small amounts of pellets and hay. Pellets have added nutrients, which she needs. You’re right in being concerned about overwhelming her belly, but she does need to eat. So I would give her small amounts, and watch her poops. By the end of the first day she should be pooping. See how it goes, and increase her pellets/hay.
I would use unscented NON-flushable baby wipes (nice and moist) or just a warm wet rag, and wipe the fur every day, to get the crud off. You could also trim the fur. Because of the broken leg, I’d keep her in a small soft area. I wouldn’t want her to move around too much until that leg gets looked at. And lots of petting to let her know it’s going to be ok.

[Eepster]

Do you think there is a realistic chance of a meaningful recovery? Or is treatment really just prolonging suffering at this point?

[Q8bunny]

Oh my god, the poor sweetheart. I believe there’s a special hell awaiting people who mistreat animals.

In terms of the leg, my friend’s bun broke his while the vet was on holiday, but she managed to contact her via email, and the vet told my friend to make a soft cast out of soft cloth (like an old t-shirt cut up) and some vet wrap to protect the broken bone from further damage until the bun could be properly treated.

I don’t know if this will help, but I am so glad that poor Flemmie is with you now.

[vanessa]

Seeing as Bobbi is blind and paralyzed and doing well, I’d say this rescued bunny is in good hands. That being said – I had a bunny euthanized who was in terrible shape, and would always struggle. And still that being said – I’d give the bunny a chance and wait until the bunny savvy vet is available. Yet… none of us really know the bunny’s condition except guineapig724. After I had my bunny euthanized, I still kept asking myself if I did the right thing. I have to keep reminding myself how much he was suffering, and how zero his chances were of a comfortable life. It’s not a light choice to make.

[vanessa]

What horrible people. I described this to a friend who said it sounds like a “veal cage”. How shocking. Please let us know how she is doing.

[guineapig724]

I cut up a tensor bandage, and loosely wrapped his leg, I offered him two tablespoons of pellets, and a honey nut cheerio, because although I switched Bobbi over to multigrain cheerios as a treat, she is a homey nut addict! He hasn’t touched any food, but drank a small amount of water. I drove up to Bobbi’s specialist who has an opening first thing tomorrow morning, it’s a two hour drive, but he did alright. I put Bobbi’s snugglesafe heat pad in a box, and placed him inside because he was shivering. Could he have a fever? I haven’t even bothered taking the grime off of him, exept for his face. He was coated in about an inch of mud and feces. His face is a pretty black and white. I’ve nicknamed him Oreo. I had to take Bobbi as well, I don’t trust anyone exept myself to care for her properly. I drive a large SUV, and I put Bobbi in her carrier in the back, but I really hope she doesn’t get ill, I will take her for a check up as well. I am staying the night at my parents house, so they can stay away from eachother. I’m really hoping he’ll be okay, he has been acting slightly more alert so I am hoping that’s a good thing. As for the previous owner of this Bun, my friend has already tracked her down. She has also been reported to several animal cruelty organizations. This was a bad case of neglect, the poor bun is suffering because of human selfishness. I hope that this lady gets in huge trouble because of her actions. I’ll tell you whats wrong with her after the vet appointment. Hope its nothing horribly serious, just the broken foot, malnutrition and maybe a slight fever from being in the rain. That would be survivable.

[Bam]

I’m so glad you rescued him. Even if he can’t be helped, it would have been worse for him to starve to death in that terrible cage. I so hope he can be saved.

[vanessa]

I’d be worried about getting that belly safely started up again (like starting up an engine :-). I adopted a bunny who had malnutrition from being fed chocolate… He had a rough time getting back on track too. He was initially fed whatever he was willing to eat. Shame. I’m sure Oreo is already more comfortable.

[guineapig724]

I’m back from the vet! My prediction was correct, his foot is badly broken, he is suffering from acute malnutrition, and he had a slight fever from being outside in the cold rain.
The vet wrapped his foot in vetwrap. I’m supposed to watch how much he’s eating very carefully, it may be the fever that caused loss of appetite. The vet suggested keeping him in the vet on the warm bed, to let his foot heal properly, but I also gave him a little area that I put some towels down incase he is too hot. Me and the vet worked together to get all the grime of of him. He was coated in a crust of mud that was over an inch thick. He has absolutely no fur on his bottom and legs, the fur fell out after taking the dirt off. How should I protect the bare skin until the fur grows back? He is going to survive! He is also terrified of everything. Bobbi is so calm with everything, she is fearless. He on the other hand is scared of his own shadow! How can I get him to understand that I want to help him? I will quarantine him for a few weeks, Bobbi seems quite curious.
I have named him Oreo, he is a beautiful black and white.

[guineapig724]

Box, not vet! Silly me

[vanessa]

That is fantastic! I am so happy to hear! Standard zinc-type baby diaper rash cream will work to protect the skin. Getting the fur off and keeping the skin dry is the best thing. The mud and constant moisture (and malnutrition) caused the fur to come out. The skin might be compromised, and there may be urine scald from the small area. I had a paralyzed incontinent rabbit once…
Hopefully….. the trust will come with time. Right now Oreo has been traumatized for so long, he doesn’t think he can trust anyone. It will take time. (I have a 2.5 yr old non-traumatized rabbit who still won’t trust me – odd little creature). But… after dealing with enough sick/injured animals, I believe that at some level, they recognize our compassion and care.

[guineapig724]

I guess I should of known how to protect the skin, Bobbi is paralyzed and incontinent, I use the diaper cream as well. He is also on very soft sheets, so he should be okay. He has nibbled a few pellets and some hay. I think he is going to be fine. Even if he is traumatized for a while, at least he’s eating. Thank you for all your help. You made my life (and Oreo’s) so much easier.

[tobyluv]

Thank you for rescuing this poor bunny. Even though he is frightened now, he surely realizes that you are angel who saved him. I’m glad to hear that he is starting to eat. I hope that he will continue to improve and will be completely healthy soon.

I hope that the horrible former owner will be charge with animal cruelty and have to pay for what she did to that sweet rabbit.

[Hopper]

Sometimes, I wish it is an eye for an eye in punishment. To bad the owner can’t suffer the same coniditions for the same amount of time the poor Flemish did.

After Oreo is over his pain and the shocks of the envirment he has been in, he will eventually trust you. Most likey not entirely, because of what he has seen humans as, but enough that he’ll love you. =:3

Keep us updated! I hope he will get better soon!!!!

[Q8bunny]

Thank the gods Oreo has a chance. As others have said, diaper cream, dehumidified air if possible, soft bedding, and inspect daily for any signs if abscess or rash etc.

As for trust… time and love and read or sing softly to him. You’d be amazed what the sound of a kind voice can do over time for an animal who survived a nightmare.

[Bam]

This is so amazing. That poor bunny. You are an angel =)

As for trust, I think most animals realize after a while that we are helping them. They don’t feel good, their human does sth, they feel better. They get that somehow. Even when I “tortured” my bun Yohio with force-feeding for a month, he ended up so bonded to me once he got well again (dental issue). It really was like the whole ordeal brought us much closer.

[LittlePuffyTail]

This is just so horrific to read. How can people be so cruel? Thank you for taking in this poor little bun.

Sending lots of ((((GET WELL SOON)))) vibes to the little bun.

[RabbitPam]

You’re doing a wonderful job of bringing Oreo back, and he will gradually trust you very much, as he heals, eats, and is warm and comfortable for days on end. He is probably very uncomfortable all over, so if he can rest quietly without anything to startle or threaten him, he should eventually relax. I can’t even comment on the former owner, except to say how great it was of you to take him and give him the care he needs.

I didn’t know about diaper cream being good for bunnies. I would have suggested Bag Balm, but that’s good for feet. Not sure about furless skin patches.
One thought – is there a rabbit rescue or shelter near you? I’m thinking of vets in case of emergency who may have more experience with bunnies. Your vet sounds great, and I’m glad you got there. There may be a branch of the House Rabbit Society near you as well. Just to explore options closer to home.

[vanessa]

I was told by a vet to use diaper cream on my bunny. I use it on nicks and cuts myself. The zinc is good for healing and has antimicrobial properties.

[guineapig724]

Oreo was being kept in my very quiet office on my second floor. Bobbi was on my mainfloor, as she cannot get up stairs in her cart. I had to leave them both at home as I had to work. I thought that he would be okay, I also put a baby gate up in my office, as I know that Bobbi was very curious. When I arrived home, I couldn’t find Bobbi, she didn’t come when I called her. I assumed she was grumpy with me for some reason, and went upstairs to check on Oreo. Bobbi had dragged herself upstairs, chewed through a solid door, and the babygate. She had then gotten past the box that Oreo was lying in! That was determination!

Oreo was declared healthy, but supposed to be in quarantine. I separated them, but felt bad because they were lying beside each other, and she was licking his face. I still can’t believe she chewed through a door! I don’t think it’s gonna be a huge task to bond them! Thanks for all your help!

[LBJ10]

Oh how sweet! I can just see Bobbi, determined to get to a bunny in need. That is quite the feat! Bobbi obviously doesn’t let her cart get in the way of getting where she needs to go.

Thank you so much for taking in Oreo. I’m sure he will come around once he realizes he is safe. And hey, maybe Bobbi will help him with his emotional scars too.

[vanessa]

:-)))))))))

[MoxieMeadows]

Oh my goodness how terrible. I have seen people be cruel to animals before and it just makes me sick. I am SO glad Oreo found his way to you,

How precious of Bobbi. I think we’ll need pics soon. =]

[Bam]

Amazing!
I do think it’s best to mention mention though that unless at least one of them is desexed, they have to be kept apart. (Bobbi’s disability might have made her sterile or so, but if it hasn’t -)
She seems like quite a remarkable lady, and I’m sure she’ll help Oreo recover. Bunny love is sth so special. Lucky Oreo, he gets saved by you and then he gets a girlfriend as well

[guineapig724]

Bobbi is spayed and Oreo will be neutered next month. I wanted to nurse him back to health before he has his surgery. His lab tests also came back today. He is healthy. I am going to quarantine him for another week though. His fur is starting to grow back, and this morning he ate a small piece of banana from my hand. He has been going crazy with the hay though! Bobbi isn’t a huge hay eater, often I worry about the amount of hay she eats! He ate over 1 lb of hay! He has also been eating lots of fresh veggies and pellets.

[Ohbunny]

I’ve been following this post, but haven’t had anything beneficial to add other than its great that you were willing and able to take care of oreo. I believe you said he’s a flemish. They will eat you out of house and home, but it’s so fun to watch them.

[Liv]

This story pulled at my heartstrings! I was nearly crying by the end, it’s so hard for me to fathom how someone could do that to an animal. I am so happy that you were able to help this poor bun, I’m sending loads of good vibes for both you and Oreo!!

[Bam]

GP 724, I just felt I should mention it, so happy that’s not a problem =) Of course Oreo must recover and fatten up and realize he’s safe now before he has any procedures done, but great that the two can meet meanwhile, it will help him to have such a friend. Imagine going through all that trouble to get to him and groom his face!

[peachybunneh]

I just want to say, you are an angel for saving him! All animals derserve loving homes! Im so glad to hear that Oreo has one now and is on the mend. Did the vet recommend feeding him any alfalfa? That should help. It will give him the nutrients his healing body needs right now and help him put on some weight. Sitting in the same room as him when you have some spare time, at a comfortable length away and speaking to him in a soft comforting voice may help him to realize you are not going to harm him. You should also consider calling your local animal cruelty hotline and reporting your old neighbor! (If you haven’t already!) Wish I could help more! Me and my bunnies are sending Oreo lots of love and healing energy!

[guineapig724]

That is a good idea about the alfalfa. I will talk to my vet about that. He is progressing quite well, as he currently lives in my home office, I spend quite a bit of time sitting and talking to him. He has been eating great, and I figured it was okay for him to spend some supervised time with Bobbi since he was pronounced healthy by my vet. They are so cute together! He follows her around like a little kid! He is gigantic compared to her though! I’m currently giving him about a teaspoon of rescue remedy, and it has definitely helped calm him. So far he isn’t as bold as Bobbi, and likes to either follow her around, or sit in his box and play with his toys, but he does let me pet him which is great! My only concern is that he bites both my husband and my Dad. Could he potentially be afraid of men? He is fine with my Mother when she came to my house, and he was fine with my friends, so it is kind of odd. Maybe he is still stressed? How can I stop this behaviour though. I’m not going to do anything that would be mean to him, like spraying him with a water bottle, as my friends have suggested, but is there a positive way to stop biting?

[vanessa]

I might wait on that untill he is in good health. Behavior modification could add undue stress to his healing process. It is still early in his recovery, and he might discover on his own that your husband and father are good to him. I woudl have them use food everytime they approach him, but if it stresses him out, I’d wouldn’t press it untill he is healthy again.

[vanessa]

I would definitely NOT spray him with a water bottle. The poor little (big) guy has suffered so much. I woudl approach it with food/treats, positive reenforcement – not a water bottle (negative reenforcement).

[Hopper]

Correct me if I’m wrong but maybe he is seeing all men as cruel now. The stress doesn’t help either. Hopefully when he is back to totally normal status you could sessions where Oreo meets them and they talk nicely to him. Maybe he can then differantiate the cruel guy from them!

Love this whole story in general… you should write it down as a documentary or something

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Awww bless you for taking him in!!! I definitely need some pictures!!! Poor dear thing-he’s so lucky you got the call. Heartwarming!

I don’t know if it helps how you feel about it, but my Rupert came to me with a broken leg-it was broken some time prior to him being picked up as a stray. It’s horrible looking-it sticks out nearly at a 90 degree angle. He ambulates just fine though. I have to watch for pressure sores (and indeed we’ve had them and recently an abscess) as he’s resting on part of his leg instead of his foot but he copes just fine. The issues we’ve had recently are due to his age, he’s at least 9.5 years now, and still going strong. So they are perfectly fine on a bad leg-he’s a big boy too, about 9/10 lbs

on the behaviour-I wouldn’t do any spraying-simply because punishment (in any form) rarely works (it has to be aversive enough, and delivered at the right time-most people do a poor job of punishing and it’s not a nice thing to do anyways, you can modify behaivour in good ways!).
What I would suggest is your hubby and dad don’t approach him, they just ignore and if they are near him, they simply drop treats that he likes. He’ll soon realize they=good food, and start feeling positive and safe. They just need to pocket some treats and be prepared to drop them-simple!

[Author]

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