Questions about pain in rabbits.

[Toni]

I have a quick question.  I have so much anxiety over this process of watching Radar every day and trying to assess her health state and happiness and knowing that I may have to make the decision to euthanize her if I see that her pain/discomfort outweigh her desire to live.    It’s been so difficult as she has up and down days – days when I look at her and think I need to stop her discomfort – then the next day she’s seemingly slightly recovered and I hold off.   She’s in a terrible state… she wheezes very slightly, she has sebaceous adenitis and her fur is just in terrible condition/falling out.  She has no fur left on her feet and has many sores, coupled with muscle weakness in her back end… she “bucks” like a rodeo horse when she moves, and will only stand high up on her toes. 

Aside of all these physical problems, she’s eating like a pig still, and still LOVES her food… she CAN still get around and still wanders and nibbles her apple branches and comes hobbling enthusiastically for her treats/medications and for love.   It’s so hard to know what is right…. she is so sick, but she still seems to be enjoying the attention and love and food still…. so I push on and wait for a change.  (fyi, she is on antibiotics daily to stave off infection and respiratory issues and also gets Metacam daily for inflammation/pain).   

Here’s my question for anyone who has had a chronically ill bunny.   I have been watching Radar a lot, I do NOT notice her grinding her teeth at all.   However, I DO observe her tooth purr whenever I lay down with her at night for her head and body massages, and she gives everyone kisses still.  She is loving all the attention.  If she is tooth purring – is this is sign that she is not in that bad a pain to really experience happiness still?   I’m wondering if rabbits will still tooth purr even if in bad pain, simply because they love you and are acknowledging your attention.  She is just in such a terrible state – but I’m so confused as I’m not getting a lot of signs that she is in pain.   Anyone have any insight or advice?  Thank you for your help……. This is SO hard!    

If anyone is curious about Radar’s condition and wants to read—————————————————————————————–

For anyone who hasn’t read about her, my almost 10 year sweet Rex girl Radar is chronically ill with Cancer. Her symptoms first appeared end of December where I noticed she had a tiny spot of scaling near her eye.  I took her to the vet thinking she had either a fungal infection or some sort of parasite/mites.  Doc did tests, couldn’t pinpoint cause.  We treated her with fungal remedies and anti-biotic for a couple weeks.   Her condition worsened very quickly during this – so, I requested an xray which showed significant masses in her upper chest cavity, slightly displacing her heart.  I had chosen to not put her through cancer treatments as I did not believe she would survive them in her current health state and that it would only buy her short time that I feel would not be quality time for her.  

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[Sindri]

I am sorry to hear about your bunny and what you are going through. I have not gone through this with any of my rabbits but I have gone through your situation with a cat. Its really hard to assess daily whether or not they are in pain or not. It sounds like she is still doing okay from what you wrote. I am not sure I can answer your tooth purring question. I wonder if its similar to cats because ours purred a lot when she was ill it didn’t mean she was happy. I don’t know if rabbits are similar. She does let you pet her and gives you kisses so I would think she is still happy. Whenever my two are sick they do not want to be touched in anyway. I am so sorry you are going through this.
My thoughts are with both you and Radar.

[MoxieMeadows]

I’m really sorry to hear this Toni. It is really hard when you have a sick pet.
I kinda know where you are coming from, Moxie’s meds don’t seem to be working so I’m just watching her to make sure she isn’t in pain or getting drastically worse. It’s hard.
I don’t really have information or answers for you, but my thoughts and ((((VIBES)))) are with You, Radar and your family. (((Hugs)))

Hang in there!

[JackRabbit]

I’m so sorry you and Radar are going through this. I wish I had some advice for you but really don’t. All I can say is talk to your vet and listen to your heart and to your bunny. When the time comes, you may want to deny it but you’ll know. Hugs to both of you.

[Little Lion Head]

I don’t have any advice for you but want to send lots of feel good vibes for (((((((Radar)))))))) and let you know we’re thinking of you!

[Sarita]

I’m so sorry you and Radar must go through this.

I’ve had quite a bit of experience with senior rabbits and with senior rabbits with health problems. I really don’t feel there is an easy answer for this one either. I also don’t think it’s just pain that you must consider (although this is definitely a consideration and a big one) but also how you feel their quality of life is – this is very important as well.

I always tell owners in your situation to have a very serious talk about this with your vet if you have not – I think your vet can look at it not only in a medical way but also in a humane way as well. Vets don’t want your pet to suffer either so they will be honest with you concerning this. For me, it’s always about relieving the suffering before it gets so bad they are in pain or the overall quality of life is just not good.

I’ve made the decision to euthanize many times and while it is sad and it is hard, I’ve always known that I’ve made the right decision for my rabbit and not felt any regret.

Sending hugs to you and vibes to Radar – you will make the right decision and know when – have the conversation now though with your vet and also ask your vet his/her protocol for euthanasia – you want to make sure (when the time comes) that the vet will give your rabbit isoflourine gas before the chemicals are given – it is the most humane way to help your rabbit cross over.

[Toni]

By the way…. you all are seriously THE BEST. I mean it. Thanks for being there, it means a lot.

I appreciate all the energy and hugs sent this way, I’m going to need it.
MoxieMeadows, I’ll keep you and Moxie in my thoughts as well.

Sarita, thanks for your insightful thoughts. I really appreciate the info and have been in communication with my vet. We have scheduled to bring her late tomorrow (Friday). I’m a trainwreck…. but I know this is the right thing to do. She doesn’t deserve this, but there isn’t a better option. Now, to attempt to maintain my composure until then…… it’s a darn good thing I work at home (I’m not very good at this part). Thanks everyone.

[JackRabbit]

Sending more hugs. Such a difficult but love filled decision to make.

[MeketatenBun]

I know someone posted a video on a how to for some kind of rabbit thing recently by HowCast, and I was watching a few of their videos including one, How to Know When to Euthanize Your Rabbit. The link is here if you want to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE3NMY0YtjM

But I know it can be hard to willingly watch something like that, so to summarize, the video talks mostly about how if the rabbit is still aware and enjoying life, curiously sniffing things, truly enjoying your company, eating/drinking/eliminating waste on its own, then it’s okay to hold on for a little while more. If a rabbit seems to be enjoying life less and less, it may be time.

In the end, only you and Radar will know when that time is, but from what you say about how she’s purring (Meki purrs too when she’s really comfortable and getting love, so I know what you’re talking about) and how much she loves to eat still, you may have time. Keep an close eye on her wheezing though, if it’s getting hard for her to breathe, it’s heartwrenching to watch.

I’m so, so sorry you have to go through this, but Radar loves you dearly and she’s making the most of her time left with you as you are with her. As others have said, whatever and whenever you choose to do what you have to, it will be done with the deepest love in your heart. (((VIBES))) to both you and Radar

[bunnnnnnie!]

It’s a very personal decision to make, so no advice there. You know Radar best. Just sending you lots of hugs and positive thoughts.

There’s a saying in the horse world about making this decision – “Better a day too early than a minute too late.” That’s how I feel about it.

[Toni]

MeketatenBun, thanks… I did see that exact video, in fact, that video bought me two more months with her.

bunnnnnnie!, “Better a day too early than a minute too late.” Yes…. this is what I’m doing. I’ve had almost 10 fantastic years with her and she’s been spoiled incredibly through all of them. She’s had a wonderful long life – I don’t want to wait until her end is more painful than it needs to be. She’s not getting better, she’ll only get worse. I’m going to do the kindest thing for her.

I should have known it was going to go down like this. My bunny girl has been the spunkiest, strongest and most stubborn bun of all. She’s been through things most buns would not have made it through – but she continuously just bites the bunny grim reaper in the behind and tells him to be on his way because she won’t be pushed around by anyone. At least I know I get to be with her and comfort her… one consolation in this.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.

[bunnnnnnie!]

10 years is a long, wonderful, full life for a bun. You’ve done a wonderful job with her.

[Little Lion Head]

Toni–
Tears are in my eyes, not only b/c I’m sad, but I’m filled with love thinking about you and your Radar. What a lucky bunny to have had you in her life for such a long, wonderful time. I might be crazy but I truly believe that rabbits can feel our emotions and connect with us on some wacky level. My point is, that Radar KNOWS how much you love her and knows that you will make your decision with only love and care for her happiness.
I am thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs as you go through this!
–Justina

[Toni]

Thank you everyone for supporting me through this. It’s been done….. I survived. It was very peaceful… I did the right thing. I’m relieved that she’s not uncomfortable anymore. Sad cause I miss her already… happy because I was able to give her a great life.

Justina…. I know what you mean… and I so totally agree. Def not crazy thinking as I’ve had many higher level connections with animals in the past.

Thanks again everyone. I’m off to go get me some Fred therapy… sure to help put a smile back on my face.

[Little Lion Head]

Big hugs!!! Binky Free Radar!!!!

[Cottontail]

I’m so sorry that you’ve gone through this.
I went through a similar situation with my cat, Fluff. She had a very aggressive breast cancer, and in the end I had to make the same decision. It’s been almost 7 years and I still think of her, but I never doubt that I made the right decision–even if it hurt to let her go.

{{hugs and vibes}}

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