Crystal has passed…

[T-Bun]

…she seemed to be off of her feed on Thursday night, and turned up her nose at breakfast on Friday morning.   She was very lethargic and just wanted to lay in her litter box.   She’s been through this a few times before, sometimes with medical intervention, sometimes she bounced back on her own, so I let it go until Saturday morning and went to the vet.   They tried sub-q fluids, force feeding, and some injectables, but it didn’t look good.   At that point the vet offered to take her home and continue care for the rest of the weekend, so we went to back to see her.  As soon as they brought her out, I knew she wasn’t going to make it.  I opted to have her put to sleep, but she passed in our arms before that could be done.   She would have been 11 years old next month.   Please, please…when your bun refuses to eat, get them help as soon as possible.  I honestly thought we had time for intervnetion, but I was wrong.  I really feel like I let her down.  She was my best friend in the world.

(PS I’ve never posted here before, but lurk all the time.  These forums have been a great source of informatiion, thanks to everyone here.)

Update:  Thanks to all for your replies and sympathies.  I talked to the head Vet (her usual doc) to review her case, and he assured me that I didn’t do anything wrong.  He felt that it was more of a general organ failure due to old age than something like gut stasis.  Something he told me was that rabbits aren’t much like dogs and cats when it comes to aging.  They usually turn quickly for the worse rather than a slow obvious aging process as seen in other animals (including us!).  Not having seen any other senior buns I can’t really comment on that, but that’s what he said.  Anyway, thanks again.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Crystal. It sounds like she had a wonderful, long life with someone who loved her. Don’t blame yourself, it was probably her time to go. Keep her in your heart always.

((((((Binky Free Crystal))))))

[CinnabunMom]

I’m so sorry for your loss. She lived a very long life and sounds like she was extra loved.

[bullrider76543]

I am sorry for your loss, I know it must be hard but at least she lad a long good life that you gave her. Binky free Crystal!!

[RabbitPam]

I’m sorry to hear about Crystal. And I’m glad you posted with us. You did NOT let her down. I, too, like to emphasize that a visit to the vet is necessary when they are off their feed, and you did that. It would not have made a difference I am sure. I actually think that you were a great bunny Mom because having your bun live a healthy life until 11 years old is wonderful. Obviously you took good care of Crystal, and she passed in your loving arms.
{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}

[bunnyfriend]

I am so so sorry about your loss. You absolutely did the right thing, I know it was very difficult but you should be proud of yourself for being able to do it. She definitely had a long and happy life, most rabbits don’t even make it to 11 years. Hugs to you. Binky free Crystal

[Cristina]

I am so, so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you right now. 2 weeks ago I lost my Beatrix and it ripped my heart in two. She was like my best friend. I had been in a major depression, and I swear that bun saved my life! She died of pasturella, and I had no idea what it was or how serious it was. I spent nearly $1000 on vet bills and her last visit she was improving and the blood and fluid in her lungs was going down. Then one morning she was playing and loving on me, layed down for a cat nap and never woke back up. She wasn;t breathing funny or anything. I even thought to myself “she’s finally out of the woods”. I have always blamed myself for her death. She was supposed to be “convalesing” and I let her free roam in the house as she always did. I should have kept her confined to her cage, but I felt like it was a bit cruel. I blamed myself and would stay up till 4 am researching pasturella and thinking of what I did wrong and what I could have done differently. The truth is….I think given the chance we ALWAYS would do soemthing different. It’s human nature. But just as I know Beatrix’s death wasn’t my fault, neither was Crystal’s passing your fault. 11 years is AMAZING for a bun, and you obviously loved and cared for her so much!!! The longest living bunny according to the Guiness Book of World Records is 17 and I’ve never met anyone who came as close to it as you! I know your Crystal was very much loved, and you did your best to get her healthy. You did all you could do and NO ONE could ask more from you. So please don’t beat yourself up over it. I finally had to stop blaming myself for B’s death. It’s hard…but you have to. One thing I try to focus on, was that my Beatrix was extremely happy. Right up until her very last breath. ANd she didn’t suffer. Maybe if I had been more educated on pasturella, I colud have prolonged her life. But…I don’t think she would have ever had quality of life back, she would have always been sick. As sad as it was to loose her, I take comfort in the fact that she didn’t suffer endlessly, and that she was sooo happy and very loved. Please don’t feel like Crystal’s passing is anyone’s fault. You took her to the vet, and you did all you could. She had 11 loving, and wonderful years with you and that is more than any bun could ever ask.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

So sorry for your loss. I hope the vets findings help you find peace in that there wasn’t anything you could have done, and know that you gave Crystal a loving home. Binky Free Crystal

[Author]

Messages