When to put bunny to sleep

[Southern]

So my Teddy is around two years old now. He was diagnosed with an enlarged heart probably 6 months ago, and with fluid in his lungs as a result. His vet explained to me that Teddy would get to the point where he is no longer able to breathe, and I would eventually have to put him to sleep. He was put on a diuretic twice a day, as well as antibiotics. We even went to a specialist and they claimed they didn’t want to perform any procedure as they felt he wouldn’t make it through. He has been doing fine up until today when I got home. He’s refusing his veggies and is clearly not comfortable. His breathing is pretty labored as well. 

At what point should I put him to sleep? I have already spoken to the ER and they said they would be able to put him to sleep, but the reality is finally setting in and I don’t know what to do. I am completely devastated. It’s going to be difficult to let him go, but I don’t want him to suffer. He’s been such as sweet boy, and I’m so terribly sad he was born with this condition. I could really use some input, please.

Southern

[Southern]

Also, forgot to mention that the vet said when he’s no longer able to breathe, he would have his mouth open. He’s not at that point yet.. Just VERY lethargic and still refusing food (even his favorite, banana). I’ve called all around town and since it’s late here in Texas, it’s all emergency hours and NO exotic vets are on staff ANYWHERE. Do I wait and try to get in with a bunny vet first thing tomorrow (if he makes it?). I don’t know how fast this will go down hill. Again, I don’t know what to do. I’d sure appreciate some input.

[DanaNM]

Oh my, I’m so sorry you are going through this. Is he on anything for pain management? Are his ears warm or cold?

I really don’t know the answer to this, and I don’t think there really is a sure answer, because it is really your call.

Personally… I hate the idea of a rabbit’s last moments being stressed out in the car and at the vets, but if he is in obvious pain (grinding teeth? tense body position?), then this is probably the most humane thing to do with a condition like this.

But… if you can keep him warm and as comfortable as possible, nature may run it’s course on it’s own, and he will be there with you, in a safe and calm place. Are you able to stay up with him tonight and comfort him?

I’m so so sorry.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Southern]

Hi Dana,

I really appreciate your reply. He’s not currently on any pain meds nor does he appear to be in pain (no teeth grinding) and his ears are still slightly warm. He’s just been sitting in the loaf position not really interested in anything. I’ve just been lightly stroking his head and trying to comfort him.

It’s so strange, I’ve felt like he’s been doing much better recently and now all of the sudden this. He was so happy and active even this morning when I fed him breakfast

If things takes turn for the worst, I’ll more than likely take him to get out to sleep. I suppose I would feel more comfortable hearing from a rabbit savvy vet that it’s time. I don’t want to cut his life short early. I’m going to stay up as late as possible with him and do my best to comfort him.

[Mikey]

Is it possible he is just going through stasis at the moment? Or bad gas? I personally would try to syringe some critical care every few hours and see how he is in the morning.

If youre sure its his heart/lung fluid, I second making him feel as comfortable as possible. If its his time, its best he goes in any way that makes him happiest. Sleep on the floor near him and/or give him a blanket or article of clothing that smells like you.

((((((((((VIBES))))))))))

[Southern]

@Mikey,

I suppose that’s a possibility. I’d actually considered stasis because to be honest, his breathing doesn’t seem THAT much worse than usual… I just assumed it was his lungs… So glad I purchased a stockpile of critical care last month just in case, I’ll give that a shot! Thank you both.

[tobyluv]

I’m sorry that your bunny has these health problems. I also wondered if he might be having GI problems instead of worsening heart problems. If he is having gas, infant simethicone drops can be very helpful. The dosage is 1 ml every hour for 3 hours.

I hope for the best for Teddy.

[Southern]

@tobyluv,

The more time I’ve spent with him, the more it seems like it may be GI problems. SO this little guy is NOT letting me syringe feed him at all.. I’ve tried the bunny burrito, pinning him between my knees, NOTHIN. I even called the ER to see if they’d be able to help me syringe feed him but the vet on staff “didn’t feel comfortable assisting with a species she’s unfamiliar with”… But he’s not havin’ it. I don’t know what to do. I’ve tried offering pellet soup, wet leafy greens, timothy hay, etc. I’ve syringe fed him in the past with no problems so I don’t know what’s going on?!

So this may be a dumb question so my apologies, but I’m kinda desperate at this point… I have some Reglan left over from my other bun when she had stasis; would it be unwise of me to possibly give him some? They are roughly the same size.. Obviously I’m not 100% sure it’s even stasis but I’m really trying to be proactive here.. Thanks, all.

[Southern]

On second thought, that’s probably a terrible idea.. I’m going to keep trying to get him to eat. I’ll be taking him to the vet first thing in the morning. Thanks all for your input and support.

Southern

[Mikey]

You can try to add apple juice to the critical care, or even mashed banana. Maybe if it smells good he might be more willing to let you feed it to him? Sorry he is giving you this much trouble, but on the plus side, a dieing rabbit doesnt put up a fight so it is a good sign

[sarahthegemini]

I too was going to mention that a rabbit that doesn’t just ‘sit there and take it’ so to speak still has fight left I also thought that perhaps this current issue is unrelated to his heart and lung problems but obviously we can only speculate. I’d try and get over this obstacle and reassess his breathing, his quality of life and his overall demeanour (is he happy?) before thinking of euthanasia. I can’t imagine how tough this situation for you at the moment *hugs* xxx

[meridiian]

Hi Southern

What an ordeal. You really are doing your best to help poor Teddy.

Good luck at the vet! You both deserve a happy outcome.

Keep us posted (((Teddy)))

[Southern]

Thank you all. I feel like a terrible pet dad for jumping to such drastic conclusions, I just really assumed it was lungs!

Update:
Unfortunately was unable to feed him anything last night, but did manage to syringe some water and simethecone. This morning he did not look well
Got him to the vet this morning before they had even opened and luckily the vet was able to see him immediately. They said his heart and lungs sounded fine so they were leaning towards stasis. They were going to take XRays, give him IV fluids, and possibly start on pain meds and a motility drug if it is in fact stasis. Unfortunately I had to leave to attend class (darn finals coming up), but they assured me he’s in good hands so I’m praying they take care of him. I told them they better keep me updated on everything good/bad! Should hopefully hear more later today. Please keep my little Teddy in your thoughts!

[Southern]

Also, the vet mentioned administering fluids via catheter; is this a common practice for bunnies? When my other bun went through stasis, they did subq fluids. Was just a little nervous as I’ve never heard of that.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By SouthernBekah on 11/28/2017 10:18 AM

Thank you all. I feel like a terrible pet dad for jumping to such drastic conclusions, I just really assumed it was lungs!

Update:
Unfortunately was unable to feed him anything last night, but did manage to syringe some water and simethecone. This morning he did not look well
Got him to the vet this morning before they had even opened and luckily the vet was able to see him immediately. They said his heart and lungs sounded fine so they were leaning towards stasis. They were going to take XRays, give him IV fluids, and possibly start on pain meds and a motility drug if it is in fact stasis. Unfortunately I had to leave to attend class (darn finals coming up), but they assured me he’s in good hands so I’m praying they take care of him. I told them they better keep me updated on everything good/bad! Should hopefully hear more later today. Please keep my little Teddy in your thoughts!

It’s natural to jump to those conclusions when you have a pet with a diagnosis already. I myself have cystic fibrosis and whenever I’m ill, I assume it’s related to that! So don’t feel bad about that The important thing is your fur baby is in good hands. Teddy is in my, Peanut and Buttercup’s thoughts xxx

[Mikey]

Normally it is subq fluids unless there is a thought about a possible blockage. Its good they have him on an iv drip and are likely to give him a motility drug too. Thank you for updating!

[Southern]

Thank you, Sarah. So sorry to hear about your CF diagnosis

and thank you, Mikey!

Update:

So I just picked him up from the vet and the Dr. said that the X-ray confirmed it was stasis.. IV fluids, IV catheter, metacam, and metoclopramide, and an ELIZABETHAN COLLAR when I saw him I wanted to cry. I have to bring him back in tomorrow for more fluids so I guess they left the IV catheter in. Poor guy seems to be doing much better, has some energy, but has yet to eat. Are those collars typically put on bunnies? I feel so bad for him and I know he hates me now lol off to try and feed him some veggies. Thanks, y’all.

Southern

[Wick & Fable]

Rabbits groom themselves very often, so a cone to prevent picking at an object a vet has inserted, like stitches, topical medication, etc.. is something a lot of a rabbits would pick at, causing further issue. A cone is a valid and common option to prevent that.

Sending good vibes!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Mikey]

Cone collars are used often in a rabbit will not stop licking/cleaning/chewing their wound sites (or in this case, if he wont stop trying to lick/clean/chew his catheter). Keep doing what youre doing and hopefully he will start to eat better soon. You might need to suck up to him a little more if he is really hating the cone, lol

[DanaNM]

Oh wow, I missed a lot of updates on this! So glad it was a GI issue and not his lungs failing. I definitely also jumped to conclusions too, glad I was wrong! Sounds like he’s getting great care.

I wonder…. do you think it’s possible the diuretic he’s on might have dehydrated him a bit too much and contributed to the stasis? Or possibly the antibiotics upset his gut? Might be worth asking your vet about tomorrow to see if his dosages should be adjusted?

((((Teddy))))

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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