Doctor says I can’t keep her???

[Jelly]

Hey everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on here and I’m unfortunately coming to you guys as a last ditch effort to find a solution for my baby.
My last post was about 8 months ago, when I mentioned Toby was having some trouble due to our move of houses. For the most part she has now settled, but for some reason the mats in her little mane are getting worse. Since our move, Toby has remained pretty aloof towards me. I’m not sure what it is about the new house, but there is just something about her that is giving me the feeling she’s not happy here. I’ve been trying my hardest to groom them out for her, but she’s gotten so wary that I can’t even approach her with a brush anymore. I’m spending time with her in the evenings and it doesn’t seem to be getting better, but we’re working on it.. This sort of leads to my problem.
The room we are now keeping her in (our bedroom) is much much smaller then our last one- I’m wondering if this has something to do with her discomfort? aside from that, though, her hay has begun to aggravate my asthma. I’ve now been to two different doctors for this, trying to find a solution and all they tell me is that I should rehome her.
I’m pretty sure you guys all understand how devastating that is to hear. I truthfully, can’t imagine this as a reality at all, but my family and my partner are pushing me to find someone who will adopt her from me. Guys, I don’t think I can do this. I love her so much. I can’t imagine sending her away to someone else when I know how hard it was for her to readjust during only this move. She came from a shelter, I don’t want to send her away after everything she’s already been through…
So my question is, do any of you have some ideas on how to go about coexisting with Toby, without having to adopt her out? I know it’s a tall order. Tbh I’m not expecting many people will have solutions. But I’m desperate. I live in Canada so unfortunately putting her outside wouldn’t be an option. And I feel like if I had to sacrifice her quality of life just for my allergies, it isn’t fair to keep her. But I love her so much. Am I being selfish trying to make this work?

[Azerane]

Hi Jelly, I’m sorry to hear about your troubles.

First off regarding the allergies, I would get an air purifier with a HEPA filter, plug it in a corner of the room on fence it off so that Toby can’t get to it or the cord. Secondly, have you tried different types of hay? On the assumption you are feeding her timothy, try orchard grass hay as it less commonly causes reactions in people than timothy hay does. There’s also meadow, bermuda, coastal, ryegrass, oaten and wheaten you could try (though some may be harder to source). Some companies might even send out samples if that is something you’d be looking to do.

My second thought is a bit more of a stretch. She’s not happy in the new room and you are now having allergy issues, are you sure that there isn’t something in the new room itself that is effecting both of you? Perhaps some mould under carpet for example. It’s just a thought/guess.

For grooming, get a hold of her and pop her up on a small table, or secure her in a towel so that she can’t run anywhere. If you’re having trouble combing out the mats you could also trim her mane back which for the moment will help her to stay untangled longer so that you can work on gaining her trust again. How long have you been in the new house?

[Jelly]

Oh my goodness thank you for all these suggestions! I truly hadn’t considered changing her hay type! That’s genuis!
We’ve been in the house for about 8 months now and we’re signed on to stay for another year once this one is up. Afterwards I will certainly be looking for a newer home to rent, as this one is 100 years old and could very well have structural problems we are not aware of.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your advice. I’ve had Toby for about two and a half years now but I still feel like I have so much to learn. I’ll try grooming her again tomorrow and get to work on tracking down a filter and some different hay.

[Muj Mom N Bun]

I was also going to suggest a change of hay… sometimes there is a grass allergy so I have heard of people resorting to oat grass and wheat grass. I totally agree with the air purifier and is there another room you could put her in that is a little bigger? I rent in a 100 year old house as well, I totally understand about space issues, structural issues, possible mold… the works.

[Wick & Fable]

Switching hay brands, switching to compressed hay (like Oxbow hay stacks) vs. loose hay may help as well. Vacuum and dust weekly, and have a re-usable breath mask (you can even get a rabbit one: http://www.amazon.com/KOMESICHI-Towel-Washable-Rabbit-Large/dp/B01MQO6IXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525877671&sr=8-1&keywords=breath+mask+rabbit&dpID=41S4sU0qYWL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch) when you go to interact with the hay.

My allergies set off from both Wick’s hay and his fur, so I understand your turmoils to an extent.

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.

[Daisy]

Is there a possibility to move her to the living room, kitchen or another room? Usually living rooms and kitchens are better about ventilating and you’ll move in and out much more often than a bedroom, so maybe it will decrease your asthma issues.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Very sorry to hear this. I really hope you can figure this out and keep your bun.

[Author]

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