Popper sick again

[Ajpp50]

So Popper is sick again and I’m having a hard time dealing with all of this. I think that I’m still fighting because he seems to still be fighting. He’s still eating and is active, but I don’t know if it’s time to let him go. He seems to be having some difficulty breathing although the vets are not really sure that it’s snuffles. He’s been to 3 vets and has had a lot of medication and I’m no closer to figuring out what’s ailing him. Now he won’t stand up but still has feeling in both is legs. The vet seemed to be more concerned with him not standing and stated I may think about putting him down for that reason. I would never put him down specifically for that because I know there’s alrernatives like wheels ,but my concern is his breathing.  Nothing is showing on xrays he doesn’t have a runny nose, but the vet stated his breathing sounded a bit harsh. I’ve been crying for the last hour because I’m so stressed. I just wish I knew what was wrong with him and then if I knew that I’d done all I could I think I could make a better decision, but I don’t really know what’s wrong and I don’t know if what they’ve done is the right thing. I’m so conflicted and have no clue where to go from here.

[jerseygirl]

Oh gosh, I’m very sorry you’re going through this. Strangely, I clicked on you’re previous thread today about Popper doing better. I may paste the link here so we can get a better picture of his trials. Does his breathing improve when you hold him? I’m just thinking it may be pressure on his lungs do to not being able to stand (?).

Healing vibes to you both. Hope you get some answers.

[Ajpp50]

I will see if his breathing gets better when I hold him. I never thought about that.

[jerseygirl]

Previous posts on this:

https://www.binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/forumid/1/tpage/1/view/topic/postid/82427/Default.aspx#82427

https://www.binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/forumid/1/tpage/1/view/topic/postid/85412/Default.aspx#85412

https://www.binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/forumid/1/tpage/1/view/topic/postid/89607/Default.aspx#89607

Was there ever any bloodwork done to confirm the possible E.C. infection?

[Ajpp50]

They never did bloodwork and I mentioned it might be EC but they never explored it.

[jerseygirl]

Aslo Pasterella was mentioned in the previous threads. This could cause a respiratory infection………Sorry to throw these names at you, just looking at possibilties. I don’t know a whole lot about them and hope someone else will be able to help.

How did you feel about the last vet you visited? If they were concerned about the breathing, what did they do for this?
 

[Ajpp50]

Put him on smz/tmp again along with prednisone for the leg issues. He was doing well enough not 100% but better and tonight he started heavy breathing again and he isnt off the meds. I feel bad bc I think I stressed him bc he had a lot of urine on him so i bathed his butt and he seemed to have gotten really mad when I was trying to get him dry. Pasturella is what they are treating him for and right now im letting a warm mist from my nebulizer in his cage. There’s no medicine but I’m doing that just in case it’s too dry in my apartment for him. My vaporizer smells like Vicks when you run it so I don’t want to use that in the rabbit room. I might call the vet tomorrow but I hate the fact that shes talking about putting him down bc he cant walk. So I’m kinda weary of her. I had a fabulous vet in Lansing but dont want to have him in the car for over an hour to take him there. I’m not sure that would be good for him.

[jerseygirl]

Maybe the vet in Lansing would be willing to talk to you over the phone since you were a former client. You could ask his/her opinion before speaking with the other vet you’re now seeing. At the end of the day, it’ll be your decision for euthanasia. So make it clear to this vet that you want to look at treatment options first. That Popper in eating/drinking and having pain managed (if any) that you think it’s worth treating him before making that hard decision.

[Ajpp50]

Yep that’s where I’m at and I’m starting to wonder if some of the distress is coming from my apartment being too dry. He seems to be breathing a little easier since I had the nebulizer running in his cage. It’s really cold here in Michigan and I always have the heat on full blast. My own nose is dried out. I may look into getting him his own vaporizer or warm mist humidifier. I have a cold mist but I think it would make his room too cold.

[jerseygirl]

Wendyski has a thread going at the moment about using a nebulizer with her bunny Pepper. Maybe you could take a look at that.
Also, I’d suggest you email some of the Forum Leaders for advice. I don’t know what else to suggest. You and Popper will be in my thoughts!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Hi! That is sad, I’m very sorry.

If your vet hasn’t even run bloodwork, I don’t think they are doing their job-and advising you to euth when they don’t even know what it is is not Ok in my books. Of course if their is an untreatable illness then you may need to think about euth but not at this point, in my opinion.

I cannot remember where you are from, can you let me know and we can try to find you some better vets in the area? I think a few blood tests, and a culture sensitivity test are in order at the very least.

*hugs* {{Popper}}

[RabbitPam]

Forgive me if this was addressed before, but is it possible that he has allergies? I’m wondering if a change in litter to one for sensitive bunnies, and possibly different hay would help the sniffles. The legs could be a chronic condition, like arthritis, or weakness from a more fundamental illness he’s fighting. Does he stand once he’s had a bit of pain meds?

I totally agree with jerseygirl’s suggestion to call the vet in Lansing. She may even know of a recommended colleague in your area that would be better. I understand the vet’s rec. to put him down when he’s unable to stand (that’s usually very serious when it’s illness) but I would expect him to stop eating in that case as well, so there still might be more you can try. I think I would trust the Lansing vet’s advice, whatever that turns out to be.

[Beka27]

i’m sorry you’re having to go thru this again! i was very excited when you said before he was doing better! it’s frustrating when vets (and human docs for that matter!) just don’t have the answers you’re looking for. please keep us posted on how he is and if you can figure something out with your old vet…

[KatnipCrzy]

What vet are you taking him to in Grand Rapids now?  I agree with the others- call the vet and Lansing for advice and who she recommends in the Grand Rapids area. 

I am really surprised that they have not done any bloodwork or cultures on Popper.  If you are not able to find a vet competent enough to recommend this in Grand Rapids it might be worth the trip back to Lansing!

Julie

[Ajpp50]

I’m taking him to the animal clinic and they are vets for the zoo. I’m going to call the lady in lansing today on my lunch.

[Sarita]

I agree that it might be worth the trip to Lansing for him. It doesn’t sound like the current vet has been very thorough by not doing a culture or bloodwork.

Is the current vet you are taking him to the ones that are vets for the zoo? I’m glad you are calling your other vet in Lansing too.

[Ajpp50]

The Current vet is the zoo vets. I called the vet in Lansing and she was busy but she’s going to call me back. I’m thinking I’m just going to make an appt and take him back this weekend. It’s weird that the vets have not thought to do blood work before putting him on all those meds. His breathing seemed to be better when I left the mist from my nebulizer run in his cage with only water in it. He’s still active and even begs for treats so I jsut feel like i need to keep seeking answers.

[Sarita]

The vet in Lansing will probably want to see him anyway so she can prescribe any medication if needed. Please keep us updated.

[jerseygirl]

Ajpp50, I’m glad Popper was able to improve somewhat with the nebulizer. Please keep us posted. My best wishes going out to you!

[KatnipCrzy]

For pets that are congested, being in the bathroom with the door closed while someone is showering can help.  If moisture seems to be helping, it certainly won’t hurt to try that in the mean time before you can get Popper back to your good bunny vet.

[MooBunnay]

I’m sorry to hear that Popper still having some troubles. I know how hard it is when your bunny is sick because they can’t just tell you what is wrong. I know you are feeling very stressed and panicked, but you really are doing the very best that you can in this situation. It is very difficult to diagnose and treat a bunny since they really try to hide any ailments the best they can, and it is even harder when your vet is far away. I think that the idea to make an appointment is a very good one. You can make Popper very comfortable in his carrier, and just drive slow when possible, and I think that will help keep him calm while driving.

[Ajpp50]

I didn’t get a chance to talk to Dr Seager in Lansing yet. When I called she was busy but his current vet finally called and offered to do blood work. I’m still going to look into taking him back to Lansing. His breathing seems to get worse at night which is weird. I don’t know what’s going on.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

*hugs* Well I’m glad your trying this other vet, sounds promising! If he’s still active and looking for treats, I’m with you-it’s still time to see if you can get some answers Keep us posted and good luck! {{VIBES}}

[jerseygirl]

Hi, How’s Popper doing?

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