I think it’s time for a new vet

[Zombie-Sue]

I took Tank to the vet last week and the vet squeezed his hips a little and said he couldn’t feel anything. He held onto his back legs so he would kick and said that one was a little bit slower than the other, but he was still using his legs just fine.

He was hoping around at the vet’s office just fine and he said that could be adrenalin but that we’d have to sedate him for an xray, and at this stage he didn’t think it was worth it. He said that he doesn’t treat enough rabbits to know what to give him in a case like this and he would have to research it. He said to check his back-end every day if he’s having trouble getting back there (instead of weekly like I was) but that could just be aging or even his vertebra could have fused, taking away his range of motion.

So I brought him home, and sawed down his litterbox (so it’s barely even a jump to get in it) but his accidents are becoming more frequent and I’m not sure what to make of it. Also, when he hops between levels, I’m seeing that he only makes it half-way sometimes and his back legs kick independently to launch him off of the ground instead of working together.

I really like my vet, and I really appreciate his honesty, but I feel like, as Tank gets older and his needs become more complex, I might need to find someone who does see a lot of rabbits (if there is such a vet in Des Moines). I feel bad though ;_____;

[Sarita]

Here is a list from House Rabbit Society:

http://rabbit.org/rabbit-veterinari…ings/#Iowa

Please tell me again how old Tank is….also I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to sedate (but that does truly depend on the rabbit and a light sedation should be okay).  I would say that an x-ray can show alot of information (like possible arthritis).

 I understand too how it would make you feel bad to seek out a new vet but I’m sure this vet would totally understand.

[Zombie-Sue]

Thank you, I called the guy on the top of the list and made an appointment. They’re booked quite a ways out. I asked, and she says that they do see QUITE a few rabbits (which would make sense, being the only practice in Des Moines, although the one in West Des Moines is close too).

I feel like I’m cheating on my vet lol. He really is lovely, and he hasn’t ever suggested anything totally stupid.

Tank is approximately 7, he will turn 8 this year we think.

[Sarita]

It sounds like your vet is cautious and that is quite alright but hopefully see the new vet who hopefully has more experience will be helpful – of course you will find out when you go :~)

Definitely at Tank’s age he can very very likely have arthritis – I think it’s very common for senior rabbits to have this. I know some rabbits seem to do well with the supplements (I’ve never had success) so maybe see what the new vet thinks of that. Of course it could be so many things :~)

Have you done any bloodwork on him lately? Might be a good idea at his age if you have not.

[Zombie-Sue]

No, I haven’t. What kinds of things can they learn from that?

If he does have arthritis, I hope that I can get him on something that will help. It’s kind of sad to see his friends (who are 1 and a half) deftly hop up to the first, second, and third platforms to get to the water bottle or just to snuggle up there while he is staring at the first platform, like he’s debating if it’s even worth it =(

[Sarita]

Here’s a good article from House Rabbit Society on geriatric workups for senior rabbits that will help explain about the bloodwork:

http://rabbit.org/to-a-long-life-geriatric-workups/ 

[Zombie-Sue]

Thank yooooou~

[Zombie-Sue]

Hey wait a minute

No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

whyyyyyy

* searched for the title in the URL and got it to come up. WEIRD.

[Sarita]

Weird – try this:

http://rabbit.org/to-a-long-life-geriatric-workups/

You may have to copy/paste this one.

[Sarita]

Actually it looks like you can click on the link.

[MoveDiagonally]

Nice article Sarita!
(The second one works for me)

[Author]

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