Blood test- Awful Drama

[LittlePuffyTail]

I had Bindi’s blood test done today. I’m very upset at how the procedure went. She said it was just a simple procedure and they take a bit from each back thigh area. She was gone a long time with him. She brought him back with bandages on both back legs. She said it was really difficult to get enough blood and his legs are really badly bruised but I can take the bandages off when I get home.

When I got home, I decided to wait like 20 minutes before taking them off just in case. I very carefully removed them. One legs was totally purple and I could see the puncture site. The other one, the puncture site, it looks like it stretched and it’s a gaping wound. And it won’t stop bleeding. Not a lot of blood but it’s still sort of oozing. I called the vet and the tech said “re-bandage and give it another 20 minutes”. I tried re-bandaging it with some kleenex and gauze tape but it’s impossible. He’s so stressed out and I’m alone. So I’m sitting here in the x-pen with him, trying not to let him lick it because I know it will start bleeding. I don’t have my car to take him back in.

I feel like I would never have gotten the blood work done had I known this would happen. I’m so upset, what do I do?  Will the site get infected? Plus he reeks of alcohol, I did my best to wash it off but he’s so stressed. He’s just freaking out.

[BearMom]

Oh my, I’m so sorry! I would just sit with him and stay calm for now, he just needs to know that everything is ok. I’ve seen others on here suggest using neosporin (the kind without pain killers in it, just the plain stuff) – maybe once he has setlled it would be worth getting some.

Also, Bear recently cut her foot – it was just a tiny cut but it did bleed like crazy. My vet said it was safe to use liquid bandage on it to keep it from getting infected. Just make sure it dries before letting the rabbit get to it, but it dries supper quick. I just put that on a couple times a day and she never messed with it.

For either of those, I would wait until it stops bleeding.

I wonder if getting some metacam from the vet would be a good idea for a day or so. Those bruises hurt I’m sure, and maybe that would keep any issues with Bindi going off his feed from the pain. Does anyone else have any opinions on that?

I think its kind of odd they took blood that way. Bear had it just taken from her ear, no bandages or anything needed. And that they would need it in two places seems strange – its not like the blood would be different.

[Malp_15]

If they were having trouble getting blood then bruising and alcohol smell is pretty normal. If an animal pulls away when you are in the vein it can cause the vein to blow and that’s how it bruises, and everytime you pull out you have to put more alcohol on because it only stays active for so long. I have never seen an open wound though :S that’s a bit suspicious. I have worked with psycho cats before that took 5 people to hold and like 15 pokes and it never left a wound…

[Malp_15]

Oops I should say that bandaging is normal to stop bleeding after and it helps stop the bruising.

[Michelle&Lolli]

Oh no! Poor Bindi!!

I think the best thing is just to leave him alone for now but continue to monitor him. I have found for Lolli (and Eddie especially) when they get really stressed out (being scared, etc), the very best thing I can do for them is to let them find a hidey spot and leave them alone until they’re ready to come out.

The bleeding will stop eventually and it’s just oozing so it WILL stop. You can apply some plain neosporin on the puncture wounds to help them heal up. Bindi won’t tolerate being on him so he’ll lick it off. It’s fine for them to ingest some. I used neosporin on Lolli’s neck when she was opening sores from obsessively grooming herself. I applied a thin layer with a q-tip and then held her for a few minutes so it could absorb some. Within minutes of putting her down, she was licking it off. But she managed to get enough absorbed that over a day or so, they would be starting to noticeably healed up.

OOOOOOOOO!!! I’d want to smack that vet! lol

[MimzMum]

I don’t get why they took blood from his rear legs, my vet always takes blood from the ear. I’ve seen Mimzy’s ear look kind of lumped up and bruised after a blood draw, but never a tear, and it heals pretty quickly.
I’d be sure his bummy stays clean especially after going potty till that heals, but don’t stress him with handling if you can’t get round to it.
I’ll send healing vibes for quick close of the wound and calming for both of you. This was your regular vet? I’d raise a stink.
Be sure to use the plain neosporin, not the one with the pain relief, as that is not good for them to ingest.

((((((((((((((((((feel better Bindi & LPT)))))))))))))))))))))))))

[LittlePuffyTail]

She said it’s often difficult to get enough blood from the ear. She needed two samples as they need to go to 2 different places for testing.

I watched him in the living room for most of the evening. He wasn’t obsessively washing, thankfully. He’s not an obsessive compulsive groomer like Stormy is.

I don’t blame my vet. I know that she knows what she’s doing with bunnies. I assume Bindi was not too co-operative and that created most of the bruising. He HATES having his feet handled so he was probably being very difficult.  She called me after-hours last night to check up on him.

I’m just glad it’s over. Now I have to wait for the results. About 3 days.

[MimzMum]

I know what you mean. Mimzy decided to not wait for me to replace a litter pan the other night and peed all over his floor…and of course soaked his bum in the process. So the whole time I am trying to get hold of his hind feet to wash them he’s kicking and flailing…ugh…I realize it’s a survival reflex, but seriously…what does he think he has to survive me for? >.< I am dubious how bad his oncoming arthritis is if he can punch me in the gut like that. 0_*;

Poor Bindi…good vet, well known or not, I’d sure let them know I was not happy and would rather go back with my bun next time to see if I can keep him calm for them…even if it means having to watch them take a needle to him. I know it’s not for everyone though and some animals will actually become wilder knowing the owner is there, making a bigger ruckus for the sake of mum or dad to really lose sleep over afterwards.

Nice of her to call after hours though. Shows dedication and concern. I see now why, if my vet isn’t planning on taking blood from an easier spot that she would rather do that stuff while bun is under GA. Makes it easier on all parties.

How’s he doing otherwise? Have you had a look at the wound today?
Vibes that the tests come back okay. If his blood is clear it will make all that hassle worth it…kind of…lol. ((((((((((((BindiLoo Vibes)))))))))))))))))))))))

[LittlePuffyTail]

If I ever get blood tests done again, I am going to insist on being there. I think that my presence would be reassuring. It would be difficult to watch but it’s for the well-being of my bunny.

His wound is healing up. It’s crusted over now. I’m anxious and a bit scared for the results. Maybe I will get a call Friday. By Monday for sure.

He’s been acting the same. Some days he’s more interested in his veggies. He did manage to escape from his condo at 5 am this morning and was a real little stinker to catch. So he can’t be feeling THAT bad.

[Author]

Messages