Opinions Needed Please

[LuvOurStewart]

We had our little Stewart in to see the vet on a Tuesday for a nail clipping and quick check up.  We told the vet that on Monday Stewart had a day of tary stool all day, but was better by the evening.  He did get some Critical Care w/Pineapple juice.  Tuesday he was better but had a VERY stressful visit with the vet.  The vet palpated his belly and found nothing.  Checked his heart and lungs that he said sounded great.  Friday morning we were at the Emergency Vet Services with them quickly giving Stewart fluids along with pain meds.  His body temp was at 94 degrees.  Vet stated he wanted to get him stabilized and then would do  exrays and blood work.  We got to see Stewart while in an “incubator” set up and he actually looked much better to us.  Vet said to go home & will call us.  Well he did call us about 1 1/2 hours later telling us that our Stewart passed.  He never got to do the exrays and blood work.  My question is should Stewarts normal vet have found something when he palpated his tummy???

[Asriel and Bombur]

Stasis can be caused by a variety of things, and if it’s fast moving they won’t always feel something. Bombur had a similar incident a year ago. We woke up one morning just a few hours after going to bed. Bombur wasn’t interested in anything and was belly to the floor. We rushed him to the vet to find out he had enterotoxemia. It’s basically a severe case of Stasis where there’s not so much a blockage, but bacteria from the gut is leaking into the bloodstream. He was at the vet for 2 days in an incubator because of a very low body temp. Basically part of his gut wall got loose which cause the leakage into the bloodstream. The vet managed to stabilize him, but it happened very quickly and it wasn’t something that was easily felt. In fact the doctor didn’t feel anything in his abdomen. She found it through a series of xrays and ultrasounds.

[LuvOurStewart]

Asriell and Bombur, thank you for your reply.  I wonder if that is what our Stewart had?  One thing that is very puzzling is why Stewart looked much better to us after being on liquids and pain meds and then he passed?  We thought for sure that Stewart was going to pull through when we first saw him.  We are so very devastated and carrying a lot of quilt.  We feel we let Stewart down, we didn’t do our job as his humans.  I am very happy to hear your bunny pulled threw the ordeal!!

[jerseygirl]

I’m very sorry for your loss. I do understand the questions that come. And even the guilt. I’ve experienced both. But please be kind to yourself and let that unwarranted guilt go.

One thing that is very puzzling is why Stewart looked much better to us after being on liquids and pain meds and then he passed? We thought for sure that Stewart was going to pull through when we first saw him.

With his low temp when you brought him in, its likely he was in shock and not very responsive. Bringing his temp up was vital before giving meds and fluids. Once that was done, the pain meds could take effect. So I suspect you saw him perking up because he was more comfortable. Even so, if there was an undiagnosed condition still progressing, it could have taken its toll.
If it gives you some comfort, know that at least Stewart was having any pain managed.

*Binky Free, Stewart*

[Bam]

I’m very sorry you lost Stewart. The stressful vet visit could have started the stasis episode – meaning there wouldn’t have been anything to feel for your regular vet at that time. Stasis can progress quickly. It’s often a symptom of an underlying condition, and we dont get to know what because he passed before blood tests and x-rays could be taken. Stabililizing him first was very wise of your vet, even though the outcome in this case wasn’t good – the stress of x-rays and blood drawing can be too much for a poorly bunny. At least this way he was comfortable. Tarry stools can be a sign of practically anything, from a slight disruption of the GI microbiota to a serious condition like kidney failure.

You didn’t fail Stewart. I know it feels like you did, because that’s how it feels when you lose a rabbit. They are so tiny and frail and we love them so much and we always wish we could’ve done more. You did what you could. He got highly appropriate vet care.

[Asriel and Bombur]

Thanks Stewart Don’t blame yourself! You gave him the best life and it sounds like you did everything possible for him.

[Author]

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