Not again…

[BearMom]

I wanted to believe so much that what happened to the first flemish giant I got in the beginning of April was a one-time freak thing – but I guess it wasn’t. He died 2 days after we got him when he got diarrhea and never recovered. Several of you suggested not taking another bunny from this breeder, but the first one tested negative for things like coccida, and the breeder it was very rare for one of his bunnies to not make it once they got home, so I just didn’t think it could happen again. I feel like such a fool, but Lemur left us last night.

I haven’t been talking about it on here for a few reasons, but Lemur has had some issues since we brought him home. On the car ride home I noticed he had gas. I took him in right away to a rabbit specialist, one recommended on rabbit.org. She helped him get past the gas episode and got him eating good. Turns out he had coccidia and pin worms. He first went on 10 days of Albon, then he was still having soft poops so we tested him again and he still had it, but it was a very low count. We then gave him a round of Ponazuril to see if that would kick the coccidia. He was still having some soft and irregularly shaped poops after that treatment. I was cleaning constantly and removing all poops within hours, but he still wasn’t kicking this coccidia.

Then, Bear, my other bunny, started having some poop issues too. They haven’t been interacting or anything, so there must have been some sort of cross contamination by accident. I took in a sample from each of them and they both had coccidia now, Lemur with very low counts and Bear with a moderate count. They got another round of Albon each for 10 days, then the vet wanted me to bring in a sample a week after they were off it to see if it was gone. Towards the end of the Albon Lemur seemed to be doing better. All throughout this he has been eating fine, and although he wasn’t gaining weight at first, at one point he gained a whole pound in a week. He was having more soft poop again within the last couple days (they were never all better, but it was more again now) and lots of cecals, but he was mostly eating them. I was sure the coccidia was flaring up again and I decided to wait a day and bring in the samples to be tested again, which was yesterday.

Yesterday I brought the samples in and was waiting for the results. I was home most of the day and Lemur was a little less active. When I got up in the morning he didn’t run to the cage door to be let out, but when I opened it and reached in he woke up and ran right out. I figured I would just have to get him more medicine that night. I would have brought him in, but the exotics vet was out of town this week, so I made an appointment for Tuesday since he seemed fine enough to wait until then if we got more meds for what I thought was still coccidia. Well, at 4pm they called and told me both Bear and Lemur came back negative for coccidia, the meds had worked. I told the person that called that I was concerned because Lemur was still having some unusual poop, explained what was going on, and they agreed that bringing him in Tuesday was a good idea, but that since he was still eating fine they didn’t think bringing him in now was needed.

Then I left home for a while, and got a call from my husband at 5:45, less than 2 hours later, and diarrhea was just pouring out of him. I immediately came home, and rushed him to the emergency vet. His temp was low (around 96) and even with warmers his temp kept dropping. He still had diarrhea just leaking from him constantly. Just before 8 the vet said she thought it would be best to put him to sleep, as he wasn’t responding to treatment and his body wasn’t able to regulate his temp – they said he was dying and likely in pain. He wouldnt even hold his head up anymore. I held him in my arms as they put him to sleep. He was still leaking so much that it leaked through 3 blankets wrapped around him onto me.

They are going to do an autopsy, and I’ll give that info to the breeder, but I know know he wont care. I let him know Lemur tested positive for coccidia the day after we got him and he never bothered to respond. I let myself be fooled by this guy because I really wanted a flemish giant – I really wanted a super loving cuddly bunny – it was comforting during hard times. I love my Bear more than anything, but she just isn’t a cuddler like Lemur was.

I didn’t talk about what was going on here because I knew he was getting the best care with the rabbit specialist, and I was just scared to even talk about how something was wrong with him, like it would curse him. On top of everything else, my husband and I decided to separate 2 days ago, the day before my baby died. I feel like my world is ending.

I’m sorry for the really long post – and I’m sorry that I didn’t listen to you guys about getting another one from this breeder. I was a fool and trusted him. But I loved Lemur, and I’m glad he at least got a month with us, and didn’t die while still at that breeders (he had a ton of rabbits at the time and I know he hasn’t found homes for all of them yet).

[Beka27]

I’m so sorry. I really am. How heart-breaking to lose two, and especially Lemur since you had him a longer time and were able to bond with him more.

(((Binky Free Lemur)))

How is Bear doing?

[Sarita]

Hugs to you – I’m so sad to hear this. You took great care of him. He had a better life being with you even if was for a short time.

[BearMom]

Thanks.

Bear is doing fine it seems. Her pops are normal and she is active. We have been really good about keeping them apart (she cant get to where he was at all) and cleaning constantly. We got this special cleaner from the vet even. I’m keeping an eye on her though.

[Elrohwen]

How sad! He was turning into such a special guy already. I’m glad he had at least one good month with you. ((Hugs))

[RabbitPam]

I’m just heartsick for you reading this. What an ordeal you’ve been through, especially with Bear being ill as well. Please do not feel badly about what we might have thought – you trusted this breeder and gave a lovely bunny a great home.

It might be that the breeder needs to be inspected for the health of his whole group and conditions, so it doesn’t spread locally or have the rest suffer or go untreated. I think the local animal control officer might be a good one to inform, just with a call, to spare the others.

I am sorry about your separation as well. What a terrible time you are going through. Please know that we are here to support you, and are sending healing vibes to your Bear. {{{{}}}}}}}}

[BearMom]

Thank you so much, RabbitPam.

He was at the vet more times than I can remember in trying to beat this. And she is the best rabbit vet in the state – I have heard that from every other vet I have talked to.

He was such a sweet bunny and I loved him so much.

I’m so glad I have this community right now.

[BearMom]

I thought I should let you guys know too that I think Bear is going to be just fine. Her coccidia test came back negative yesterday and she is doing well. Eating and pooping normal. I’m so glad I have that little fur ball right now. She is tough as nails.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry to hear this. Lemur was such a sweetheart. I just adore that pic of him with his puppy. I’m so very sorry for you to have to go through this again.

We are all here for you. **Hugs**

[AbbyGirl]

I’m so sorry to hear of all you’ve been going through. I was in tears reading your post. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. (HUGS)

[Beka27]

I would definitely talk with someone to get legal advice. At the very least, you need your money back for the purchase price. Hang in there. Hugs.

[jerseygirl]

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry you’re going through this BearMom. Sending healing (((vibes))) your way.

Binky Free Lemur! We only got to know him a little but thank you for sharing him with us on BB. He was a gorgeous boy and I hope your mind starts to turn to the happier memories of the time you spent with him.

[Huckleberry]

Im so sorry to read this. You are really being put through the fire right now. Stay strong and cuddle with Bear all you can, she will bring you strength. I am deeply sorry for all of the battles you are facing right now. <<>> Good luck with everything.
I agree that you should call animal control about this breeder to help the rest of the bunnies from suffering.
We are all here for you! We offer our advice and support and love, so dont be afraid to talk to us. 🙂
<<>>

[BearMom]

Thank you so much, everyone. Your support means the world to me.

Every time I walk in the door of my house the first thing that pops into my head is “I need to let Lemur out”, and every time I start crying. I’ve just gotten in the habit of letting him out of his cage first thing when I walk in the door.

I’m trying to think of all the happy times. Like him climbing on me while I clean his cage, his hopping into my lap and taking a nap, and the bunny kisses. They make me happy and so sad at the same time – I was supposed to have years more of that love to come.

Bear is doing great and is supporting her mommy through everything. She has been such a great bunny – she is the reason I wanted another. I want her to have a friend someday. Although they were separate, we have french doors between the rooms they were in so they could see each other. She was starting to get used to the idea of him being here and I think they would have become best buddies. Next time I’m going to adopt, even though its a bit difficult in my area. Its a 45 minute drive to the nearest shelter with bunnies, they don’t usually have many so I might have to go a few times until we find one that is perfect for both me and Bear (she will go on bunny dates), but it will happen. And this time the bun will already be fixed and I’ll have a much better idea about its health.

Bear is doing wonderful – no problems since she was treated for coccidia. She is eating a ton and has perfect poop! The one treatment worked for her. I think that it took 3 treatments to get a negative result for Lemur may have been a sign that his body was compromised – my poor boy.

I’m going to go stay at a friends house tonight – I think I need it.

[Dee]

I’m so sorry- sometimes life just turns upside down all at once and it’s hard to get through it. I’m glad you are going to seek legal advice about that breeder- he sounds awful, like he really is just in it for the $$. It makes me angry that there are so many people out there like that- but I like to think that people like us, on Binky Bunny, outnumber them and I know we’re making a difference. You reporting the breeder will make a difference, and when you are ready, you can adopt a bunny from the shelter that you mentioned and give that bunny a wonderful life . I know it’s just brutal to really care about an animal or a person and then lose them, no matter how it happens. But it’s such a relief that Bear is doing well- being depended on for another’s well being really helps in hard times. I’ve been there, and it was what kept me going. Prayers and hugs- Dee

[lashkay]

I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through and what you’re going through. I’m so glad you and Bear can comfort each other, and for your loss of Lemur. You gave him a great month of life and he knew you loved him and loved you back even if he couldn’t show it at the end of his life. Hugs to you, and you are in my thoughts and prayers, as you are in many others’. You and Bear will pull through and there can be another companion for Bear and you in the near future.

[Cheddar33]

Oh BearMom, I’m so sorry for your loss and everything else that you are going through. That picture of Lemur and his dog was one of my favorite pics of all time. Binky free, Lemur.

[Deb'sBuns]

This made me so sad. I’m so sorry for what you went through with that awful breeder.

[BearMom]

Thanks for the support, everyone.

These last few days have been hard, really hard, but knowing I have a place where there are other people who love their bunnies as much as I do means a lot.

I’m obviously still really sad about what happened with my baby boy, but I’m really starting to accept that I did everything I could. He was such a sweet bunny – I’m never going to forget him. I’m trying to think of the good times we had together, even though we should have had many more. He loved me so much, that I know he wouldn’t want me to feel guilty or focus on the bad, he would want me to be happy about the time we did have together. I’m confident that he wouldn’t have lived as long as he did, and as happy as he was, if I wasn’t his mommy.

I haven’t heard back from the vet yet about autopsy results. I wonder if they are waiting to get back to me until the main rabbit vet gets back tomorrow and can look over anything they found. I might call tomorrow and ask if I’m up for it.

 

[BearMom]

*just cleaning things up*

[Cheddar33]

I wonder if you can somehow get in touch with other people who have bought rabbits from him and see what happened to their babies.

[BearMom]

I’m not sure if that would be possible, BUT my vet (which I didn’t have until Lemur) said she has seen many bunnies from him and they always have coccidia. Some have been as bad as mine, but not all. I’m wondering if the kind of coccidia he has is a worse strain now, or if it mutated and is really bad, maybe its even more than one kind (possibly the kind that attacks the liver?). Or if just the stress of the coccidia has left them vulnerable to some other disease going around there thats new for him and is making them REALLY sick. Maybe I’ll know more when Lemurs autopsy results are back.

[Monkeybun]

Not all breeders have issues with coccidia. Monkey was from a breeder, none of her siblings/parents had it. Responsible breeders would have no problem with it.

[BearMom]

*just cleaning things up*

[Beka27]

You need to be careful what you spread around, because if it ever came down to it, he could have a countersuit against you for… defamation, libel, slander, harassment, I don’t know which exactly, but any of those could be possible. I would stop all communications with him (and about him) at this point. You have what you need.

(Irresponsible) breeders don’t individually treat rabbits, it would be far to expensive and would prevent them from turning any kind of profit. So any meds they get, are in a very limited and diluted amount. I’ll bet the meds are enough to suppress the coccidia, but not enough to eradicate it. The buns look and act healthy. When they get to a new home, it flares up again, and the majority of people won’t know what is wrong. Many people also do not realize their buns can go see a vet, so they never try to treat it on their own. The bunny just dies… and that’s that.

As a final note: If you want to have this thread deleted (this is a public forum afterall), just message any one of us and we can do that for you.

[BearMom]

Thanks Beka, thats a good point. I just went through and edited my posts to remove anything I don’t want up.

I’m really missing Lemur – I’ve been cuddling his puppy at night, it helps me feel connected to him. It feels like he is watching over me and wants me to be ok.

[RabbitPam]

The first 2 weeks are the hardest and then that awful feeling in the pit of your stomach starts to be better. I am sure he is watching over you and trying to comfort you.
I am so glad to hear about Bear’s excellent progress.

Beka makes a good point, so if you contact animal control they can take it from there. Also, I would have thought that the vet would be obligated to report a repeat issue in case it was spreading locally, but maybe not. Still, it’s possible that animal control might want to talk to her about what she’s been seeing in order to get more facts – that don’t come from you.
Meanwhile, you can leave them a message then forget about it entirely. Just feel better and know there will be future bunnies to love for you and Bear.

[Author]

Messages