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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Force feeding…how often?

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    • MimzMum
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        Mimzy is hardly making any wastes at all. Head tilt/spinning is still severely hindering his movements. How often should I encourage him to eat? And what should I give him?

        Many thanks in advance.


      • LittlePuffyTail
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          Do you have Critical Care?


        • MimzMum
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            Yes, but it is hard enough just getting his meds in without him beginning to roll…not sure I can manage CC.
            He’ll drink from his water bottle if I hold it close to his face. He’s trying to ‘mental map’ his pen (but has to make two circles to just wind up where he started.) Frustrating for him and sets off his vertigo big time.
            He does try to eat by himself. Just doesn’t get a lot in before he’s exhausted himself.

            I don’t want his tummy to get empty. How often does it cycle through contents?


          • kinggoblin
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              I’ve put pellets, greens + a small bit of fruit in a blender before and gave that to my bunny when he hasn’t wanted to eat ( sometimes after a tooth clipping he doesn’t want to eat because his teeth are sore ) he will usually slurp it up without me having to force him and then he perks up and eats his hay like nothing happened.

              I’m not sure how often to offer it though, maybe every 2-4 hours?


            • LittlePuffyTail
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                You could try using a shredder for his veggies. When Bindi was having problems with his mouth, I shredded all his veggies until it was like a mash and mixed some pellets with the wet veggie shreds. Not sure if this will help, but its worth a try.


              • RabbitPam
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                  Maybe you can get your hubby to prop him and syringe feed him some Critical Care, or make one of the slushies recommended by the others. I think getting a basic amount into him twice a day is important to have him get his nutrition and stomach lined. If he is held, he may be able to lick the syringe and help you by eating from it, like the water spout. Then you can wipe his mouth so he doesn’t get frustrated if it gets gunky.


                • MimzMum
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                    Thanks everyone.
                    Mimzy and I have developed a system whereby he us able to let me know when he’s hungry or thirsty. Simple really…he basically begins circles around his pen and stops at the sides or back to spot me. Sometimes he can get to the door (he tried to ho on it last night after he realized Pip was getting treats)…of course this disorients him but I’ll steady him with one hand while offering food ir drink with the other. If he accepts I was right. If not I found he’s looking for cuddles or help cleaning his face. He can manage the left but turning right sends him spinning.
                    I really need that panacur dose. I don’t think the baytril alone is helping.
                    Next I have to try and get some benebac in. I smell messy cecals and of course I doubt he can reach his currently. The extra veggies (which he will eat for himself) and all the meds aren’t doing him any favors there.
                    Hardly any poos again today but they ARE there. I’ll take what I can get here. The reglan I gave him last night should be helping by now, right?
                    Only three hours sleep. He’s nodding so I will too. Will check back here in a bit. He’s had a lettuce leaf, some carrot and tops. I think he was nibbling hay when I got up


                  • MimzMum
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                      Please pardon spelling errors…still typing from my cell.
                      He tried to HOP onto his door for treats…needless to say he almost pitched right out of it. But that he’s trying to adapt is stunning. He’s already making new mental maps of his surroundings. Trying to keep things constant for him.
                      Any idea how long this spinning stage lasts? I’ve got meclizine coming but not sure if it will help.
                      Should the panacur stop most of his disorientation?
                      How do I keep his gut normal without cecals?

                      Raining and gloomy today…like me…but at least a break in the heat.


                    • RabbitPam
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                        MM, please give the medicine time to work before making any changes. You always want to see improvement immediately, (understandable) but it just doesn’t work effectively that way. You have to wait at least a day before messing with changes and dosages. Get some rest and give him a chance to get better. (You know I say this with love.)


                      • MimzMum
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                          Sorry Pam, didn’t mean to confuse. The meclazine and panacur were prescribed by the vet who saw him yesterday. She wanted me to start him on them last night. She also gave me the metaclopramide and I think that did him a world of good as it must’ve helped move his gut and decreased his nausea.
                          I’m doing my best not to fuss over him. But I don’t want him thinking I’m only here to put nasty stuff in his mouth. We have gentle cuddles when he asks and I leave him to rest when he’s tired. I also put a blanket over one side of his pen so he doesn’t get too much eye stimulation. I know when I had vertigo last year all I wanted to do was lay down in my pillows with my eyes shut and have quiet. I’m trying to do that for him.
                          Good news…we may finally be able to employ those palace pet beds now. I was just getting him used to them before he got sick.


                        • TBpony414
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                            Meclazine will really help, you should see a difference soon after the first dose. My first bunny had EC for the last 2+ years of his life, unfortunately I’ve been where you are now. Get a pill cutter and carefully cut the tablet up into whatever size pieces – my bunny Howie got 1/8 of a pill. Tricky to do because the pieces will be super tiny. To get the pill in him, put the small tab in the bottom of the tiniest container you have – tupperware, a ramekin, whatever. Tilt the cup to the side, get super hot water and put a few drops on the pill so it melts it. Literally, just a few drops, enough to dissolve the pill. Sometimes you can use the end of a utensil to help soften/dissolve things. After, I add a little bit of applesauce to thicken everything and disguise the taste of the pill. Draw the dose up into a small medicine syringe. I hope this made sense. You can give mec. 4 times a day. Hugs to you and your bunnies!!


                          • MimzMum
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                              Thank you. Yes, our vet wrote a special script for the 12.5 ml pills that I have to crush and mix with juice to syringe once a day. It’s taken all day but he’s finally not tipping as much…sadly his eyes are still shifting but I’m just glad he hasn’t crashed and burned for a few hours.
                              He seems better this evening but I’m wary…I know he could relapse.
                              He’s been eating hay on his own and will drink from his bottle if I hold it for him. Will keep the crock in for when I sleep but he isn’t really interested in it.
                              Will give him his reglan before bed but not sure about the panacur now as I don’t want to tip his tummy too far into discomfort. Can it hurt to wait one more day? He got sick Sunday.


                            • jerseygirl
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                                It’s good he’s eating hay. Does he pick it up off the floor easily enough? I wonder if some in a rack would help him get it also… Place it that best suits how he is tilted? But also put where he’s currently accessing it.

                                Another thing I remember K&K had some success with when Chuck was tilting was to offer ice cubes in a dish. They can lick them and get water that way. I suppose there is no worry off them getting too wet from a crock when trying to drink with head on an angle. Plus it might be enjoyable in your summer heat.

                                How are his cecal looking? Are they in formed or just normal but getting squashed by his movements. That would certainly make them smell and appear unformed when they actually aren’t. personally I wouldn’t do benebac until after med course finished but that’s my opinion. I’m still a bit unconvinced when it comes to those probiotics…
                                Does he like the taste? I just wonder of if its another thing you have to give by mouth whether he’d get more upset then it’s worth?

                                {{{vibes}}} for you and the furries!


                              • MimzMum
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                                  Thanks Jerz. Yeah I may hold off on the benebac. He’s stressed enough.
                                  He was a bit off this a.m. but tonight he’s not doing too bad. This up and down is making me nuts. When does he go up and stay up? 0_o I’m so tired, only get a few hours sleep and then he’s bashing around again and I get scared he’ll hurt himself. I can’t be wait to have him see his favorite vet so we can get a better idea of where we stand.

                                  I didn’t do the panacur on the boys…did I mention that? No sub q’s on Mimzy…too scared I’ll hurt him. He’s drinking our ‘tummy tea’ that BB sells. I have to syringe it but he slurps it right down…if he takes that and eats his wet veg is that enough fluid? He won’t drink by crock or bottle over night if I’m asleep and not holding it for him.
                                  He was sneezing and coughing yesterday. No discharge but his eyes are weepy. How likely could he get pneumonia during this?

                                  Ugh…still need sleep. Please excuse how scattered this update is. Naptime for both of us…I hope…as long as he doesn’t suddenly spring up!


                                • RabbitPam
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                                    How’s he doing today? How long until he sees his regular vet?


                                  • MimzMum
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                                      Up and down again today..
                                      Really bad tonight, lots of falling and rolling 3:30 a.m. here. Gets worse after panacur…almost like he’s having some odd kind of fit.
                                      We see Dr.H at 2:30 p.m.
                                      Wish us luck. I am not optimistic but will try to keep an open mind.
                                      Any vibes for my poor boy would be gratefully accepted.


                                    • LittlePuffyTail
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                                        (((((((more Get Well Vibes for Mimzy)))))))) Wishing you lots of luck at the vet.


                                      • RabbitPam
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                                          {{{{{{{{{{{{{More Healing vibes, Mimzy}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}


                                        • BinkyBunny
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                                            I am so sorry. How stressful. Try to get more sleep if you can, so important for your own health and in being able to take care of him too.
                                            HEALING VIBES!!!


                                          • MimzMum
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                                              Thanks everyone.
                                              Basic breakdown of today’s visit is that we are doing all we can to help him. She was happy with my sub q jab on him today and thinks he’s okay for hydration. Got an extra bottle of baytril and we’ve upped Mimzy’s meclazine to twice a day. He now needs eyedrops to keep them moist, plus she found a cataract in his right eye ( the upward facing…she doesn’t feel he damaged it ) which means on top of everything he is going blind.
                                              His skin/fur is in bad shape. No mites, just scaly skin with brittle, ratty hair. But overall she feels he has a chance.
                                              One thing for sure…he’s in snuggle bun mode. He seeks out extra attention any way he can get it.

                                              Any tips on keeping him from breaking bones until he can stand up straight again? I can’t use towels…he eats them. And what about his pelt…is there something I can do to help those itchy, ratty spots? He’s not drinking much but is eating lots of greens, washing his ice pods and gets about 50mls sub q’s a day…is it okay if he can’t use his bottle or crock? Syringe liquids are difficult since he has to deal with so much medicine.

                                              And the big question…will he be normal again eventually? Is he going to have to relearn how to do everything or will I have to hand feed and water him the rest of his life? I just want to know what to expect.

                                              I think a few bunnies are getting bummy baths tomorrow too…all these chemicals are wreaking havoc with digestion and elimination.

                                              The saddest part of today was seeing some numpty try to hand off the harlequin rabbit that obviously got too big and too boring for her kids to me at the vet counter. The poor creature was beautiful but had terribly sad eyes. If I wasn’t holding a very sick baby in my own carrier I would’ve risked the OH walking out to take him home.
                                              I hate people sometimes.


                                            • RabbitPam
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                                                We really can’t predict what will happen, MM, though we have read many instances of recovery here from head tilt. It just takes a very long time. I think Chuck had made a recovery for a while before he got it again, and he functioned being blind and deaf with help from Noot, so it’s possible. It probably depends on his overall strength, age, and compromised healing ability. You may need to rearrange your daily routines, or brace yourself for ending his suffering. I would just consider all the possibilities, then set it all aside and take things on a day by day basis.

                                                I saw that you posted for suggestions for making him comfortable without using fabric in a different post, so I went to that to reply.
                                                {{{{{{{{Healing vibes & hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}


                                              • MimzMum
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                                                  Thanks Pam. Yeah, I’ve had to think of quite a few things I hadn’t ever wanted to. My schedule is already whack, sleep is becoming impossible. Not sure how much of his movement is illness or normal. I think he may have even been trying to Binky this a.m.? 0_o
                                                  Anyway…as long as he’s eating and eliminating, is not in pain or further complications develop we keep on. Lots of worry about his fluids as he’s not drinking much.
                                                  Thinking positive!


                                                • TBpony414
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                                                    Instead of using rolled up towels, get some crib bumpers. I got 2 sets at Babies R Us, they were cheap ($15?) and tied right onto the playpen and condo bars. Perfect size for a bunny, and they really helped a lot. Not only did my E.C. boy have zero balance, but he did get his leg caught in the bars when rolling one time right after he was diagnosed – so I never again risked injury and kept the baby bumper pads tied to the cages for the last 2 years of his life as a precaution. It made me feel better knowing he was safe and padded. Just make sure the strings are tied on the OUTSIDE of the playpen so your bunny can’t get at them… lol ask me how I know! Lack of sleep and worrying about bunnies is very stressful.


                                                  • MimzMum
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                                                      I was considering crib bumpers but don’t they have polyester filling? He’d down that in a thrice.
                                                      He had me worried today. Kept circling in his pen exhausting himself and his head bobbing and tilt were worse this afternoon. Gave him another 50mls sub q’s and after awhile he seemed better but was limp and weak. I thought I was losing him.
                                                      He snuggled with me a good couple of hours only getting up to eat cecals. But he’s very wobbly and rolling badly. We had a power outage last night for four hours so I hope his meds haven’t spoiled. It’s pretty hot today though so that may be the reason.
                                                      He’s eaten a few half dozen dandelions but other than his greens he’s not eating much and I haven’t seen him drink from crock or bottle in days. This worries me greatly.
                                                      I wish I could snuggle him in bed at night but I don’t think Jenna would appreciate it.

                                                      I was so close to running him to the vet thinking he had an impaction because his tummy was tight. He finally took some simethicone after a bit of argument. He just doesn’t want anything by mouth. (Well…except dandelions and other greens)…could he be having trouble moving his mouth or swallowing? Or is he just sick of medicine? (Which is too bad, sadly for him)


                                                    • BinkyBunny
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                                                        I’m so sorry you have to go through this. This must be very rough. I’ve been trying to play catch up on Mimz updates. But I have somehow missed if there was a titer test for e.cuniculi. ?? Though I know that doesn’t prove that his symptoms are due to that. at least if it came back negative though, it might help rule it out. There was also a previous thread about possibly being able to determine if it was a nervous system issue due to which way eyes are darting (if that is happening with Mimz??) I will try and find it. I know there have been many bunnies that had head tilt due to e.cuniculi where their brain finally got used to the tilt and the bunny could function well, balance wise as well, even though the head was permanently at a tilt. But I also know it is all very individual and so it is so hard to predict what will happen with Mimz. But I know you will be giving him the best care and lots of love and so whatever is meant to be, it definitely be within an environment that promotes the healing and care. Not sure if I referred you to this link or not already, http://www.onthewonk.com, but it is a great resource for bunnies with head tilt regardless of the reason. Again, I apologize if I am behind on this and giving advice on anything that has already been addressed.

                                                        Sending continued healing vibes!


                                                      • MimzMum
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                                                          Dammit…I had a massive reply typed and my phone jumped the page and I lost it all. I NEED MY PC BACK.
                                                          Okay…shorthand version: Mimzy was tested years ago for EC when he first started having leg weakness but it was inconclusive and just a wee test anyway. I should’ve gone with my gut and put him on panacur with his URI history.
                                                          The heat is hurting him and exacerbating symptoms. Today in the cooler a.m. he is righting himself better but that could change of course.
                                                          He sees his best vet tomorrow. Will reassess and update afterwards.
                                                          I’m so tired. I can’t get any rest. I have to do this alone because my family wants me to euthanize him.
                                                          Thank you for the vibes and for asking about him, BB. I’d be lost without all you folks and the RU bunch.
                                                          (((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))


                                                        • TBpony414
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                                                            I have no idea what crib bumpers are filled with, but they are a totally different material than towels so my bun never chewed them (he ate a million towels, though lol)

                                                            My vet told me the EC test isn’t super accurate… You may want to treat Mimzy as though he has it since he has so many symptoms, and see if he improves. That’s what we did with my boy Howie and he improved dramatically. Also, EC buns are especially sensitive to barometric pressure changes. With all the crazy weather, it’s no wonder your guy isn’t feeling well. So sorry you’re going through this… It’s been several years since my special boy passed away but the heartache and worry of caring for a sick bun is still with me. I feel for you, it’s so tough. You’re doing a great job though! (((hugs)))


                                                          • BinkyBunny
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                                                              Posted By TBpony414 on 06/22/2012 10:09 PM 

                                                              Also, EC buns are especially sensitive to barometric pressure changes.

                                                              TBpony, I didnt know that. Very interesting.  Can you elaborate on that?  May be really educational in this case.

                                                              Mimzmum, I got confused.  You said mimz had an ec test but then said it was only a urine test.  But the titer results come from blood so I am not sure what test he had?  I am sure it was all more clear on your original post before it got erased. So sorry.  That has happened to me too and it is so very frustrating…sends me the moon!  I also am sorry you are feeling a bit alone in whats happening as your family is leaning torward euthanasia for Mimz.  That must be hard.  I know KK had to deal with that from others too and it sounds like a rough place to be.  I know whatever decision you end up making, it will be out of love, care and quality of life.   Speaking of which, you have to get some rest too…..for self care and your own quality of life or you yourself could get sick.  I hope you can at least get enough help from family to help mimz as that is supporting you and what you need.  (regardless if they agree or not about Mimz) If you need help, its about you, not about mimz.  And there is nothing wrong with expecting and asking for help regardless if they agree with your current decision.  Love doesnt have to agree…love is just love and we do what we can to help the ones we love. 

                                                              Sending hugs.


                                                            • MimzMum
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                                                                Well if I had to take a guess then it’s likely E.C. as Mimzy has always been the first of my three to fall ill during weather changes. It all makes sense really. Thanks TBPony. That’s good to know.
                                                                No, BB…Mimzy has never had the blood test. No vet ever remembers to draw from his ear during GA. But I do know it’s an iffy result. Either way he’s on fenbendazole and seems to do better after his dose than other times.
                                                                Gonna grab some kip. Early day for me tomorrow.


                                                              • Monkeybun
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                                                                  More vibes for you and Mimzy, MM. I’m sorry your family isn’t being more positive I hope he gets better! *hugs*


                                                                • MimzMum
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                                                                    Up late after a long, hard day. Mimzy is not doing well since his trip in for his recheck.
                                                                    I’m not sure what has gone wrong. But he has very little use of his rear legs tonight. He did get an injection of diazepam while we waited for a nurse to come shave his bum, because he was highly stressed between the long drive and the 85 degree heat. The last few days have been miserable but at least he could walk/hop a bit even though he was tumbling and rolling.
                                                                    For hours after coming back from the vet all he’s been able to do is roll and squirm around on his side, many times winding up on his back and straining to right himself. I fear that he may have damaged his back, but although his legs aren’t as responsive, they do still stretch out, he was able to scratch an ear with one hind foot for awhile and he seemed to be able to kick at me a bit when I lift him. But mostly he’s just flopping around like a fish.
                                                                    I’ll be calling the vet first thing but now I’m really scared. Mimzy’s illness is bad enough without this too. And our favorite vet is leaving town this week and won’t be available to assess him at the end of this month.
                                                                    Can I have some vibes and prayers for him? He’s really very poorly tonight.


                                                                  • RabbitPam
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                                                                      {{{{{{{{{{{Resting, peaceful, healing vibes for Mimzy}}}}}}}}}}}

                                                                      I can’t help wondering if you could just put him on a towel in your lap and sit back and watch TV while holding him. Maybe he would stay put and relax or sleep there for a while. Poor little guy. Hang in there, MM.


                                                                    • Roberta
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                                                                        Keeping you and the Mimzster in our thoughts…..


                                                                      • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                          I’m so very sorry he’s doing so poorly. I know that he’s your baby and this must be incredibly hard for you. I wish I could do something to help but I will say a little prayer for him.

                                                                          (((Mimzy))))


                                                                        • MimzMum
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                                                                            Almost 6a.m. here. Managed only a few hours sleep. Thought he was doing better after eating some veg and hay. Just woke me with more flailing around his pen. He’s been breathing really hard and still can’t keep himself up without help. Poor bub won’t relax at all unless I’m touching him.
                                                                            I don’t know what to do. Is this just that ‘getting worse before it gets better’ phase? Am I losing him? Is he in pain? Five hours till the vet opens. I can’t drive in the state I’m in and no one else is here/awake who can help.
                                                                            Why is this happening? :'(


                                                                          • Roberta
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                                                                              Can you take him to bed with you for an hour so both of you can relax a little.


                                                                            • MimzMum
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                                                                                I’ve got my Yorkie and a cat crowding it already and he won’t just sit still. I’m not sure if he doesn’t want to lay down or can’t. Plus he’s weeing everywhere.
                                                                                Just gave him more veg…he’s pounding it down like he’s starving. He may have been so out of it yesterday that he just didn’t take in enough nourishment. But with how upside down his head is I worry he’s going to choke.
                                                                                If he’s hungry his symptoms sometimes worsen. But I haven’t seen him this bad before.
                                                                                If he’s eating like this, despite the labored breathing and the obvious stress…it’s a good thing, right? He’s holding himself up at the moment but then he’ll just corkscrew through a few barrel rolls if he loses his balance.
                                                                                His head keeps making these sweeping motions backwards. If I pet him he tooth purrs but when he falls he grinds his teeth.
                                                                                It’s the falling or jerking motions that scare me, plus he flails so hard when he rolls. And this happens whenever he moves. The lack of coordination is a change from earlier in the week but I can’t tell what’s caused it.
                                                                                His breathing sounds like he’s scared too, my poor baby. And yet he’s gone back to eat. 0_o
                                                                                I’m so confused….


                                                                              • Hokankai
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                                                                                  I don’t know about eating being the best gauge for how he’s doing. He’ll eat instinctually to survive. Most animals fight a LOT longer than they should. My rats that were very sick ate right up to the morning before I put them to sleep. It’s really a decision you have to make based on his current quality of life and prognosis…which from what I’ve read isn’t looking too good for poor Mimzy.

                                                                                  All I can say is that you should take a step back and evaluate your situation. Are you confident he’ll get better before he starves, dehydrates, hurts himself? Are you holding onto him for his well-being or yours? Is the level of stress he’s going through compromising his quality of life? Is he “telling you” he’s ready to go? For me I fought and fought to keep my rats as long as I could, but they let me know they were ready. They got VERY cuddly and didn’t want to stay in their cage, and then I decided it was time when they lost interest in their favorite treats.

                                                                                  I recommend you do the 3 Things test: think of Mimzy’s 3 favorite things, and once he either can’t or won’t do those things then his quality of life has decreased and that’s when I say they’re ready to go.

                                                                                  I’m sorry you’re dealing with this and I really hope he gets better, but you need to step back for a moment and make sure you’re not prolonging the inevitable just because you don’t want to lose him yet. His passing is almost entirely in your control.

                                                                                  (((Hugs)))


                                                                                • Roberta
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                                                                                    Been keeping you both in my thoughts, it’s 9.30 am Monday here which means it must be about 5.30pm Sunday up there….
                                                                                    Hope everything is OK…… {{{{{{{{{Mimz and Mom}}}}}}}}}}}


                                                                                  • jerseygirl
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                                                                                      A friends rabbit had onset of head tilt about a month ago. He is still tilted but has adjusted to things “on the wonk” somewhat. She did say that when he gets stressed he tilts more, sort of curls up. For him, this is when she handles him (thank goodness not the case with Mimzy!). His being a nethie, this was something he was ansty about before head tilt, so it triggers some stress and then his symptoms magnify. In regards to Mimzy, I wonder because it’s still early days that he hasn’t orientated himself enough yet? Realized his limitations. So he tries to do things as normal (bless him) and becomes frustrated and stressed which then exacerbates things?

                                                                                      It’s certainly more and more sounding like ec… Are you doing 28days on the panacur?

                                                                                      I’ve taken Bumblebunny’s earlier lead and lit a candle also.
                                                                                      Group MM: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=MM


                                                                                    • MimzMum
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                                                                                        Thank you Jerz and Roberta. I really thought we were taking him in today, but he is doing better. Still falling over a bit but standing more. The heat is not as bad tonight but the house holds it pretty well so we still have some uncomfy bunnies.

                                                                                        I used a Rubbermaid tub with towels wrapped around the inside and a puppy pad to sit on for him. He has too much room in his night pen (that’s sad) to throw himself around and this makes it less likely he’ll hurt himself. I just have to be sure his stress level doesn’t build in the smaller space.

                                                                                        I wish I could take him outside. But it’s too soon by half. He needs to be able to navigate better. But summer is fleeting here. I would love for him to see the grasses and dandies growing again.
                                                                                        Thank you for the candles. That means so much.


                                                                                      • Monkeybun
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                                                                                          From what I have heard from another RA member, who has a head tilt bun, when it first happened it was much like Mimzy, but her bun did adapt, and was able to function mostly normal, just couldn’t jump up on anything, and needed padding around his little pen. This bun never got back to normal, but did live a long happy life, even if it was a bit crooked


                                                                                        • Roberta
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                                                                                            Ditto MB, I know of a couple of people with Wonky Buns who are living happy lives with a slightly altered perspective.

                                                                                            There is also a support group on Bunspace that is all about buns with head tilt. http://www.bunspace.com/groups/group_index?gid=51


                                                                                          • MimzMum
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                                                                                              Thank you both.
                                                                                              Well he seemed to really enjoy his smaller sleeping space last night. I was finally able to get some rest also.
                                                                                              Called his vet this a.m. and she was relieved he’d improved. We’re going to add the dreaded PenG shots (hopefully my practice with sub q’s and has prepared me better this time) and when my vet gets back from being out of state next week she’ll check his progress. I think we’ll skip any unnecessary rides to town from now on and I’ll just give her his symptoms or improvements, etc. That drive is too much for him with this disease.
                                                                                              Sure wish we were closer to town but…if wishes were horses…..
                                                                                              So we’re still plugging away. I’m hoping since the onset and his worsening symptoms seem accelerated that maybe his recovery will be short. But I’ll take whatever comfortable quality time he wants to give me.
                                                                                              In other news…my hubby is not as ready to PTS as I thought. He wants to help. Which really meant so much. I know the bunnies were all additions neither of us anticipated, but he has a special soft spot for Mimz. I don’t feel quite so hopeless anymore.
                                                                                              Thanks for all the vibes and advice, everyone.


                                                                                            • TBpony414
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                                                                                                BB, I’ll actually be seeing my vet in a week and will ask then for some further details as it was several years ago that we discussed the barometric pressure sensitivities. All I know is that I could look at the weather predictions and watch my bunny deteriorate in front of my eyes like clockwork whenever storms or pressure systems were on their way in OR on their way out. In those instances, I would give extra doses of meclizine and make sure I was available to hold my bunny close to keep him calm and from rolling in circles like a spinning log.


                                                                                              • MimzMum
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                                                                                                  I should be keeping a record of it myself. He was feeling pretty well this morning and then the weather changed again and he’s worse tonight despite the cooler temps. It’s getting to me too, I hit a wall about seven tonight and just wanted to lie down.
                                                                                                  Would be very interested in your info.


                                                                                                • jerseygirl
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                                                                                                    I’d be interested to learn more on that too! Also MM, aren’t they doing a log on RU re weather patterns effecting snuffly buns? It’s interesting.

                                                                                                    If you’re using big needles for subcut fluids, try them for the penG. It makes a big difference getting the dose in.


                                                                                                  • MimzMum
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                                                                                                      Not sure if these needles will fit, Jerz, but I suppose we can try. Although he’s already tired of being poked for the sub q’s and you can see it hurts him now.
                                                                                                      He was agitated as heck last night and kept me awake. He just seems so stressed but with how quickly he was turning circles I had to wonder if his strength is returning…even if his balance isn’t.
                                                                                                      Yes Jenova’s thread on snuffles bunnies is drawing a crowd. Up until he got tilt Mimzy was part of it. But now I think I should go back and start documenting again.
                                                                                                      Soooo tired. Will return later to post more. Hugs to all!


                                                                                                    • jerseygirl
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                                                                                                        Oops! I’m remembering now how big some of those needles can be. I was thinking of about an 18 gauge with my suggestion before.

                                                                                                        Hope you’re getting some quality rest.


                                                                                                      • MimzMum
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                                                                                                          Was up all nite again. But I think he may be getting better with his balance as he was able to get to his cecals without falling over this morning. He’s also grooming himself and scratching without rolling as much. And he’s copping an attitude…definitely a sign of improvement.
                                                                                                          It’s cooled off considerably too. Rained all day. Made a big difference for him. (Especially since my window crank broke and my room was exposed to the elements all nite.)
                                                                                                          Good thing it’s not winter. 0_o
                                                                                                          He may be getting tired of the storage box. But he’s still too unsteady to use his night pen. I just hope he doesn’t get out of it when I’m out cold one of these times.


                                                                                                        • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                                                            Sending kisses to Mimzy ((((((mmmmmmwwwwaaaaa))))))))


                                                                                                          • Sarita
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                                                                                                              Continued vibes to Mimzy.

                                                                                                              Are you still giving him the antibiotics as well?


                                                                                                            • MimzMum
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                                                                                                                Thanks LPT and Sarita
                                                                                                                Yes, he’ll be on those for quite some time. Wreaking havoc with his cecals. Since it rained there were no dandelions open and I forgot to collect some leaves and by this a.m. his bum is a right mess again.
                                                                                                                This is the hard part for them about winter. With no dandelions to eat we see much more dysbiosis. Especially in situations where too much store bought greens are consumed. Mimzy absolutely will not touch his benebac either. Any stress causes him to take a step back in his recovery.
                                                                                                                But on the whole he is doing well. Still eating like a horse and eliminating well. His hay intake has increased again. He enjoys his lettuce and parsley so we’ve been able to stretch a dew days between sub q’s. Since the dramatic change after the hot weather broke I haven’t yet begun the pen-g injections. We have them in case he goes downhill again but I think the stress of another (amateur-ly handled) needle at the moment could do more harm than good. His tummy is struggling enough with the flood of meds he’s getting now.
                                                                                                                GTG…he’s shredding the puppy pad again. :/ more later…..

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