Bunny Dramas

Awwww Sheree....I just came across this thread. It must be SO difficult, but even so, you are a shining example of pure pet-mommyness! If anyone can pull Daphne through this, I know it is you and Karen. :hug: You're in my thoughts and prayers!

Lots of hugs and sending tons of good healing bunny vibes your way. What a rotten, stressful time you've had of it lately!

So, the jury is in... Daphne has a bladder stone. A big one that's getting bigger. She needs surgery.

It's no wonder her potty and eating habits have been so bad. I was really optimistic this morning, as I saw her nibbling hay and she's been feeling more active, but when it comes down to it: she still needs surgery. Again. And this time, it's over $1,300. Not including what we've spent already on her dental surgery and many many medications which probably add up to about as much, I haven't wanted to think about it and we've been putting it all on credit. I've felt it though, and it is a huge stone. The size of a marble in such a tiny bunny bladder. The vet said there was no way to prevent it, some bunnies get it and others don't so it just kinda... happened. All of the techs reacted to the news, they know us and our critters... *sighs* We can pull it off, but... well, our getting out of Phoenix will obviously be severely delayed. And noone else is allowed to get sick for a while, ourselves included. *knocks on wood*

Life is what happens when you make other plans, yes? In the meantime, same regimen with her meds and feedings and lots of love.

So, um, yeah... not the best of Januarys. We need to seriously get some pet insurance one of these days...

On the up side, Ma-tsu is shedding as I type, so some healthy eggs soon would most definitely brighten up my month! :please: Here's hoping!

Oh hon how awful. I'm glad in one way it's a fixable condition but what a financial hit to take! Will she be liable to get more of them in the future or is this a sort of one time freak thing with bunnies? Have you checked whether your vet clinic has any funding or programming to reduce extraordinary vet costs? Ours back in northern Michigan had funds available (often left to them by deceased past customers) that one could apply to access to help offset things like this. Perhaps it's worth checking into to help a bit that way.

That rabbit is so lucky to have you for an owner! Most people would not put that much money into a rabbit.

I'm really really hoping it's a one time freak thing, although her teeth problems are relatively ongoing. She had a rough start before we got a hold of her as a rescue from a neighbor, and I think that's a large part of her health problems. The bladder stone though, the vet said they have no idea what causes it or what. Some rabbits and horses can get them while others never do, they used to think it was from too much alfalfa hay or sugar but more recent studies have shown that... well, nobody really knows. :sigh: The vet is calling us back today about possible payment plans and the risks involved in surgery today before we set a date for it.

And thanks, Tmlowe. Honestly I think it's sad not many folks would go out of their way for a pet rabbit (feeders are a whole nother ball game, crowbar of separation there). Ours have been as lively, personable, and loving as any cat or dog, and they have the potential to live as long as many dog breeds too. We even call them our quiet little puppydogs sometimes. I really hope our little fuzzballs can make it to a ripe old 11 or 12 years old, maybe even more. We could only put her down if it was the very best thing for her or if we had no other choice.

They can have a good long run of it. We took in a big male ex-stud bunny years ago from a breeder that wanted to go in another direction. Poor old Bullwinkle who was already 5 or 6 was going to be put down. He turned out to be a super nice big bunny and lived on another 5 years as a pet before quietly passing away in his sleep one day. He actually won first prize for bunnies at a local pet show for the goofy teeter totter trick he did with his ears (they were sort of half upright and half not upright hence why we named him after a cartoon moose). Apparently there's just not much competition in the "Bunnies Who Can Do Tricks" category LOL.

Bunnies can totally be taught tricks! :D It's like training cats though, takes a loooot of treats and patience and a clicker, usually. ;) I know my buns are all trained to the sound of the treat jar to stampede, lol. So much personality on these little guys.

Bullwinkle sounds like he was such a sweetie, Jo! 10 years is the average life span of a house rabbit, and Daphne's only 5. She's got years left in her! I scheduled her surgery for this Friday, so here's hoping... We'll figure out the finances somehow.

Awwww Sheree.... :hug: You and Karen and all your critters are in my prayers. Something will work out for the finances....money is common. Special little bunnies that steal your heart are not!

I'll make sure to put you all in my thoughts come Friday.