Support for Sick Bunny

[Fox_&_Cordelia]

Hello,

I’ve been a lurker in the forums for quote some time but never posted. I decided to join as I’m looking for support and it is very hard to get it from non bunny loving people. If you would have asked me 5 years ago before I adopted two bunnies from out local shelter I would have said there is no way you can get as attached to a rabbit and love them the same as a dog. I now know that to be very untrue. I love these two rabbits dearly and would do anything to protect them.

My 7 year old female lionhead (Cordelia) has a large mas in her chest which is either a thymoma or thymic carcinoma. The radiologist noted that her liver is abnormal which indicated it could very well be a thymic carcinoma that has metastasized to her liver.  She has been on prednisolone for about a month now and it has done wonders for her. She is happy. However, I know the happy days are short lived and she will start to decline soon. I don’t ever want her to suffer so at the first sign of her being uncomfortable I will bring her to the vet end her suffering. She is such an amazing rabbit. Full of personality and spunk. You can’t help but laugh at her antics. She’s brought more joy to my life than I can ever show her in return.

It’s breaking my heart knowing that everyday could be her last. I also fear that her partner, a Netherland dwarf named Fox, will die of a broken heart after she passes. He lives for her.

Why does this have to so hard?

 

 

[LBJ10]

I’m sorry to hear about your bunny. I’m a bit curious about the diagnosis since it’s rare for these tumors to metastasize. They just noticed abnormalities in the liver in the x-rays?

There are treatments available for thymomas, although success rates seem to vary. The tumor can be surgically removed or treated with radiation or both. Did the vet feel she is too advanced for additional treatment?

Seeing your bunny deteriorate, no matter the cause, is always hard. I think everyone here would agree with that. We just have to do the best we can. It looks like Fox is a very attentive bond mate. That doesn’t mean he will die of a broken heart though. I’m sure he is already aware that something is up. Rabbits seem to sense when something is wrong with another rabbit. I think “worst” case scenario would be that he would appreciate a new friend if and when Cordelia passes.

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