living with cookie

[rabbitowner]

hi there, my first post so please bear with me.

I’ve had my rabbit cookie for over 4 years now, and the poor boy has had nothing but trouble, stasis 4-5 times, 2 operations on his stomach, water infections and a whole load of dental issues which at the moment involves having him having to be put under to have them clipped every 3 weeks. I’ve even had to take him to a specialist in Bristol for CT scans on his teeth and stomach.

Luckily me and my partner know all the signs and he’s usually in the vets within hours of any trouble. About 4 weeks ago however we adopted a female partner for him, they get on fine but its now hard to tell when something is wrong as his personality is changing a lot. He’s eating and being himself and he seems really healthy but is grinding a lot, not just when they’re together. We took him to the vet like normal and all seems well, but as usual we were told to just keep him on his anti-biotics for his water infection and metacam for his pain relief, but i hate keeping him on meds just for the sake of it. I’m really happy with my vet service but just wondered if anyone else has any other ideas.

[RabbitPam]

Hi, and welcome. Honestly, it sounds like his issues are both chronic and complicated. You’ve been through a lot and are obviously taking good care of him. I would consider getting a second opinion just to have a new frame of reference, and possibly ask both vets what they think the long term effects of the medications he’s on may be. It may be that he needs to go off some for a while, or there is not lasting damage that would be any worse than living with the chronic problems. I just don’t know, and a vet would. I doubt you want to leave your current vet, but a fresh insight might give you some peace of mind, and a back up option if you ever find you can’t reach your vet and need to take him to someone else.

If he’s grinding his teeth in pain, not pleasure, it does sound like a visit may be called for. Write down your questions and bring them, or even email your vet, or a new vet, and ask them. You will probably need to make an appointment for the discussion, but with your ongoing current vet, she may be able to relieve your concerns on these questions directly via email Worth a try.
(And glad he is enjoying his new companion.)

[LittlePuffyTail]

I ditto, RabbitPam. If you can get a second opinion, go for it.

I’m very sorry to hear Cookie has had so many health problems. I can certainly relate, I’ve been there as well.

Not sure what you mean by “water infection”?

I agree with you, I wouldn’t want my bun constantly on antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. Please keep us updated on Cookie.

(((((Healthy New Year Vibes for Cookie)))))

[Author]

Messages