Bunny age + euthenasia

[Crie]

I’m curious as to how old everyone’s buns were when they passed away, and for those that were put to rest, what the process was.

Clara is 12 and has quite a few problems, but her biggest issue is her spine (multiple small fractures, so her back legs are weak, but she still gets around) and now a jaw/tooth abscess.

I’m struggling with continuing to look for answers on how to address the tooth situation, as the last 2 months have been mostly me feeding her critical care and hydrating her via syringe. She wants to eat, still interested in food, but it hurts.

I’m not confident she would recover well from any kind of sedation, and I’m considering just spoiling her until she gives me the sign that she’s ready.

…and that’s the hard part. I would want to put her to rest BEFORE she’s in too much pain, not eating, lethargic, etc. But often times that’s far before we as parents are ready to do it.

What’s everyone’s story? How long did you wait? Did euthenasia seem peaceful? Was your bunny scared? Did he/she struggle when they put the needle in.

I’m a mess, and I think decisions will need to be made in a next couple of weeks.

[DanaNM]

I don’t have any experience with euthanasia, although I’ve sadly had a few rabbits pass away. Two of them were very traumatic and it was clear the buns were in a lot of pain, so I wish I had been able to help them pass more peacefully, although their deaths were so sudden it would never have been on my mind.

I know that Bladesmith just went through this with their bunny Dawn (different illness though). I don’t want to put them on the spot, but they just made a post about it in the Rainbow bridge section.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[BZOO]

You know your bun best.

She will let you know, just listen.  Remember, it’s your final gift to her.

Hugs to you.

[Clover222]

Have you considered or researched comfrey I buy it dried for tea and use it to treat everything either by soaking it or making a compress and I’ve read its very useful and safe for rabbits.   I’m suggesting it because it heals broken bones and soft tissues in unbelievably record times.    I’m noted for BAD ankle sprains usually with torn ligaments my last one I soaked my foot an hour a day and I was healed in 3 days.   And the pain and aches from previous injuries was gone also….2 weeks ago I used a compress of my shoulder for about 2hrs and the dibilitating pain was gone the next day.     I’m guessing that feeding it to your bunny would help with the spine issues or maybe use a tea and a baby wash cloth to make a compress for a small area at a time so you don’t get your bunny too wet.

[jerseygirl]

Hi Crie

I’m not sure if you’ve had to make a decision for Clara by now but I wanted to share my limited experience. I’ve had 2 rabbits euthanised. One was young (under 2 years of age). He was dying and I had to have that process go better for him. I unfortunately was not with him as they took him out the back. I hadn’t realised that’s what was happening…  I regret I wasn’t holding him.

The 2nd rabbit was more recent. My elderly bunny, Rumball. He was 11, almost 12. I hadn’t taken him in that day to be euthanased but he had a turn while on the exam table and I had to make a quick decision. His passing was very calm and gentle. The vet gave a sedative first and then the injection after that. The vet was actually afraid he’d have a reaction he really hates to see (or owners to see) but thankfully that was not the case. Because I’ve been through rabbits dying at home in my arms, I was somewhat aware of what he was talking about. During the dying process, there are some reactions of the nervous system where you might see seizures and even vocalisations. It can be distressing to see but the animal is beyond awareness by then. I’d have to look it up but I think the heart might even have stopped by then and it’s an expression of nerve energy in the body. Does anyone reading know if that’s the case?

My advice to you is find out what procedure your vet used. And a second clinic just in case. Ask if they’ll give a sedative in advance or if that is something you need to specifically request. Find out how/where they deliver the barbiturate, especially if you’ll be present for all of it. Rumball has it in his foreleg. The sedative was just an injection given as normal between shoulder blades. He wasn’t asleep but just more settled.

For my dog, they took him out the back to insert a butterfly needle in his leg (like used for IV fluids). He came back wagging his tail and quite calm for being at the vet. They’d been giving him treats out the back. 😉 Once back with me, they gave the final shot through that once I was ready. So he was not distressed at all and he slipped away instantly.

Whichever way Clara passes, I hope it is a peaceful as possible for both her and you.

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