Hind Leg Issue Related to Death? (Pease read)

[Grant]

Our dwarf hotot just passed. Not sure of her age, but we had her for 5 years.

2 weeks ago she started favoring her right hind leg. The leg wasn’t limp and it seemed like she still had full use of it when she needed. She would occasionally thump with that foot and remained mobile. It seemed like her leg was gradually improving. She was also eating/drinking normally until the end.

A couple years ago an xray revealed that she had dozens of small masses inside her body. The vet said that those weren’t treatable.

Do you think the leg issue had anything to do with her death? Or those small masses? Over the last couple months she had seemed to naturally ‘slow down’, laying down more often, sleeping deeper than previously.

We had a vet appointment for the leg, but cancelled it after she started improving. Obviously we regret that decision. I’m really hoping that it was natural causes/unavoidable but this uncertainty is hard to deal with.

[Wick & Fable]

I’m very sorry for your loss.

Any rabbit who has dozens of masses does not have a good prognosis unfortunately. The leg issue was most likely a consequence from the masses, which probably interfered with the spine and nerves. Rather than masses or legs, it probably all was a natural consequence of this underlying issue; not one or another. I don’t think there’s anything you could have done, and while that’s sad to hear, I hope it brings you closure to understand there is sadness and also peace that you did the best you did what you could. The masses were untreatable, so progression was inevitable.

She is now binkying free on the other side of the rainbow, supported there by a caring, loving owner.

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.

[DanaNM]

I’m also very sorry for your loss. 🙁

Was she spayed? I am wondering if the masses were reproductive cancer based on her age. I agree with Wick that the leg may have been a symptom of something else.

. . . 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.  

[Bam]

I’m very sorry for your loss.

It sounds like she was really sick. It must’ve been a slow growing form of masses.

Its not likely that her leg issue had anything to do with her death that you could have prevented.

There would have been nothing you couldve done differently. I’m glad she got a few more years with you after she was diagnosed with the masses.

 

 

[Grant]

Thanks for the nice and informative responses. We are still sad but a little relieved now.

@DanaNM Yes she was spayed by the group we adopted her from.

[Author]

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