Hi all, I haven’t been on here since my bunnies were younger but now I’m at the point of saying goodbye to one of my bunnies. Sorry this is so long. I’m looking for some support although I’m certain quality of life is gone. Of the 3A’s, it’s mostly just appetite that’s left.
Oreo is 12 now and her health has been failing for awhile now. Mostly it had been chronic eye issues for the last 2 years, but I was managing that best I could. Also some issues with peeing outside her box and likely due to her arthritis, and difficulty moving around. She had a heart murmur detected last spring too. She has mostly slept all her days lately too, but again she’s showing her age. Every month stops eating for a bit but I get her back on track. She’s always bounced back and so many times I thought she’d be gone. She’s a tough one.
However she had some sort of neurological episode last month and it changed her. She’s not been the same since. Leaning only to the left and only walking in circles which made her stressed and frantic, nystagmus etc. Vet ruled out ear infection and I am aware of E.C. but it was never addressed. She spent her days curled up toward the left part and her front paws out and together to the other side. She was able to get up and around. Just only in one direction to the left. I’ve done the extra caretaking of keeping her area clean and bringing her food and water and everything close enough so she could reach from her safe confined space. But no more hopping, playtime, she even seems confused, not sure if they can get dementia? She didn’t eat well for a few days after the episode but I got her eating again and she has had an excellent appetite since. Although I know she was not going to get better. In fact she’s gradually gotten worse since then. Less movement, more wobbly etc.
But the last straw for me was a few days ago. She could no longer stand up. She struggles and tries to in order to get food etc, and it’s heartbreaking to see. She can scoot around in her space a little but not effectively, more spazzy trying to get her legs to do what they can’t. That was it for me, I felt like we’ve hit the end. I will care for her as long as I can, I love her dearly but this doesn’t seem like a fun way to live. She can’t reach her cecals and she tries to groom herself but can’t do it properly due to her restricted movement. Even when she eats I have to put it right next to her face and she can only eat with her head sideways. It’s awful seeing her struggle. I’ve talked to my 3 young boys about what is likely happening tomorrow at the vet and I’m trying to prepare if he decides to agree that she’s deteriorated too much. This is a very hard decision but I feel like I’ve put it off long enough. We have a second bunny who will be 12 soon but they’re not bonded. They live next to each other and I’m not sure how to handle that either. If he’ll be confused or if he needs to “say goodbye”. Thanks for reading this far. ❤ any words of encouragement or advice are appreciated. Thank you.
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