I’m kind of at a loss here.

[VelvetLion7]

We took Velvet in to the vet the other day and got him on meds for his fur loss (caused by slight pneumonia in his lungs) and had the vet look at his teeth.  Apparently his jaws don’t line up so his teeth aren’t grinding down as usual and growing really long.  (I think I mentioned this in other posts.)  Our vet told us this would need grinding and something else which I don’t remember.  The problem with this, is that my parents probably can’t afford the procedure- my mom already said we couldn’t take him back to the vet if anything else happened since it was so expensive.  I would try and work to pay off the bill, however I am hoping to get both bunnies desexed which I would have to pay for as well.  This being said, I’m worried that Velvet will not be able to eat and that I won’t be able to earn the money needed in time seeing as I don’t have a steady job.  I really don’t know what to do right now. 

[BinkyBunny]

  The fur loss was caused by pneumonia?  Did the vet explain that….was it from watery eyes  and nose or something?  I know I must be missing something there. 

Regarding the teeth issues –  Did the vet give you an estimate of ongoing care or talk to your folks about what is going to be required? I know it may be hard to know as each bunny’s teeth grow at different rates but maybe you could talk to her and let her know the situation and see if you can work out a deal that would be affordable for you.

I have had a rabbit with a slight mallocclusion – Rucy had to go a few times a year to get her molar spurs trimmed. (Her incisors rarely had to be trimmed but it’s not uncommon for bunnies that have incisor issues to develop spurs) Spurs are little hooks or sharp edges that develop on the back teeth and can cut the cheek (if not treated it can cause infection from the cheek cut).  Now I was lucky but some bunnies do have to get regular trims.

If the vet did not talk your mom or dad, do your folks know yet that your bunny will need ongoing treatment to not only have a pain free existence but as it progresses – to survive?  

I am just so sorry. This is definitely something that will need ongoing vet care.  I hate to see this happening to kids as it’s almost impossible for them to make the kind of money by themselves to fully care for pets. In the U.S., for the most part,  legally pets are the parents responsibility regardless if they say the pet is their child’s— partly because a child is not expected to take on all of the financial responsibility  -  And not getting vet care is not an option.  So you are really stuck in quite the frustrating situation.   One thing you can do though is inform your parents of assistance programs that may help them afford the vet care that will be needed. I copied and pasted this from the links section. 

 

• Vet Care and Financial trouble?  Resources to help people who are in a bind:

–http://www.imom.org/ - An organization that helps people with vet bills

-Great HSUS tips on how to pay for vet bills when you are having financial troublel

-http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/…bills.html ASPCA resource

                  

 

Keep us updated!

[RabbitPam]

BB has given you excellent information. I would print out her post and possible the first page of the websites she listed so you can show it to your parents and discuss what you need to do. If your vet could write to your parents with a breakdown of her recommendations, the costs, and her options for assistance, that would help.

I am concerned that your mother will not take him back for more care. If she is thinking the worst, ie. putting him down, that is expensive as well and a vet may not be willing to do that so it’s not really an option. But you may need to discuss finding a new home for him with someone who can afford to take on his teeth maintenance and give him all the care he will need. I don’t mean to alarm you, but your parents are responsible for his well being, and that may be one solution that is in his best interest, especially if you have a second bunny that will also need vet care if anything comes up. You can ask your vet who is local that she may recommend to get in touch with to find a foster home or a new parent. If your vet sees how tough your situation is, she may be able to help out more.
You might also ask another vet what their treatment and cost is, in case there’s a different vet who will work with you on the chronic care he needs.

[Beka27]

I’m really sorry. This is a difficult situation. I would normally also recommend a second opinion on the prognosis and what the long-term cost would be, but that is going to require another expense to get an exam at another vet.

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