Opinions please: Have sick bunny undergo surgery by non rabbit-savvy vet or not?

[andrea]

My beloved 6-year old bunny Brigette has one very swollen nipple for about a month now, and I detected a small movable lump on her belly two weeks ago. She is unspayed and has never given birth. I consulted a vet online and she advised four procedures to eliminate the possibility of cancer – bloodwork, spaying, mastectomy and removal of the lump.

However, the local vets where I live are not rabbit-savvy by their own admission, and I am afraid that Brigette may not survive the four procedures at their “inexperienced” hands. My other bunny Timi died two years ago after the vets weren’t able to do much for her.

I love Brigette so much – she’s my baby – and I’d rather make the most of her life than imagine the possibility that she would not make it through the procedures. But I also dread when her sickness progresses and I see her suffering. It’s all breaking my heart.

What would you do?

 

[longhairmike]

i would find the next closest rabbit vet within one-tank-of-gas drive who is confident they can do the procedure, even if it does mean a road trip and spending the nite at a crummy motel.

[LoveChaCha]

I agree with longhairmike.

If you are willing to do the drive to get your bunny well and to get her to an experienced vet, I would do it.

Bunnies are our kids and are counting on us for their care.

[meow1]

Yep. Find a good vet. I called almost every vet in our yellow pages and asked them who the “go to rabbit vet” is, then go from there. You might want to try any kind of “exotic” pet vet, or farm animal veterinarian as well. Here is a link from house rabbit society with some veterinarian listings http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

[Huckleberry]

Do you have a college nearby? Some colleges with vet schools have exotic pet specialists.

[Monkeybun]

I wouldn’t chance a surgery done by someone who doesn’t know bunnies. Bunnies are very different than cats or dogs, things need to be done a different way. If the vet doesn’t know this, and how to treat a rabbit… it’s scary.

Try and find a rabbit specialist, even a long drive is better than taking the risk!

[RabbitPam]

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html

Here is a link to the House Rabbit Society’s webpage describing vet options. In it you will find more links to lists of vets you can look up to find one nearest you. I would try the 2 links provided: the HRS lists go by zip code I think, and the other one is a vet list site where you pick your state etc.

Then you can see how far the nearest rabbit savvy vet is to you, and call them for an opinion about whether you should make a trip or stick with your current vets. Some vets are willing to consult with other vets in unusual situations, though I am inclined to think that a vet who has performed surgery on a rabbit is worth making an arrangement even if it means an hour or more drive to get there.

[andrea]

Thank you all so much for your opinions and the links, I appreciate them a lot. It’s great to hear from other bunny lovers. I hear you – I will try to find a rabbit savvy vet to help Brigette. I hope I have positive news to share soon.

Thanks again, longhairmike, lovechacha, meow1, livingonfaith854, monkeybun & rabbitpam! ♥

[jerseygirl]

She is beautiful! Just want to wish you luck and send out some (((vibes))) for your Brigette.

[KatnipCrzy]

I hope you are able to find a great vet soon- you obviously love your bunny very much. And we welcome loving bunny moms (or dads) here!!! Please keep us updated.

Julie

[andrea]

Thank you so much, jerseygirl and katnipcrzy. Yes Brigette is beautiful, and you bet I love her so much. I’ve never told anyone ‘I love you’ as much as I’ve told Brigette (& Timi, before she died). ♥

[RabbitPam]

You know, I hear it is healing to post pix of beautiful bunnies. At least, it makes US feel good!

[Author]

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