Sick Bunny

[chefcv3]

I am fairly new to this board so please bare with me.

I have two bunnies.  King Louie is a hottot and is 7 years old.  Norma is a chinchilla who is around 3. 

The problem is Louie.  On saturday I noticed that he was very lithargic and didn’t eat his greens from the night before.  Then I noticed there was no poop or pee in his cage……..highly unusual.  I knew this was a bad thing and that I needed to get him to a vet right away.  The only problem was that my husband and I were leaving for a weekend vacation and had to rely on one of our kids to take him.  No problem there.  Louie was taken to the vet and left there for the dr. to diagnos.  I call in to see what’s the matter with him and the vet tells me he has a bacterial infection with a fever of 104.5.  She put him on IV and pain meds along with ice packs.  I ask her if he will survive the night and she says yes.  The next morning I call in and ask how he’s doing and they tell me he’s fine and that his temp went down to 102 and that he is going to stay on the antibiotics until he has two days of normal temp.  I get home last night and my daughter calls me and said the dr left a message on her phone (she had called in herself to find out how louie was) saying that louie’s temp went up again to 105 but he seems to be hanging in there. 

I call the vet’s office this morning saying that I want to come in and see louie and just talk to him and let him know that I am there.  No problem.  When I get there the dr is explaining to me how this is normal for his temp to go up and down and that she’s had some cases similar to this where the bunny survived but then got sick again and eventually passed away.  His liver enzymes are very high and he has some sort of adominal discomfort which is why he is on pain meds.

Now, please, don’t think of me as a bad bunny mom, I love my bunnies very much, but let’s face it……this is a huge expense.  I asked the dr if I could talk to her in private and to basically let me know how much this is going to cost me.  I felt like she started to put the guilt trip on me by saying that she is not going to put a well bunny to sleep.  Well Bunny????  The poor creature is as sick as sick can be!  I was besides myself.  I was up crying all night long the night before hoping and praying that louie was still alive so I could say goodbye to him and that the dr. would put him out of his misery!  Why is she keeping him alive??  It’s almost like he’s on life support.  If he survives he will never be the same……am I right??

Has anyone else here been through this and if so, what did you do??  I can’t tell you how upset I am over this.  I feel like she’s playing on my feelings and that this could go on for a long time.  She also said that I could take him home and take care of him myself by giving him a shot and taking his temp every 45 minutes but that if his temp goes up to 106 then I will have to bring him in and THEN she will put him to sleep!  What the heck???  How can I bring him home and watch him suffer like that.

This vet is supposed to be the best bunny vet here where I live.  She may be great but her bedside manner and compassion is the pits!

Please, does anyone have any suggestions.  I really would appreciate it.

Thank you,

Chris

[Otti]

I’m sorry your bunny is sick, this sounds like a difficult situation. I didn’t really understand from your message whether the vet said that she believes your rabbit has a chance to still make it or not. You said the vet said she’s had other bunnies that had similar health issues and eventually passed away, but then the vet also indicated that she wouldn’t put your rabbit to sleep because he’s not at the point where that’s the only option.

If she’s an experienced rabbit vet, which you seem to indicate in your message, and she’s saying that the rabbit is not sick enough that she would feel comfortable putting him to sleep, it seems she’s saying there’s hope for him.

I understand that this is a financial strain. I’m sure there are others on this board who can make suggestions about how to face the financial burdens and what kind of resources there might be for that. However, if your vet is saying she wouldn’t put your rabbit down, I think you should hang on to the hope she’s giving you that he will get better.

I seriously doubt a vet would put an animal through agony just to rack up some additional charges, refusing to put the animal out of its misery even if that was the right thing to do. If she doesn’t want to put him to sleep, it must be because she thinks there’s hope.

[Lintini]

First, I am very sorry your bunny King Louie isn’t feeling well.

So the vet feels that Louie will recover, but you are afraid of the expenses and don’t like seeing him in pain?

Obviously you aren’t a bad bunny mom since you took the rabbit to the vet, but if the vet knows the rabbit can recover …he isn’t going to put him to sleep for you. I could suggest seeing another vet for a second opinion but if money is a problem and this is the best rabbit savvy vet in town, then maybe that’s not a good idea.

Can you work out a payment plan with the vets so that you don’t have to pay it all at once?

{{{{Vibes for Louie’s Recovery}}}}

[Helenor]

I’m sorry you have to go through something like this. I could relate somewhat to what you are going through. When my bunny Bear was sick after a week of adopting him, we were unsure of what to do. I thought his cataract was giving him pain and my boyfriend called the rescue to ask what we should do. (The cataract was there before and the volunteer who adopted him out assured us that they would pay for his treatment.)

When he talked to the same volunteer, she told us to take him in to the vet. My boyfriend inquired about if they were going to pay for it and the volunteer got very very angry. She began remarking on our characters and how we OBVIOUSLY didn’t care about Bear. She told us to surrender him immediately. I was crying hysterically and called the director of the organization and left a message. When I called her a second time, she told us they would pay for the vet bill. The director later called after hearing my hysterical message and reassured me that we didn’t have to return Bear. However, at the vet Bear eventually got worse and they found that he had blood in his abdomen. They recommended putting him down so we did. After the necropsy, the vet found out he had liver torsion.

I got the bill for him last week and was completely shocked. 814 dollars! I had never expected it to be that much. They at least did not charge me for the euthanasia, but it was still expensive. Thinking about Bear still makes me tear up and I’m so sad that he had to die that way. But at least the rescue is paying for the bill. It’s way more than I can afford on a student job in college.

Again, I’m sorry you are going through this. I hope your boy gets better. I would try talking to the vet about a payment plan. I probably would have done that if I had to pay for all of Bear’s bills because there is no way I could pay that $814 vet charge. My boyfriend had to pay $450 of that upfront. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know what I would have done.

[MayaConsuelo]

So sorry you are going through this. I know how it feels, my cat has congestive heart failure and has been to the ER, then the vet two more times, all in the past month. Bills are $2,300 and counting. I’m kind of stupid about money anyway so I just put it on my credit card and figured I’ll worry about it later. The vet tonight even brought up euthanasia but immediately said he didn’t want to do it, but it’s an option for people on limited budgets. I’d rather max out my credit card and postpone it – but only because my cat seems comfortable and fairly normal… her kidneys and heart are messed up, and fluid was starting to build up in her lungs again. It’s so hard.
Since your vet didn’t suggest euthanasia it sounds like she thinks the bunny will pull through this with proper treatment, even if he dies at a later point from complications or whatever (similar to what my cat has going on, I know this condition will eventually kill her.) So it’s up to you to see what’s feasible, ask if the bunny will need any additional care or how much his health will be compromised. I don’t know much about rabbit medicine, but what kind of bacterial infection is it? Don’t they usually respond well to antibiotics?
I’m sorry you’re dealing with a mean vet too. All the vets I’ve dealt with recently have been so caring and nice. Much nicer than human doctors! It sounds like you don’t have a choice of moving the bun to another vet though? For a second opinion?

[Michelle&Lolli]

Hey Chris!

I don’t really have any advice per se. Just please don’t feel bad or guilty because you are thinking of having him put to sleep. I know it does sound horrible, but not only does he seem to not be getting better, the bills are accumulating with each thing they do. It’s really as bad as going to a human doctor or, worse yet, a hospital where they nickle and dime you for EVERYTHING.

It was going to cost between $700 and $800 to operate on Eddie’s stomach. I told them to go ahead, not having any way to pay, but he was my little boy and I’d thought I’d figure something out. He didn’t make it past the anesthesia. But I understand how stressful it is when you know they need care but you can’t afford it.

If the vet could give you a clear answer on whether he would pull would be one thing. But she can’t tell you that. PLUS she’s telling you that if rabbits do make it, they only live for a year before they succumb to whatever is causing his illness. The fact that she’s refusing to consider putting him down shows how unethical she’s being in my opinion. A good vet would take your needs into consideration as well as the pets. It’s not a matter of King Louie getting better and you just wanting to put him down cause you have no money like how some people are. It’s a combination of not having the funds and King Louie possibly not getting better.

Please don’t worry that you’re not being a good bunny mom. You are. You have to work within your means. And it’s quite possible this is King Louie’s time. I would try to make some sort of plan with her. For example, you hate seeing him in pain, so you’ll authorize treatments for so many more days and if he’s the same or worse, you will have him put down. That way you are not coming across as one of those “never should’ve had a pet in the first place” people who want to abandon or put down the pet just because they don’t want to pay or mess with it.

Heck, I got attitude from a receptionist or someone at my cat’s vet office once. Pissed me off. lol My cat had somehow got a blade of grass stuck up her nose. I couldn’t get it out so I made an appointment for her. But i had to wait until my day off which was 2 days away. She was perfectly normal. She just had a blade of grass sticking out of her nose. She was eating, drinking, everything fine. When I explained all this and asked about a thursday appointment, whoever answered the phone came back with…”you want to wait THAT long?” To which I repeated yes, she’s fine and that’s my only day off. And yup, had some attitude at THAT point myself. lol Sometimes it’s ridiculous how they treat you.

Hugs to you and nose pets and snuggles for King Louie!

[Karla]

I think I would do as most here suggests – let the vet treat him. I know it is hard to see him sick and it is easy for us who are not used to dealing with sickness to think that we better put the animal out of its misery straight away, but clearly the vet is confident that he will be fine.

However, I agree that I don’t think we should put pets like rabbits under the too much stress, so if he isn’t getting better soon and you feel that this is not right, then demand that he is put to sleep or find another vet who will do it. But I just don’t want to encourage you to do so now, since you might regret it later on. I to this day sometimes think that perhaps I should have tried another vet and another treatment when my bunny was put to sleep for leuchemia this Spring – and I just don’t want you to feel like I do later on and think “oh, I should have tried harder”.

But only you know if it is time to say goodby to Louie.

If you search the forum, you should find a number of threads with suggestions on dealing with large vet bills.

I hope it all turns out well for you and Louie no matter what.

[chefcv3]

Thank you so much for your replies ladies.

My daughter and I are going to visit louie again this afternoon and discuss his condition further with the vet.

I forgot to say also that he hasn’t eaten since saturday and is being force fed. I didn’t think that was a good thing either.

I’m hoping for a miracle.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’m so sorry your bunny is ill and there is all this stress with the vet.

You didn’t say what is wrong-maybe the vet hasn’t given you a clear diagnosis and prognosis. I think that is key to making the decision as to whether to let the bunny go or not-to know what is wrong, and what could be possible treatment options, and whats the likilihood of a good recovery or other outcomes. I work in long term care (of humans!) and we really stress with families-it’s quality not quantity of life that matters.

That being said, if your vet said he/she is not euthanizing a well bunny, could it be the vet expects a good recovery?

I definitely think you need to, as you are doing, talk openly with the vet about what the problem is, treatment, possible outcomes-and cost. And then make the decision. I know my vet will not euthanize because of cost because she does share stories of other clients and things that go on in the clinic(And she is clear to them, that she won’t, but they can see someone else if they that’s what they want to do). But that is ultimately your choice. If you do make that decision, and your vet won’t accomodate you, it is your decision and you should see another vet for what YOU believe is the right option for you and Louie.

I’m thinking of you and Louie and wishing you the best, please keep us posted.

[Wembley]

Dear Chris

My heart breaks for you.  I have had rabbits for almost 12 years and I have seen this condition many times.  My first little guy, Bunny, developed what I call gut issues around his second birthday.  From age 2 to 7, he would come down with episodes fairly often.  I quit counting when the vet bills got over $5000.  My husband and I were both working full time and the kids had grown up and gone so there was no question as to whether or not we would spend a lot at the vet.  Bunny’s condition was always the same, so much so the vet just gave me all the drugs and I dealt with him myself.  On the day he died, he showed signs of “it” being back.  I treated him as I normally did but this time something was different but I couldn’t tell what.  At 9:30 in the morning he was fine and at 1:30 in the afternoon he died in my arms.  My heart broke and I have never gotten over his death.  His bonded buddy, Rexy, exhibited similar signs one day and I immediately began treating Rex with Metacam and the motility drug Bunny had been prescribed.  After a few hours Rex was fine, the blockage had passed.  We lost Rex this past June but it was due to another medical situation and one that had been chronic since Oct 09.  Again my heart broke.

This past August, I too awoke to find Blackie (and Scooter and Casey) had not finished their greens.  I had to work a shift that day and I said to my husband to keep an eye on Blackie, that I thought he had a blockage, and to keep massaging his gut.  I said I would call later from work.  i called at 9 PM and there was no change in Blackie’s condition.  I got home at 2 in the morning, took one look at Blackie and realized the worst.  I told my husband I would not be going to bed, i was going to stay up the night with Blackie.  At  5:30 AM Blackie died in my arms.

Sometimes rabbits get natural blockages if they haven’t had enough hay or have been given all kinds of crap, like people food.  Most times it’s because the rabbit has ingested something that was too big, not a natural food stuff, like carpeting.  My rabbits have run of the house and we have rabbit-proofed the house as much as we can.  But there is always stuff you don’t think about that they might get into.  I think this is what happened with Blackie. I still have Scooter and Casey.  I watch these guys like a hawk when they are not in the room they sleep in at night. I use a baby gate and jointed fencing in the house to keep they away from stuff like the living room carpet when I am not able to supervise.

I belong to a group called OREO – Ontario Rabbit Education Organization and I try every chance I get to educate people on rabbits.  So many people think rabbits are nothing more than expendable rodents but I consider them in the same category as cats. Very Very Expensive Cats.  Rabbits are communal and need company and interesting things to think about and things to do.   Their veterinary care can be very expensive.  Some people can’t afford the expensive care when their bunny gets sick and have no other choice but to say goodbye to their pet in a loving and caring manner.  

Because when rabbits get sick they get sick quite fast and get sicker even faster, in all likelihood your bunny  has either recovered or has not.  I feel for you.  If you ever have any questions or just want to talk, please feel free to contact me at wembley@cogeco.ca.

Wendy

[chefcv3]

Thank you Wendy for your kind words.

Louie is home now. My DD and I took him home last night with a load full of instructions and medicines for him. He’s still not eating on his own so I have to syringe feed him. He seems to be in good spirits…..cleaning himself…running away when I go to pick him up…stuff like that. But I wish he would just eat

Thank God my daughter is a nurse….she’s the one giving the penicillin shot. I do have to take his temperature 3 times a day but so far he hasn’t run a high fever and it’s almost been 24 hours……so that’s good.

The vet never diagnosed him. She basically doesn’t know what happened to him either and doesn’t know why……it just happens.

Hopefully Louie will be on the road to wellville and I’ll have him back to being his old self…..stubborn and stoic!!

Thanks again all!!

chris

[Sarita]

I have to say that the temperature has nothing to do with a blockage. A rabbits temperature varies from 101 to 103. So 106 is high.

Did the vet do any diagnostic tests – bloodwork? A culture? Anything at all?

Why did she recommend pen-g shots for him?

[BinkyBunny]

First — WELCOME WENDY — very happy to have you here.   I just wanted to make sure to let you know that though it’s not against the rules to post your email, we do discourage it for your sake since anytime you add your email to a webpage, you leave yourself vulnerable to netbots, which scan pages for emails to spam. 

We do have a message center and people can just send a message since you are a member here now. .  That way communication can happen between members without revealing emails.   

[chefcv3]

The vet did do other blood tests and said his liver enzymes were high.  That’s all she told me.  She’s an excellent rabbit vet with horrible bedside manners unfortunately.

Louie is on penicillin because he has a bacterial infection.  He’s also on pain meds and a gas med.  But he’s still not eating……it’s been a week now.  She said they could go for two weeks of not eating on their own. 

I don’t know……….I will just continue to love him and try and coax him to eat.  In the meantime I have to syringe feed him three times a day with the critical care by oxbow.  He’s not happy taking it that way but what is a bunny mom to do????  I just want him to get better. 

chris

[Sarita]

Vibes for your Louie. None of my rabbits appreciate being syringe fed either.

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