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› Forum › DIET & CARE › Dini and his lump
I took Dini back to the vet this morning because I discovered a lump on his left side under the skin.
Either I am going all worried momma bear on him or I am going to have to find yet another vet.
I took him in she felt of him and said she didn’t feel anything so I got behind Dini and felt myself and it was definitely there so I put my finger on it and then had her put her finger on it and she felt it. It isn’t small it is about the size of a large grape.
So after I asked she did x-rays and said nothing showed up and I shouldn’t be worried and sent us home….
That doesn’t sound right to me. I felt of Pacey to see if he had it and no he doesn’t. There is definitely something there I can feel it I can move it. It is a hard lump I’m not imagining it lol.
He doesn’t seem to notice it he eats his food drinks his water poops and plays like normal.
So now I am on the hunt for another vet for a second opinion.
Oh my! How frustrating. I know that my older rabbits used to get fatty lumps but they were much older obviously than Dini. Keep us updated.
Wonder if it could an abscess from a bite or injury….
Not sure what it is. When he is sitting it is right below his ribs it’s really hard and moves. When I flip him over on his back you can’t feel it at all.
Having issues finding a different vet to take him to at the moment might have to travel a little ways to find a decent one.
Poor Dini! I hope you can find out whats wrong!
You didn’t have any luck on the listed vets on the HRS?
There are no vets listed in KY on there. I think the closest one to me on there is 3 hours away. But I have a few dog/cat vet friends who are going to give me a list of rabbit vets around here so he will be seeing one soon.
Jack has a fatty lump – it moves and is a bit soft. Like it’s filled with liquid — like a soft grape. I wonder why kind of lump would not show up on an xray?? I am baffled a bit. Did the vet give any kind of explanation of why you could feel the lump but then it not show up? If not, I’d call her up and just ask and see if she can offer a reasonable explanation of how it could be possible.
I can certainly understand you wanting to get a second opinion. Momma usually knows best.
It’s awful when a vet is not helpful! You shouldn’t have to pay the bill!
Good luck with finding another vet for the adorable little darling.
Is Dini still having his poopy butt problems? Perhaps if it does turn out to be an abscess that might be part of why he was having trouble in that department? Where exactly on his left side is it? Ribs? Underbelly? Lower abdomen? I once found a small thing on Mimzy’s chest area that felt like a lump and when I brought it up to my vet she told me that male bunnies can sometimes have nipples! 0_o
I am sorry to hear you have an uncooperative vet. I’ve dealt with some frustrating doctors myself lately. I’ll keep Dini in my prayers that this gets resolved quickly and you find a newer, better vet in the process. (((((((((((((((((((Dini)))))))))))))))))))))))
The vet didn’t explain anything she was rather rude and kept huffing every time I asked a question. She used to be really great but lately it’s like it’s a chore for her to even look at my buns or any buns for that matter.
No poopy butt problems which is also weird lol it was there one day and then just gone I haven’t seen a single leftover cecal and he is eating the one’s that do come out.
The lump is in the abdominal cavity but on his left side towards the spine it’s like between the ribs and his spine when he sits it is right in front of his “knee” (LOL do rabbits have knees?) it gets soft for a little while then gets really hard. Definitely not a nipple lol Pacey has nipples as well. When he is on his back you can’t feel it at all but when he is upright you can feel it really well.
Oh sweetie… :o(
And this is the same vet you’ve always used? You don’t usually overreact with the bunnies, you seem to react… just right, so I would think the vet would be more concerned. Let us know if you come up with another vet. It is possible it’s nothing… but I don’t know. And it’s only on one side?
There are a couple of rabbit vets where I go I usually see the older man who spayed Marshmallow but he is rarely there. Then there are two women one just comes in and does what needs to be done which I am ok with unless I actually have a questions lol. Then this one is usually nice and enjoys it when the rabbits come in but lately she is just rude.
She was snippy the last time I took Dini in but I thought it was just an off day but apparently not lol.
I have a few numbers I am going to call to see when they can see him. I called one and they don’t have an available time for 2 months =O
Posted By Sonn on 04/29/2011 10:05 AM
The vet didn’t explain anything she was rather rude and kept huffing every time I asked a question. She used to be really great but lately it’s like it’s a chore for her to even look at my buns or any buns for that matter.No poopy butt problems which is also weird lol it was there one day and then just gone I haven’t seen a single leftover cecal and he is eating the one’s that do come out.
The lump is in the abdominal cavity but on his left side towards the spine it’s like between the ribs and his spine when he sits it is right in front of his “knee” (LOL do rabbits have knees?) it gets soft for a little while then gets really hard. Definitely not a nipple lol Pacey has nipples as well. When he is on his back you can’t feel it at all but when he is upright you can feel it really well.
If it’s in his abdominal area, could it just be food going through his bowels? Is it always the same size and shape? You said it gets hard then soft?
It is always the same size and shape and always in the same spot. I don’t think it is food going through but I guess I will find out.
I thought like MM, maybe something in the intestine… Their cecum is pretty big. Did they position him on his back for the xray? If so, maybe the area became hidden? Like when you position him on his back and you can’t find the lump.
I am not sure how they positioned him during the x-ray and the vet won’t give me any information when I call. But I have found another vet I will be taking him to on Wednesday.
Good luck at the vet- I hope it’s something minor and easily treated. I relate to the vet situation- it’s stressful enough when our rabbits are sick, never mind dealing with grouchy, uncommunicative or incompetent vets >.< . I'm glad you found another vet- maybe this one will be wonderful!
I took Dini to the new vet today. He first palpated him and said he suspects something wrong with that kidney but could be sure without further tests. So he then did an x-ray and an ultrasonogram and he came to the conclusion that he has several small kidney stones. He took blood and urine samples as well.
And he is apparently a holistic vet and doesn’t want to use meds that are too harsh so he filled him full of fluids and gave me dandelion root extract, goldenrod leaves to make a ‘tea’ and Potassium Citrate. I have not given him any of these yet because I have not heard of giving a rabbit goldenrod ever and I don’t have a clue what potassium citrate is supposed to do so have been reading mostly. I am extremely skeptical (I guess because I am more accustomed to ‘Western Medicine’) and a little nervous. He is hoping Dini will pass them on his own.
Everything I have read says all of these things help with kidney infections / kidney stones in humans but as I understand it kidney stones are difficult for rabbits to pass and cannot be dissolved.
He wants me to give the stuff he gave me a week if it doesn’t work he then wants to go through with the surgery to remove them.
I am not sure about this lol
I found this article that you might find helpful:
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Uro_gen_disea…ne_red.htm
I’ve heard of the potassium citrate for bladder sludge so kidney stones, it makes sense. Seems like a week isn’t long enough and surgery, I’d be scared because he’s so young – might want to get a second opinion on this.
I am going to read that page when I have time later. I thought the same thing about the week. I have experienced kidney stones in dogs and it took one of my dogs almost a month to pass all of his stones.
I will almost definitely get a second and even third opinion before going through with a surgery because of his age and because he is a lot smaller than he is supposed to be.
Wow! Kidney stones at his age?!
I’ve heard of potassium citrate and BB mentioned it before. It only helps with certain kinds of stones though. I think it given to cats and dogs for this.
Goldenrod is supposed to be rabbit safe and is a diuretic.
When do you get results from the blood/urine tests.
I’m just really surprised this could be stones!
Oh the poor wee thing! ((((((healing vibes)))))))))))
Wow, I like holistic meds for myself, but I would also be wary about feeding them to a rabbit or any other small animal. Although I do pick fresh dandelion and plantain leaves for Mimzy from my own pesticide free yard in the summer and he loves them. (Plantain is a soothing herb much like slippery elm, I’ve used it for inflammation on wounds.)
Surgery, wow, that sounds drastic. They really can’t dissolve them with ultrasound? And he didn’t give you anything for pain in case Dini has discomfort passing them? 0_o
I know I just read about this somewhere, in a case where the rabbit did have other issues, but the stones were the first thing they worked with. I’ll try to find it for you.
That stinks-a vet worth his salt who finds out what the issue is and wants to treat with magic beans! (Kidding but I agree-I am a western medicine girl too )
I’d be tempted to phone the first vet ‘who couldn’t feel anything’ and let her know she stinks…or at least that she was wrong…and yeah I ditto wanting to get a third opinion-or really a third vet who will treat? Although the herbs as Jers pointed out do make some sense. {{{Vibes}}} Keep us posted on the goings on!!
I was surprised about the kidney stone diagnosis as well. He said the results from the blood/urine tests should be back in a week.
He told me that kidney stones cannot be dissolved I have no idea if that is true or not and haven’t really had time today to research it further. As for the pain I was told to give him birch to chew on if he is showing discomfort… But I do not see me doing that.
I agree with holistic treatment to a certain point if it is something I think is going to cause more problems that could have been solved easier I tend to get a little frustrated and go a different way. My oldest dog gets acupuncture once every few weeks for her bad hips and it works really well for her.
Since he isn’t showing any pain or straining to pee I might try them for a little while but won’t proceed to do so if any of that changes. But I will be seeking the advice of another vet as well.
Well I looked up the article I was going to point out and realized the bun had ureter stones…but he did develop some that entered his kidney, plus illnesses he had caused the kidney to calcify and the vet talked more about removing the whole kidney rather than wait for the stones to pass. The bun apparently did make it through the procedure.
Sadly, from what I’ve read, stones are not dissolve-able and there doesn’t appear to be a sonic removal for them like with people.
The pain relieving medicine they spoke of was Bupren, that apparently puts less strain on an already ailing kidney than metacam.
Poor little Dini. He had a rough start in life and things just seem to keep coming up. I will keep you both in my prayers. I do think, even though it’s tough on you both, another vet might be a good idea. Maybe the third time’s the charm?
Poor little guy…. ((((Dini)))) I was really hoping that it was nothing serious because I really like that little guy, although I don’t know much about bunny kidney stones so not sure how serious that is.
I made Dini another appointment it is a 5 hour drive lol but if this one is any good it will sooo be worth it.
When is the appointment?
At 5:30 this evening.
Wow, 5 hours?? Just one way or round trip?
Sonn, your dedication always inspires me. You are such a wonderful bunny parent!
Vibes for a safe drive there and back and better news for Dini! ((((((((((((((((((((((((((vibes))))))))))))))))))))) Please update us when you can!
Jack didn’t have kidney stones, but did have a pretty big bladder stone, (he could not have passed it on his own), And I now have to make sure he stays fully hydrated either via diet and/or sub-q fluids. I used to have to give sub-q fluids several times a week, then it got down to two per week, then once, and now I just watch his water intake. If he’s not drinking as much and/or his urine is not as clear as I know it needs to be then I will give him sub-q fluids.
I do remember that if the fluid intake did not help with the sandy amount, then my vet did recommend potassium citrate. (though my understanding is it supposed to be affective in preventing Calcium Oxalate Stones)
Here is more detailed info about Jack’s stone and vet diet recommendations, along with Jack’s current diet info:
https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINF…fault.aspx‘
Again, this was about bladder stones, but it’s just more information to keep in mind or bring with you to the vets as you figure out what to do for your little guy.
MM it was 5 hours one way.
Whew! Long day for you both! But I’m glad you felt more comfortable with her and she was able to diagnose him, give you more information and a treatment plan. (((((Hugs for you both))))
Wow! Long long day. I’d be exhausted too. Sounds like you got a great vet and it must be comforting even though you are tired that your bunny seems to be in good hands.
I hope the passing of the stones goes easily! And you, get some rest.
It was a long LONG day. It was a huge relief though to actually have a vet who was willing to sit down and explain everything that was going on instead of treating me like a customer in a check out line.
Gave him his first round of meds this morning came away with some wounds and got shown the butt most of the day lol but he was all sweet and innocent at feeding time =P
I’m glad to hear you had a positive experience with the vet. Dini is incredibly lucky to have you!!!
(((((Stone passing vibes)))))))
You poor guys! I will add some easy stone passing vibes and ‘take your medicine without lacerations’ vibes as well. (((((((((((((((((((Dini & Sonn))))))))))))))))))))
It makes a world of difference to have a vet who is genuinely interested in seeing your case through to a satisfactory resolution.
(((((((peaceful and restful vibes)))))))))
Thank you =)
So far he has passed one it was really tiny but I did a happy dance anyway lol.
Yay!! Happy Dance!!!
Oh man, I hope that metacam sorts out any pain he might have. {{{DINI}}} I mean, I know it’s good he’s passing them but….poor bub!
I think it helped some but he was still very uncomfortable and kept making a squeaking noise. Afterwards he seemed drained for a few hours.
Hopefully rabbit stones are like human stones and he will feel 100% as soon as he passes all of them.
Posted By Sonn on 05/10/2011 03:17 PM
I think it helped some but he was still very uncomfortable and kept making a squeaking noise. Afterwards he seemed drained for a few hours.
It’s times like this you wish your bunnies could just take a nice, stiff shot of whisky. I know I would need one in such a situation!
Hogeeze, I don’t think I could handle hearing a bunny squeak. I’m sure Mimz has only done it once and that was when I’d first had him home and was trying to pull him out of his habitat for a doctor’s appointment, He was running around like mad and I finally figured I wasn’t going to catch him without doing the momma cat thing and I put my right hand on the scruff of his neck to stop him and my other hand under his butt and lifted him suddenly…he was so surprised he squeaked and it sounded like a terrified guinea pig. I felt so bad after that…still do.
From then on I always found a way to have my bunnies leave their habs under their own power…and lure them into their carriers with a treat. A much nicer approach for all of us.
Many ‘gentle kidney stone passing’ vibes to poor little Dini! (((((((((((((((((((((((((feel better bun!))))))))))))))))))))))))
And also ‘this too shall pass’ vibes for you, Sonn! (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
He passed 2 more this morning! He seemed to have more trouble with these 2 as he was very uncomfortable and kept squeaking and grunting. It’s hard to not be able to fix it for him so I just sit with him afterwards he will climb in my lap and go to sleep.
Pacey pretty much freaks out when Dini starts squeaking even though they haven’t met face to face yet only through cage bars. So I have to put him out in the hallway while it is happening since it seems to stress Dini out even more.
But on a positive note he seems to have had a major growth spurt he went from fitting in my hand to I have to use both hands and part of my arm to carry him lol.
He still seems a bit underweight but I attribute that to his strict diet since if he eats one piece more than usual the mushy overproducing of cecals come back full force.
Aww, poor Dini, Pacey, and you! (((Hugs))) At least he is passing them and hopefully will be much much better once he has!
I can barely stand it. Poor lil thing! Just wish this were over already as I’m sure you do too. {{{Dini}}}
Posted By jerseygirl on 05/13/2011 01:50 PM
I can barely stand it. Poor lil thing! Just wish this were over already as I’m sure you do too. {{{Dini}}}
Ditto! Poor little guy !
So if I am counting right — he has four more stones to pass? I hope it’s quick and easy.
Keep us updated.
That makes me so sad to hear of a bunny in pain…I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you.
It is hard to watch him in pain. I try to put myself in the mindset like when someone drops a hurt dog or cat in my yard and I know it is in pain but I know that what I am doing will help it in the long run but that’s really REALLY hard when you are attached to something.
He passed two more one last night right before bed and one a few minutes ago. These two didn’t really seem to bother him he strained a bit but no squeaking and he was ready to run around the room straight after.
Glad to hear he’s passing them quickly.
Awe. I just want to give Dini kisses and snuggles and you a hug! I can imagine how hard it is to see him be in pain.
He passed another stone this morning and is in the process of passing what is assumed his last. He is having a bit more trouble with this one but isn’t squeaking like with the others.
Yay!
I hope it’s his last EVER. {{{Dini}}} He deserves his troubles to be over.
Meant to update yesterday after he passed it but my internet kept losing it’s connection.
He passed the stone 3 hours after he started trying it was huge compared to the others. Those were about the size of a pencil tip and this one was as big around as the tip of my thumb.
When it finally passed he screamed I mean this horrifying heart wrenching scream. I thought for sure something had ripped or burst or something but there was no blood or anything just this giant stone. We are leaving in about 20 minutes to go back to the vet to see if everything is ok and to get the test results back to see if his kidneys are functioning correctly.
But after it passed even though he was just drained and slept in my lap for a good 1-2 hours when he woke up you could tell he felt so much better. He hasn’t done a binky in a long long time and that is all he done last night. Every time I would pet him or the dogs would come near him he would go into bunny 500’s and binkies.
Oh Sonn, I don’t think I could have handled that. Happy to hear he’s perked right back up though.
Dini is kidney stone free!!!! And his kidneys are healthy.
YEEEEAAAHHH!!! Everybody binkie for Dini!!!
*Binkies all around!* Sending lots of nose rubs his way. I’ve actually been having a stress reaction everytime I saw the thread title. lol I would have been hopeless dealing with a bun passing kidney stones.
Yay!!! ***Binky Binky Binky*** Way to go little guy!
So glad to hear that. How horrible that last stone must have been for you both.
I’m so glad that he’s done with the kidney stones! Poor, tough, little guy!
Glad he passed all those stones and vibes he’s on his way to recovery.
Poor Dini! I’m glad he’s back to normal now!
I was pretty much terrified through the whole thing. I don’t think I slept more than 2-3 hours every night.
But glad it’s over now.
Yay! Yay! Yay! Binky! Binky! Binky!
I can’t imagine how stressful this has been on you! And Dini! Poor little guy!
So glad to hear Dini has passed his stones! That sounds like such a horrifying and painful process for you both. o glad you were able to get help from a GOOD vet. Can’t believe the first one sent you home saying it was nothing
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