Checking suture on my Dunna

[Molly]

Hello everyone! My bun Dunna just got spayed 10 days ago and I’m trying to check her sutures but she is really scared to be picked up and really doesn’t like her tummy touched. I’ve gotten glimpses of the area but I can’t really see to make sure she’s healing properly. Any tips would be appreciated!

[DanaNM]

Do you have someone that can help you? If not, a mirror would probably work. The way we do this at the rescue I volunteer at is one person picks up the bun and holds them so they are upright with their back against your body. One had supports the front end, the other hand under the bum. You can also support the bum on your lap or on a table. Then the other person can look at the suture and make sure it’s not separating, inflammed, etc. If you don’t have an assistant, you could hold her this way in front of a mirror and probably be able to see well enough.

Similar hold to image 4 in this cartoon, but with the rabbit’s back pressed against you:

. . . 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.  

[Molly]

Oh thank you! Okay I will try that this evening with my husband. I just rescued her from a family member that suddenly became very ill. Trying to figure out how to get her comfortable with me to pick her up but one time I tried she jumped out of my arms immediately and broke her nail. I will try your technique though. Thanks again 🐰

[Molly]

So, I got a look at her tummy by picking her up like you said and it looks like her incision is open 😔 I’m going to call the vet in the morning to see what’s next. Poor bunn! She doesn’t seem to be in pain she’s been eating normal and excited for treats and everything.

[DanaNM]

Oh I see, how long have you had her? Was the illness before or after her spay?

As a nice primer, this video shows some techniques for handling and picking up:

 

. . . 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.  

[Molly]

Oh no, Dunna isn’t sick. It was my grandpa. He got so sick he couldn’t take care of her anymore so we adopted her.

[DanaNM]

Oh I understand, sorry to hear that! Thank you for taking in Dunna and getting her spayed. <3

. . . 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.  

[LBJ10]

Will she stand up for a treat? Perhaps you can get a look with a mirror that way.

[Molly]

She’s a total angel and I feel lucky to have her right now, she’s very comforting. She had to get stapled up today and the poor baby has 10-14 days more with the collar. I’m going to check her every day and make sure the collar stays on. They didn’t give her pain meds but sent me home with some. Hope she feels okay. I’m not sure why the vets think bunnies don’t need pain medicine. Is it because they don’t cry?

[DanaNM]

Bunnies definitely need pain management! It’s arguably one of the most important things with their recovery. It seems like buns without pain meds tend to mess with their sutures more. I think most vets just aren’t rabbit savvy. As prey animals, rabbits hide their pain even better than dogs or cats, so perhaps that contributes.

If they sent you home with pain medicine (assuming metacam?) then I would give it to her at their recommended dosage. Metacam is essentially bunny ibuprofen, so it is not a super intense pain med or anything.

. . . 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.  

[Molly]

Supposedly this vet is rabbit savvy but she didn’t seem like it really… I specifically asked for pain meds given for the stapling and they just sent some home. It was an hour drive and I couldn’t give it to her in the car because she doesn’t like the taste and I have to hide it in banana. It upsets me. Bunnies are living creatures. Of course they feel pain! Poor babies. She hasn’t been eating her cecotropes because of her cone and her poops are really pale. I ordered bene bac from amazon but it going to be awhile before it comes it. I’m wondering if there’s a safe way to get her to eat them? Thank you for all the advice and conversation! I love my buns ♥️ I only want the best for these angels.

[DanaNM]

If you notice when she produces cecotropes you can try offering them to her. Or you can take the cone one while you are supervising her and only put it on if you see her messing with her suture.

. . . 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.  

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