PLEASE HELP, SOMETHING MIGHT BE REALLY WRONG!*WE WENT TO THE VET*

[bunnycutie]

 sooo, i don’t know if i am over worrying. it seamed like buttons was peeing alot. his shavings seemed too wet. so i switched to kitty litter so i could see better. and yes, i know i shouldnt have done this, but i felt it was the only way to figure out the problem. blah blah blah. i watched to make sure he didnt think it was food. he didn’t eat any.  and quess what? teeny wet when i left for school and five hours later, when i get home, the whole things all mushy wet and icky and muddy wet! but no poopy butt, normal poops are in there. but SO much pee! why? is this normal?

[katie, max & penny]

hmm could be a bladder infection or UTI. i would seek a vets opinion.

[bunnycutie]

maybe he just always pee’s alot.

[bunnycutie]

oh dear. so bothersome.

[katie, max & penny]

you need to take him to the vet.

[Furface]

That sounds like a lot to me too. A vet would definately be what I’d be thinking.

[HoppyBinkies]

I agree with the others, he really needs to see a vet.

[blackfang]

I agree with others, too.

You’ll need to take your bunny to the vet ASAP!

I hope he/she will be ok soon

[MooBunnay]

If this is a big change from before, then your bunny should go to a vet. Big changes in behavior like that would signal that something is wrong. I do have a bunny that does pee more than the others, but this is something she has always done, and therefore it is not as much of a concern. If one of my bunnies that doesn’t usually pee that much starts peeing a lot more, then I would take them to the vet to see what the underlying issue is.

[BinkyBunny]

I ditto “take your bunny to the vet” but I also wanted to ask what kind of kitty litter are you now using? Some of them can be dangerous for rabbits. You also said you used “shavings” prior to this. What type of wood were the wood shavings?

[Beka27]

While some buns do pee a lot more than others, if this is abnormal for HIM, it needs to be addressed.

[RabbitPam]

Let us know what the vet says. Were you able to get an appointment soon?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

My bunny Noot pees a lot but that’s normal for him-since your noticing this-that means it’s not normal. A vet trip is a good idea-make sure the vet knows this is new behavior and checks for a UTI or diabetes. Also-I’d take the kitty litter out and move back to your normal litter.

Keep us posted! {{VIBES}}

[bunnycutie]

ummm he has been using the clay kind of litter. i wanted to observe for a few more days, since because i was using pine shavings, i can’t tell whats normal in those. i have to talk to my mom about it, well i tried. im going to pay for it.  she(mom) refuses to spend a penny of her money on a rabbit, apparently she says they “dont get sick,  rabbits they have lived for thousands of years”. well guess what? so have we and we get sick and go to the doctor! why is a bunny any different? im brainstorming ways to make money. how much do you think it will cost? 100? 150? 200? i have 16 dollars. i can make all kinds of money by sunday if i need to. gee wiz its hard being a kid. i can bake cookies to sell, dog walk(lots of dogs in my neighbor hood), paint flower pots and sell them, make bracelets, etc.) all my neighbors are willing to help a kid in need.  any ideas on whays to raise money?

 

first im going to call and see what they want for a urine sample, hopefully under 16$! i wonder if that would show anything? then, after i raise some money, i will make and appt. it might be smarter to skip the urine sample and save the money. what do you think? would it help?

 

im worried. will he be in pain from a UTI? i read diabetis can be kept in control when you feed them a special diet. i am sure the vet would help me figure on out after his visit. isn’t that their job?  so im going to go call. 

 

i will keep you updated! i will raise the money speedy quick! 

[bunnycutie]

*one*

[bunnycutie]

do you want a pic? :'(

[Sarita]

Diabetes is rare in rabbits so I don’t think it would be that.

I’m not certain what to tell you about raising money but urinalysis are about $45.00 plus the vet will want to see your rabbit. Vets aren’t going to diagnose anything over the phone – it’s unethical to do that.

[katie, max & penny]

your vet may be able to work out a payment system since you are a teenager and your mom is unwilling to help.

and i would try talking to your mom again. its very important to be mature and keep your cool. don’t yell at her or break down in tears. explain to her that rabbits get sick just like any other animal. ask her to please loan you the money and you can work it off doing whatever she sees appropriate. explain to her that this is your animal and you love buttons very much and it would be very difficult for you to raise the money quick enough to take him to the vet as soon as he needs. be calm and rational. if she still remains unwilling, i would call the vet and explain your situation.

also if you have any other family members that would be willing to help you, try that before the vet.

i really hope this helps. i feel for you.

[bunnycutie]

this is only 5 hours of damage

[bunnycutie]

here’s the color when i pour it in fresh, so you can compare

[bunnycutie]

 thanks katie.  what support! yes, i try to be calm. its getting alot better hehe. maybe when she gets home from work, and i show here how his peeings gotten even worse, she begin to get concerned. my vet is really nice. maybe we can work something out. 

[katie, max & penny]

let us know what happens ok?

[BinkyBunny]

Oh, what a frustrating position to be in. I hope your mother comes around. Your bunny can be in pain and uncomfortable if this is a UTI, AND it’s not something that will just go away. Hopefully your mother will understand thatn you love your bunny and you are wanting to do the “responsible humane” thing. This is a living creature that you took responsibility for and at your age, you can only be expected to bring in so much and by your mom allowing you to have a rabbit, they also had to take on some responsibilty due to how much you can financially bring in – depending on your age, it would be unfair for you to have to come up with a larger amount of money in a short amount of time. So maybe you could strike up a deal with her – work out a “payment” plan maybe with your mom if the vet won’t do it.

Oh, on another note – I would take out the “clay” cat litter asap. (especially if it is the clumping kind). As it can cause all sorts of health problems. I would also avoid pine shavings as the phenols in the oils of the shavings have been known to cause liver problems and other possible health issues. You can still use pine, but try a compressed pelllet – like feline pine or inexpensive option would be wood stove pellets.

Keep us updated and good luck with the very difficult situation. You are trying to do the right thing.

[RabbitPam]

I would also urge you to take out the litter and get either Feline Pine, the plain original unscented bag of pellets for cats (which is the cheapest and it’s sold in my grocery store here so it’s really convenient to find), or switch to Aspen shavings. Those are in pet stores and also healthy for your bunny.

Katie’s advice is wise. Your Mom is going to take care of you, her own baby, if you need a doctor. You are trying to be the same protector of your bunny as well. She is actually responsible in part for your bunny’s health and well being by allowing you to have a pet if you’re under aged. So a payment arrangement for Mom is a good choice. There are a lot of helpful chores a working Mom needs done, so I would make a list of those you would be happy to do in exchange. (The family’s laundry, vacuuming or dusting, getting lunches in the morning for anyone going to school or work, that sort of thing.)

And I especially like dog walking as a source of income for you in general.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

For earning money for vet bills-maybe you can write a contract to your mom that you will pay back every cent of the bill (so you can see the vet earlier)?

Keep us posted!! {{VIBES}}

[jerseygirl]

Could there be any other way water could be getting into his box? Like a leaking water bottle over his box, a pot plant being watered nearby. Seems an awful lot of pee. Is he actually drinking lots also to be peeing that much? How does he seem otherwise? Hope you can find a solution to getting him seen.

[KatnipCrzy]

I would also recommend removing the clay litter from his litterbox- it is not just the direct eating of it that you need to be concerned about- but rabbits have really furry feet and are likely to groom and ingest the litter off of their feet- especially if it is “wet and muddy” looking like it is after 5 hours.

Can you tell how much more water he has been drinking?  The vet will probably want to know that.  If he drinks out of a bottle you should be able to figure it out pretty easily.  Have you changed his diet in any way?  added new treats, different pellets, etc?

I agree that looks like a lot of urine for a small bunny- and Buttons should definitely be checked out by a vet.  Other members have great suggestions for getting your Mom on board for helping you which I think is going to be necessary.  Legally you may be too young to authorize medical treatment and the vet may need Mom’s OK.

Maybe you can make arrangements with your Mom for you to reimburse all of the vet expenses AND save up another set amount, $50 or so, that will be set aside for any future vet care for Button’s.  Maybe by showing her you are serious and committed to his care now and in the future that will help convince her.

 

[bunnycutie]

so to the point. no UTI. yay!

we made a appt 4 this morning round ten am.

talked to dad, who helped me pay. yay! good daddy, hehe!

mild diabetis though. he got a insulin booster shot. shouldn’t need another, cuz his is so mild. unless i notice probs. so he should eat mostly hay. dark leefy greens w/ limited herbs. no fruit or sugry veggies. no treats, no no no! no more than 1 tbsp of pellets a day, but his diet should mostly be hay, since for his condition it has the no sugar factor. diet: 75% timmy/bluegrass hay. then the rest should be veggies and 1 tbsp pellets. glad i figured it out.

[bunnycutie]

we did urine test, physical exanimation, blood test, etc. lots stuff!

[Sarita]

That’s good! Glad your dad helped you out.

Did the vet say what could have brought on the diabetes?

[Monkeybun]

whew, glad its something easily managed with diet and not something worse! And yay for dad!

[Sarita]

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/GI_diseases/M…abetes.PDF

I found the above article on diabetes in rabbits.

[Deleted User]

thank goodness!
thankfully it was mild and it didn’t need surgery or anything. he seems like a cute bunny.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Wonderful news!!! My mom’s friend has a diabetic dog and he needs shots three times a day-oh man would that be trouble! So glad to hear

[katie, max & penny]

I’m so glad you got to the vet!!!

Thank goodness for Dads. I’m sorry about Buttons’ diabetes but it seems easily manageable which is good!

[QueSará]

Just curious… how does the vet know that it’s a mild case of diabetes?  Diabetes is extremely rare, even in mild cases, and it takes multiple blood tests to confirm.  Did the vet run any tests on Buttons?  I’m just wondering what the effects of an insulin shot on a NON-diabetic rabbit would be with such a hasty diagnosis. =/

 

ETA: Looks like OP says there were blood and urine tests done, but don’t these take at least a day to get results back?

[bunnycutie]

its a mild case because the glucose or whatever (that was taken in a series of tests, both blood urine etc) was at a high enough level to be considered diabetic but low enough to be mild. so much info, i kinda got confused so he doesn’t neeed regular shots. just can be managed by a careful diet. i tests took about four hours when they called w/ the results. :0) so glad for him t o be healthy! oh and saarita- thanks for the link

[bunnycutie]

ohhh the vet said it could have been genetic. but also, sometimes she said rabbits develop it for an unknow cause. this kinda confuse me.

[KatnipCrzy]

You should definitely contact Button’s breeder to let them know that your 1 year old rabbit was diagnosed with diabetes-.

I do find it a bit alarming that the vet was able to diagnosis “mild diabetes”.  Does Buttons need to go in for more tests to monitor the glucose level or is there any tests that she/he recommends at home? 

There really is no such thing as “mildy diabetic” or not- a person or pet either has diabetes (either type) or not.  Does your vet have any experience with treating a diabetic rabbit?  Diabetes can affect more than just increased drinking/ urinating- it also affects the circulatory system, etc.  I have never heard of a pet or person getting a one time insulin shot.

You should call the vet back and talk to him/her and ask questions until you completely understand Button’s condition- you paid for an office exam and tests so you deserve to have all your questions answered.

 

 

[bunnycutie]

yea, im gonna talk to his breeder. give a heads up. in a week he will need to go back for more tests. he may need another shot. and yea, i shoud question my vet more. i will. i think she said she has never treated another diabetic rabbit.

[Furface]

I have no idea if it would be the same for bunnies but:
I went to the doc with a severly abcessed (1 day not let go) tooth & had to have IV antibiotics.
After the episode was over, doc sent me for blood work because diabetics are in my family.
Sugar, cholesteral, & blood pressure was through the roof. She also tested for Vitamin D.
Told me I was very Vitamin D low & to take 1000 UI a day.
2 weeks later all my blood was normal.

[Furface]

I want to clarify – In no way am I saying give your bunny Vitamin D & particularly not 1000 IU of it.
It would be something to ask your vet about though, if a deficiency can screw up my sugar reading – it’s worth asking the vet about it.

[bunnytowne]

I have heard of rabbits having diabetes.  So this is something  you can control with diet.  Thats good. 

My hubby has diabetes runs in his family.  IT isn’t so bad he has to take insulin shots he takes the pills. 

With your bunny his sugar was probably slightly elevated and the diet will hopefully control it.   Thats good news on the food part.

I am wondering what insulin shots for buns would be. If a bun with serious high level sugar diabetes would need blood test with the glucose tester at home.  Hmm.  Maybe I should go read Medirabbit too.

[TARM]

Wouldn’t a vet just need to test the blood sugar to detect diabetes? I mean, people do daily finger pricks themselves every day. I don’t see why it would be any harder to diagnose a rabbit. And maybe Buttons is considered “borderline” rather than mild. In that case it may very well be managable after an initial insulin booster.

[KatnipCrzy]

Managing Diabetes in a pet can be very challenging.  There are 2 different types of diabetes.  And as far as I am aware there is only insulin and or/diet therapy- I do not think that there are any oral meds.

My cat was diganosed as diabetic earlier this year.  He is on insulin- which he feels much better on- I can see a huge improvement in how he feels- he is more affectionate and social now.  But if I give him his insulin and he has not eaten- if he blood sugar drops too low he could get hypoglycemic and die.  I have to test his blood sugar at home every couple of weeks.  On my day off, when my husband is home to hold the cat- we have to draw his blood and check it on a glucose monitor every 4 hours for 4 readings to see where his sugar is at during the day to make sure it is not getting too high or too low and the dosage needs to be adjusted.

He also had to go on an ultra low carb diet and needs a consistent amount of carbs- so no treats with carbs- only a certain low carb pheasant treat that he will eat.

It took more than one test to diagnosis him since when cats are stressed their glucose levels typically raise above normal- even in a young, perfectly healthy cat.  The glucose can also “spill over” into the urine- and the urine could test positive for glucose from the stress alone.  He had a fructosamine test done- that value is more indicative of what the bodys glucose level is typically like as opposed to an on-the-spot glucose test. 

I am lucky that I can test at home since being at the vet would be more expensive but the results would be higher than typical due to stress of being there.

He feels so much better on the insulin therapy- I can see a difference in him- he had become so gradually less affectionate and social that the return to normal was very obvious.  But insulin therapy is a bit scary since he can’t tell me that he did not eat, or if he barfed up his food or if he is feeling “dizzy” and his blood sugar might be too low.

I had dwarf hamsters that were diabetic and the only real way to test them is to check the urine when large output is noticed- and since they are prone to it I fed them a low carb (no corn) diet anyway.

 

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