Is it best if I put my bunny down?

[Wabbyt]

I took him to vet a few days ago due to him grinding his teeth and not eating much. The vet took tests and the poor guy has heart disease, arthritis and a growth in his lungs(Possibly cancer). The vet didn’t say put the bunny down and when we brought him home he started to eat less and is grinding his teeth more frequently. He doesn’t even want to eat the critical care we gave him and the vet didn’t even bother giving us heart medication like she said she would. She didn’t even mention the grinding teeth when she took him over night, she didn’t even say what his status was whether he’ll get better or not. He’s already old, we don’t know his age since we adopted him but we’re guessing close to 8 or 9. What should I do? I don’t like seeing him suffer.

[Sarita]

You know, I know it’s hard but I am a big believer in not letting my pets suffer – I say think about it over the weekend (you can have the weekend) and see how you feel on Monday. Don’t feel bad about putting him down, we are so lucky we can do this and we should. Hugs to you and let us know what you decide.

If on Monday you feel like he is suffering, then I would say, it’s best to let him go. I have never ever regretted making this decision and I’m certain your vet would agree with you.

[JackRabbit]

I agree with Sarita. They can’t tell you when it hurts so they just suffer in silence. With the growth on his lung and heart disease, keep an eye an his breathing. *If* fluid starts to build up, it can build fairly quickly and cause great difficulty breathing.

[gingerg]

Goodness, I am so sorry for you and your bunny. That sounds like a *lot* of problems, and it doesn’t sound as though he has a strong chance of getting better. It also sounds as though you’re not very confident in your vet. Is there another option in your area, where you could get a second opinion? If it were me, and there was, I’d take my bun in just to see what the second vet says. If not… I think Sarita is right: give it the weekend to see how he’s responding. Sometimes, the right thing to do is to let go.

[Roberta]

Hugs to you and your bunny…. It’s never an easy decision… I had to put my cat Jebediah to sleep earlier this year.. He had a very aggressive cancer in his jaw that virtually appeared and became inoperable in less than a fortnight. When the time came the choice was obvious, no less difficult but I could see the pain and new it was the kindest most loving thing I could do as any surgery would only have made him suffer more and was not likely to give him more than a few days.. I was fortunate in that my vet came to my home and it was done it the sunroom on his favourite lounge in a relaxed setting.

[Eepster]

I think with bunnies it’s important to remember that they hide pain and discomfort even more than cats and dogs. As prey animals the instinct to hide is very very deeply ingrained.

I’m surprised you vet didn’t discuss making these decisions with you. I think you need to call her and get some firmer answers. Of course you want your bunny to live as long as he is getting some comfort in his life, but you don’t want him suffering when there is no escape from the discomfort. Your vet hasn’t given you any answer about where your bunny is at right now, so of course you are up in the air about the decision.

[longhairmike]

the breathing issue is going to be the most critical. if he is breathing anything like this http://youtu.be/zSvRy3fo_Fw (WARNING: this was Usako’s last day) then you need to get it done asap. suffocation is a horrifically terrifying and painful way for an animal to go.

[LongEaredLions]

I have no advice but what everyone has already said, but I am sending lots of ((((((comforting vibes))))) to you. I will be thinking of you in this hard time.

[Brandywine]

I have found that if you ever have to ask that question, the answer is always yes. *hugs*

[JackRabbit]

I never thought about it Brandywine, but looking back over the years, I think you may be right. The two times when vets have gently suggested it to our family, it has been in the best interest of our pets (dogs both times). Still a very very hard decision to make.

[Wabbyt]

We are putting him down tomorrow. The vet said he has cancer and we know he’ll only get worse since he’s already in terrible pain. I don’t want to see him like this and I’m pretty upset that a doctor specialized in rabbits couldn’t tell he’s suffering. It’s going to be very difficult since we put his best friend down only a month ago. It was hard enough to see a cage with only one bunny in it and soon it will be empty.

[tobyluv]

I’m very sorry that you have to take your bunny in tomorrow, but it sounds like that is the right thing to do to end his pain. I’m also sorry about the recent loss of your other bunny.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry. I know the heartache of having to say goodbye to a bunny with cancer. Please know that we are all here for you during this difficult time.

[LongEaredLions]

I am sorry. (((((Hugs)))))

[Sarita]

Hugs to you. I know it’s hard but I think you made the right decision.

[JackRabbit]

Definitely hard to do, but it would be even harder watching him suffer. We just went through this with our dog 2 weeks ago. My heart goes out to you.

[robyn and 'tipps']

So sorry for you. The image of an empty cage is profoundly sad. I feel for you. Hugs.

[Beka27]

I am so sorry you have had to make this decision, but it as hard as it is, you are doing the right thing for him. You don’t want him to be in pain. I will be thinking of you today.

[AnnaW]

I’m so sorry you had to make such a hard call. If he could talk, he would have said thank you for having the courage to let him binky over the bridge
xxxxx

[Author]

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