Tommy is not a healthy bunny

[LittlePuffyTail]

Sorry I’ve been a bit awol. Dealing with some family issues right now. Gonna just do a quick write up but  learned that Tommy is not a healthy bun and he’s most likely quite a bit older than I thought. 

Last Friday night, he was gagging on and off, with rough breathing. I thought he was choking. We went to emerg vet. She determined he wasn’t in distress anymore and treated him for stasis, mostly (not my rabbit vet). The next day he was not eating or pooping. Brought him to the vet where they did Xrays of abdomen and head. My vet always sends rabbit head xrays to a specialist. She said she didn’t want to tell me too much, but it looks like his mouth is a mess.   Abscesses below the gum line. Still waiting for the specialists report. Was hoping to hear by today. Vet said it was likely due to old age or improper diet in the past. The SPCA worker told me he wasn’t a very good hay eater and here he hasn’t eaten any pellets.

I’m crushed. I can’t believe I adopted a problem bun. I love him already, he’s a complete teddy bear. I don’t want to fall in love just to say goodbye. But we’ve just spent $500 at the vet after only having him for a week. I can’t afford $1000 dental surgery. I have no idea what the treatment or prognosis will be. 

Will update after I hear back from the specialist.

[Doodler]

I am so sorry LittlePuffyTail. I can imagine how crushing that has to be. Vibes being sent your way for a promising prognosis!!

[Asriel and Bombur]

Aww LPT Poor guy, and you! Hoping and vibing for the best <3

[Dface]

Ohh LPT im heart-broken for you. Thats such a horrible shock. Hopefully the prognosis turns out better than it looks!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Still waiting to hear back. He’s doing well in the meantime. Eating well, except pellets. He’s on Baytril right now. But you can’t tell he’s unwell. He’s soooo sweet. Like Bindi Loo was.

[Bam]

I’m so sorry, LPT. Poor little guy.

Somehow it’s still so heartwarming that whatever happens in the future, and we can never be certain of the future anyway, Tommy has got the chance to experience love and a wonderful home.

I hope the test results come back as something manageable.

[Q8bunny]

Aww, maaan!

I’m really sorry Tommy’s poorly, LPT… I hope against all hope that things turn out better than you’d expect. ((((((Tommy))))))

Ultimately, though, any time spent experiencing mutual love is a gift for the bun (and the hoom, but it’s the bun who usually needs it most badly).

[pinknfwuffy]

I’m so sorry to hear this, for you and for Tommy. I can’t imagine being in that situation when you thought you were getting into a totally different scenario. I can only hope his prognosis will be good and not cost a fortune! Positive vibes for Tommy.

[kurottabun]

Oh man. So sorry to hear. It must be a tough time having to deal with family issues and a sick bunbun.

I think Tommy must’ve come to you for a reason. Looking at how you’ve cared for all the buns before him, he’s already blessed to be part of your family <3 I do hope it's something you can afford to manage though. Take care.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Thank you everyone. And apologies for the late reply.

I did hear back last week from the specialist. Not as bad as we’d thought, thankfully. No abscesses or infection. He has TMJ (never heard of that in a bun before, has anyone else?) so his chewing is very difficult which has caused his molars to become very long. No spurs, just really long teeth. The TMJ could have been from an accident but the vet suspects it’s genetics coupled with a previously terrible diet. So we’ve been doing daily Metacam for almost a week now and he’s been eating lots of hay and pooping great. She wants me to call her tomorrow with an update and then going to schedule a trim. Hopefully, this will not need to be done often. Crossing my fingers that a good diet will help keep problems at bay.

[Kiki]

Oh, I am so glad to here that it wasn’t as bad as it could be. Tommy is lucky to have found you. I hope he continues to improve.

[Bunny House]

I was “diagnosed” with that when I had ear pain but it was just me grinding my teeth at night. Poor thing must be in pain but I’m glad it isn’t a serious issue going on and it’s something manageable with meds!

[Bam]

I just love these news, LPT. Yay and yay again! I’ve never heard of TMJ in a bun either, just in people.

[Q8bunny]

I need to Google what TMJ is, but am super glad to hear that it’s much better than you had feared. Tommy is one lucky bunbun.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Tommy is booked in for a dental next Thursday.

[Dface]

Hopeful it all goes well!!

(((vibes)))

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Whew, luckily it’s not as bad. With adopted buns you never know how much neglect they suffered before, so “surprise” health issues can be quite scary. I hope he’ll make a full recovery and will be a happy healthy bunny in his new home with you ^_^

[Reesebun]

It’s great that Tommy’s situation isn’t as bad as you originally thought, I hope everything goes well with the trim!

[Muj Mom N Bun]

So glad to hear that things are a bit better than they sounded at the beginning of your post. It is amazing how quickly we fall in love with these little ones… I hope he is now on a solid path to better health being that he has gotten a great caring and loving, learned of rabbit needs and wants (treats please) home.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Thanks, everyone.

With adopted buns you never know how much neglect they suffered before, so “surprise” health issues can be quite scary

Yes, exactly. And it’s frustrating really having no idea how old he is. I assumed young since he was so full of energy but maybe happy to just be out of the shelter. The xrays also revealed some arthritic changes along his spine and legs.

[jerseygirl]

I will be keeping him in my thoughts!

Yes, exactly. And it’s frustrating really having no idea how old he is. I assumed young since he was so full of energy but maybe happy to just be out of the shelter. The xrays also revealed some arthritic changes along his spine and legs.

It is good it doesn’t appear to be affecting his desire to move. The exercise is good for arthritis.
He could still be “youngish”. Do you remember MM’s Mimzy was diagnosed with arthritis aged 4?

[LittlePuffyTail]

Yeah, I’ve def heard of buns getting it young. I’m not gonna worry about it as he has no problems so far. Not gonna borrow trouble. He jumps on our high bed and even tries zooming up the stairs so he’s not having any trouble at all.

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