How do you know it’s time?

[earthisours]

 It’s a hard question. How do you know it’s time for your bunny to pass on?

My old man is 10 years old and recently diagnosed with a tumour on his heart, pushing into the trachea. He also has arthritis in his lower spine. He does get a daily dose of metacam, as well as his usual flax oil (omega 3’s).

He sleeps a lot, but he isn’t usually very comfortable when sitting. He kind of slowly turns around in a circle until he finds something to lean against. He also spends a lot of time now competely on his side. But then he WAKES UP a few hours a day, where he’ll come find you to give him treats (he gets whatever he wants in treats now). He still eats happily and energetically, but not as much anymore. It’s usually when he sleeps or is sleepy when he looks the worst.

I’m not going to let him just ‘pass away.’ That would obviously be a painful pass, knowing where the tumour is. But when is it time? When would his quality of life be compromised, and how can I know? He’s a tough bugger, having survived more than what most rabbits deal with, so how do I know?…

Please help me. =(

[mia]

I’m so sorry. Is there any way to make him go to sleep faster or his sleep more comfortable?
It’s a personal decision that only you can make since you know his personality the best. Sometimes as long as his happiness is greater than the pain; sometimes even the smaller bit of happiness is enough. Unfortunately we can’t ask him so again, you know the best. Hang in there, both of you.

[Beka27]

I’m so sorry. This is so hard.

In my mind… I would help him pass sooner rather than later. You don’t truly know how he is feeling during his “bad” hours. And if you let him go sooner, you will still have fresh memories of seeing him in a happy time… getting his treats.

Some people choose to wait until there is no quality of life. I prefer to not see it get to that point, for my own sanity, and the bun’s comfort.

It’s your decision, and a really difficult one. You’re going to question whichever choice you make… But whatever you decide is right for you and him IS the right choice. 

[Valkyrie]

I am so sorry. It is your choice and you will know better than anyone else. When Merlin started going down hill, I struggled with this myself. He would sleep all day and never wanted to be out of his cage anymore. I kept forcing him out and would lay on the floor with him, but after an hour he would go back in. But he loved that snuggle time and still ate his treats with gusto. My thought was that as long as he wasn’t in pain and still ate his treats, then I would leave him be. Then when I got home one night he had a stroke right in front of me and refused his treat…I knew it was time but no vets are open at 11 pm. So my husband and I held him for an hour and then cuddled him up in a blanket to go to sleep. He didn’t make the night and thankfully slipped away in his sleep, but I wish I could have got him to a vet and let him go then. I guess I am just saying to keep in mind that one day he could pass away on his own or the moment will come when you can’t get to a vet in time.

[Beka27]

Have you considered making an advance appointment? For a month (or two… Or whatever you think)? You could always move it forward if he begins to really decline. Or he may pass unexpectedly like Valkyrie said. But would having a “no matter what” date help you? He is a very loved bunny and you would of course make it a point to shower him with affection in the meantime… And say your goodbyes.

[AnnaW]

So very sorry to hear about your bun, he has had a long and wonderful life that is for sure. When I had to make the call it just felt right, I’m not sure about anyone else but I cradled my boy and explained to him that when you love something so very much it can be kinder to let them go to heaven and be whole again. Im so sorry for what you’re going through, I would make an appointment or even call your vets to ask their opinion on quality of life as (though I work in oncology) I don’t have much knowledge of bun tumours. X

[earthisours]

Thanks everyone… Sometimes I think something like setting a date (unless needed beforehand…) is a good idea, but then I almost feel like I’m betraying him. This little guy has so much fight in him, has fought to live all his life (I still laugh that every vet that sees him always exclaims how feisty he is… ) and that I’ll be cutting it short, when I can tell even now he’s giving it his all. Ugh.

I meant to ask this to his vet but I just couldn’t at the time. But he did say to keep an eye on his breathing, especially if it’s deep breathing. (he breaths fairly hard now) and to call him at any time.

His brother didn’t go so nicely. It was so sudden (and sadly his vet was away… the younger doc on call just didn’t make the right call, although I’m not convinced he would have lived much longer), but he suffered some.

It’s sad because originally he was tentatively diagnosed (by another extremely experienced vet) as an enlarged heart, and apparently that would’ve been as easy as one day not walking up from sleep. This is so much harder. =(

[jerseygirl]

I’m sorry earthisours. It’s definitely a difficult thing.
Thinking of you & sending peace and comfort {{{vibes}}} to you and your bun.

[Sarita]

Hugs, it’s a hard thing to think about. I’ve had to make the decision so many times and for me, it was the thought to let them go sooner rather than later and with the consent of my vet – consent being that my vet agreed with me and we talked about the chances of survival from any treatment. For me it’s a bit easier to make this decision for my seniors based on health issues because of age and the possibility of survival for treatment.

I know many people say they must feel good if they are eating and in my own opinion, I don’t agree with that.

I think you are taking the first step by asking yourself and others. I encourage you to have a frank discussion with your vet as well – I’ve found my vet is always in agreement with me in the end and that helps put my mind at rest. My heart still hurts but that can never be helped.

[CheriB603]

I’m so so sorry for what you and your bun are going thru. As someone who lost a bun a few days ago , and watched her suffer in pain, I also recommend saying goodbye while you can do it with a calm snuggle instead of with a desperate struggle.
Best wishes to you…

[Tessie]

So sorry to hear you are in this difficult situation
Love to you and your bun

[Elrohwen]

This is such a difficult decision and there’s some great advice here. Good luck on whatever you decide for your little guy.

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