Aeryn’s leg broke again

[ScooterandAnnette]

Some of you may recall that over the summer, our then-9-year-old mini-rex Aeryn broke her leg.  Surgery and amputation weren’t options given her age, that her blood work at the time turned out anemic.  However, she recovered fully somehow, and the anemia went away.

Unfortunately, she broke her leg again.  This time in two places.  We noticed Monday when she was clearly having issues hopping in a straight line, and sitting upright.  We took her to the same vet who saw her last time, at her new clinic as she was familiar with Aeryn. 

The break will never heal properly.  The center part of the right femur has lost a fair amount of bone density, which suggests that it’s diseased.  Possibly bone cancer. We couldn’t see how she broke her leg given that she’s been moved to new quarters where she doesn’t have to jump up and down floors, but if the bone was diseased and weakened then a break was inevitable.

Surgery and pinning is not an option this time either, as the bone won’t take it.  The vet is not recommending amputation either, as she has doubts that Aeryn will survive it at her age.

We talked a long time about whether it’s time to put Aeryn down.  The vet is NOT recommending euthanization at this time, because Aeryn is still acting utterly normal aside from the obvious.  She is eating, chewing up boxes and papers, grooming her cagemate Tegan, licking our fingers, and doesn’t seem in obvious pain (e.g., she’ll meatloaf or lambchop herself with her ears up and open). We have a large prescription of metacam, which she will be on for the rest of her life (however long that is) to supplement what was left over from last time.  The plan is to ease her pain and restrict her movement to her cage, at least for the next couple of weeks, to let her heal as best she can.  And keep her comfortable until and unless it becomes obvious that it’s best to let her go.

The vet is frankly amazed at Aeryn’s will to live, as she didn’t think Aeryn would survive the last time.  If she had bone cancer, and she probably did, then her health should have gone downhill fast instead of making what appeared to be a full recovery.  As long as Aeryn is willing and able to fight, we will not give up on her.

[kmurphy]

I’m so sorry ScooterandAnnette! That must be really difficult. It sounds like Aeryn is a fighter and she is still happy and comfortable. So give her a kiss from my bunny Kraken, and tell her that she is brave. I hope you are doing ok, I know this is extremely devastating news but try to stay positive and remember all the good moments you have shared.

[Bam]

Scooterandanette, I vividly remember Aeryns amazing spontaneous recovery last summer. I’m sorry to hear that she’s broken her leg again. She must be a remarkable bunny!!! That she apparently is feeling well in spite of this is so great. Sending her many vibes ((((Aeryn))))

[drwil]

Sorry about this poor bunny, but if you want to save her here are some suggestions:

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/wheelchairs.html

There are lots of examples on Google of wheelchairs for rabbits. I included a link. If she can use a prosthesis and is otherwise healthy there is no reason to euthanize her, she will just have to stay inside from now on.

One of our bunnies has a large indoor cage with one level. There is plenty of room in it. We use linoleum under it to keep her from soiling hardwood floors.

A rabbit with a wheelchair will need extra cage room to turn around. You could get something like this:

http://www.hayneedle.com/product/trixienaturarabbitoutdoorrunwithpeakedroofcover.cfm

Until and if she heals this would be the best solution. But she cannot use that leg or else it will never heal. Hope she gets better.

[Q8bunny]

What an extraordinarily brave little bun! I’m so sorry that she’s going through this, but it sounds like she’s got an amazing will to continue her happy life with you. Chewie and I are sending (((healing vibes))) from Kuwait.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so sorry to hear this. Aeryn certainly is an amazing little trooper. Sending lots of love and wishes for lots more happy time together.

[ScooterandAnnette]

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. Aeryn is responding well to her medication. For whatever reason, she loves the taste of it, and will even take a break from her breakfast apple to have it.

She and her cagemate Tegan have been confined to their cage. We have put in an old towel so that Aeryn can do her business as she can no longer get into their litterbox. The vet doesn’t want them hopping about all over the place for the next few weeks to let her heal, but still wants Aeryn not to be cooped up in a carrier. Tegan is not happy about that, but they have 3.5′ x 2.5′ of floor space so it’s not too confining. Aeryn is now able to sit up more or less straight and is acting very much her usual self. We’re guardedly optimistic that as long as whatever disease she’s got in her bones stays in check, she will be ok.

[LittlePuffyTail]

She just sounds like such an amazing little girl! Sending some more ((((Speedy Healing)))) Vibes!

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