I’m freaking out right now

[Samicles]

This morning when I woke up to get ready for work, I went to the cage to let Nimmy out and I noticed he was walking with a lip. He refuses to put his front left leg on the ground and I’m very worried it’s broken. I hate myself because I couldn’t call out of work today, I still tried to make him as comfortable as possible while I was gone. (Luckily it’s only a 4 hour shift today). I had just made him a cage a couple weeks ago and the floor is made of vinyl tile. The first couple days of him being in the cage I noticed his feet would slide on the tiles. So I got a bathroom rug, cut it into 3 pieces and put it in certain areas of his cage to prevent him from falling. It was working pretty well, but the rug on the second levels would fall down occasionally. I was planning on getting some of that Velcro tape, and actually got some today while I was at work.

So since one of the bathroom mats fell off the second floor while I was sleeping, I guess he must’ve fell or not landed well and hurt his foot. I’m terrified right now. Luckily I still have his old cage (didn’t get a chance to donate it yet) so this morning I filled it with leftover bedding and put his food and stuff inside. I didn’t want him jumping to the second level or slipping while I was at work. And the bedding is soft, I really want him to relax. 

He’s still eating, drinking, and moving about and I called the emergency vet place that has a rabbit savvy vet to make sure he was in. But it turns out he’s not in until 4 . They said I can bring him in to see a different vet but I don’t know if I feel comfortable with that…. I’m currently sitting beside his cage (I’m not letting him out because it might get worse), if it does get worse I’ll have to settle with a non-rabbit vet. But hopefully Nimmy will be alright. 

Has anybody gone through this before? The information that I’ve been reading through is so scattered. They might amputate, his shoulder might be dislocated, there’s a number of things that could be wrong. Not only that but I’m also worried about the price. I make just over minimum wage, I’ve been saving up money, but I’ve only got about $1,200 in the bank. I read online that one person had to pay $3,000 when their rabbit broke their foot. Vets do payment plans right? If not, I don’t know what I’m going to do…

Until I can get him to the vet I’m trying to make him really comfortable. I’ve been giving him some fruits and veggies to make him happy and so he keeps eating. Other than him keeping his foot in the air, he’s been almost completely normal. I don’t feel any bumps along his shoulder or his leg, he can still move it around. Is there anything else I can do? Maybe a heating pad or something to help with the pain?

[Samicles]

I found a different rabbit vet in the area, but it’s not an emergency hospital. Anyone know if they’d do an x-ray and would be able to treat Nimmy?

[Sarita]

It doesn’t have to be an emergency hospital…Any vet should be able to do an x-ray.

[Stickerbunny]

Any vet can do an x-ray. As for payment plans, some do and some don’t. You can ask. Usually it’s easier to get them to agree if you’re a long-time customer with them though, rather than a new one. Do you have a regular vet?

I wouldn’t assume the worst right now. He could have just gotten a bruise/sprain. See the vet and see what they say before you freak out.

[Samicles]

Okay, I talked to the receptionist about it and she said they can care for him so he now has an appointment there. I’ve got some anxiety issues so it was difficult for me to calm down, but after I made the appointment I felt a little relief. And I noticed that Nimmy occasionally puts his bad foot down. Like if he’s going to take a few steps, he’ll put it down for the first couple but then lift it after. I’m crossing my fingers hoping it’s only a sprain but I’ll be taking him to the vet regardless just to make sure.

I read online that you should keep the rabbit in a confined space so they don’t move much. I’m going to put him back in his cage. But I feel bad that every time he tries to lay down it just seems uncomfortable, so maybe it’s a problem with his shoulder? His vet appointment is soon, hopefully he’ll be okay

[Stickerbunny]

Hm. Any time my buns lay down, they either “loaf” which has both front legs tucked under (which would hurt him), or lay with both legs straight out (which would hurt him) or flop, but that is only a bun in a good mood and if he’s in pain not likely. So, him seeming uncomfortable is understandable, even if it is a sprain.

Let us know what the vet says. Vibes to your bun for a speedy recovery.

[Samicles]

Such terrible news. They did an x-ray and Nimmy fractured his elbow really bad. He’s going to have surgery tomorrow, right now he’s on pain meds and has some bandages to keep his elbow straight. I’m completely devastated and I keep breaking out in tears because it’s all my fault. I should’ve just gotten that stupid velcro tape before-hand. I feel horrible for putting him through all this.

The surgery is going to cost around $950 and I’ll have to sign up for the Care Credit which I’m not really looking forward to. I read a lot of reviews online and they’re very mixed. A 26.9% interest rate if you pay late?! That’s crazy. I’m really worried about it, anybody have any experiences with this?

More importantly, back to Nimmy. He’s currently on his pain meds (Buprenix) and he’s just… sitting there. I caught him eating a couple straws of hay but for the most part he’s just sitting down, eyes really wide. Is this normal? Now when he does move he just turns in awkward circles. Is this the pain meds or the bandage? He really looks uncomfortable

[Samicles]

Ugh! I’m so worried! He does this weird flail occasionally. It makes me want to take the bandages off because I feel like that’s what’s doing it to him!

[Roberta]

He’s probably a little dazed and confused by it all…. You need to let him rest and get some yourself too.. Since he is not used to wearing bandages they will be uncomfortable for a little while but he will get accustomed to them soon, they are serving an important purpose so don’t be tempted to take them off.
Make sure you have lots of his favourite foods and treats on hand to jeep him eating…
As to the care credit… Don’t worry, you may be able to refinance it somewhere later and get a lower rate or interest free period.

[BunnyBrigade]

Everything will be okay. CareCredit is not bad as long as you pay your bill. =] I have it for my buns and cats. And they’re honestly very reasonable. Just breathe your little one will be okay and get through this like a champ.=]

[Sarita]

With the Care Credit make sure you get the longest promotional period you can – I think it’s usually around 12 or 18 months – make sure you pay on time and pay each bill so that you don’t get whacked with the big interest rate – you can certainly pay more than the monthly amount as well just as long as you pay it off on time…I’ve used it many times with no issues – always pay it off before the promotional period and had no problem.

[Stickerbunny]

As with any credit card, you want to pay it off to avoid the fees/interest rate hikes. But, it should be fine, as long as you pay it on time. Make a note on your calendar each month.

Don’t take the bandage off. If he fractured it and it isn’t restrained, he could make the fracture much, much worse. They bandage/cast people and animals for a reason. He’s probably uncomfortable and out of it from the meds, expect him to be a bit out of it after surgery too.

[Samicles]

I’m trying my best to remain calm, Nimmy is beginning to act normal again, he’s eating hay. I think he’s really tired, he hasn’t rested all day, he keeps trying to get comfortable but it’s not working out for him. Maybe I can put a small towel in the cage with him?

And as for the Care Credit, do I need to get the longest promotional period? This’ll be my first credit card of any kind and I’d honestly like to pay it off ASAP. Towards the end of October/beginning of November I’ll get a check because I’m receiving a grant for college and they give me extra $$ for other expenses. When I get that I’d like to use it to pay off the remainder I’ve got in the care credit. And tomorrow I plan on putting down around $300-350. So that leaves roughly $600 left in care credit. With a 6 month plan that’d be around $100 a month. I can handle that. Do you guys think that’ll be okay?

Also! Since they’ll be putting pins in his leg to keep everything in place, they’ll need to take it all back out. Will that be the same cost? If so I’d have to change my payment ideas.

[LongEaredLions]

Poor Nimmy. (((((Vibes)))))
Do leave the bandages on, you do not want him to hurt it worse.
Take care of yourself, everything will be ok.

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