Eleven year old bunny and anesthetic?

[Ella]

Hi, so I’m new to this forum as I’m in great need of advise.

Last night I got a call a from my parents (I’m away at university) and they were really worried about my poor old Harvey; he was barely touching his food and grinding his teeth. We all suspected it was his teeth (again). So today Harvey was rushed to the vets where the nurse found he has two rotten teeth one is very loose and on the verge of falling out where as the other is going nowhere (they are next to each other). The nurse said the teeth should be removed next week and in the mean time has given him antibiotics. She said the teeth should be removed, but warned explicitly that because of his advancing years it is very likely he might not come back round.

I know vets have to warn you, because rabbits aren’t the best under anesthetic, but I’m just a mess. I just need any advice or support so I know I’m doing what is best for him. He’s my boy and I feel completely devastated at the thought of losing him. He has been so very important to my dad and myself and been more help and comfort to us then he will ever know. 

Has anyone have any experience with their elderly bunny going in for surgery?

Thank you all for taking the time read this and any replies are very much appreciated,

Ella

[tobyluv]

Hi Ella. I know when older rabbits are scheduled for surgery, that the vet normally performs a blood test ahead of time to make sure that their organs are functioning properly. Good results from the blood test would not be a guarantee that Harvey would do well in the surgery, but the blood test results might be helpful to you to decide what is best. I know that I have seen some posts here where members talked about their elderly rabbits undergoing surgery. I don’t remember any specifics, but maybe you could find some of these threads in a search, or hopefully, someone with experience will answer.

I’m sorry for what Harvey is going through and I hope for the best for him.

[Bam]

According to renowned British rabbit vet Molly Varga, anesthesia is considered safe for rabbit these days. As Tobyluv says, you can have bloodworks done to check liver function and other things (anesthetic agents affect the liver). It’s not a guarantee, but it gives you good clues.

With 2 rotten teeth, not having him treated doesn’t seem like an option unless perhaps painkiller and anti-inflammatory meds + abx to suppress the infection could be given as a palliative measure. I don’t know if that’s even feasible. I can understand that you are very worried.

We have a forum leader whose 9-year old bun needs regular dental burrs. I’ll alert her to the thread.

[Azerane]

Hi Ella, I’m very sorry to hear about the troubles your poor bun has. 11 is a fantastic age and I can imagine how scared you must be about him undergoing anaesthesia, I get worried about it any time, even if they’re young and fit

In this situation I think Harvey’s age is irrelevant. He needs the surgery, if he doesn’t get it, he may be in pain, subject to infection, not to mention the gut upsets that having rotting teeth in your mouth can cause. I don’t mean to sound harsh because I know it’s a heartbreaking situation, but I truly don’t believe there’s another option in this situation. His age is at the point where not doing anything means potentially putting him to sleep to put him out of his pain and ill health. And if that was my other option, then for me surgery would be my choice. If Harvey is well otherwise, bright and and with good quality of life, then I think surgery is a good option

[LittlePuffyTail]

Hi, Ella,
Sorry to hear your boy is unwell. My boy, Bindi, will be 10 come Spring and needs regular (every 5 monthts) molar trims under anesthesia. It is always very stressful for me, because I know there is always a slight risk with bunnies that may increase with age. However, I know he needs them done and that it’s the only option to keep him healthy.

Like Toby mentioned, getting pre-anaesthetic bloodwork is always a good idea, but especially so in a senior. I usually do the bloodwork for Bindi every second trim just to make sure all is well and he’s healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Luckily, my boy does quite well and always bounces back pretty quickly.

Of course, the decision is yours alone but were I in your situation, I would do the blood work and then see what the results are. If he is healthy enough to undergo the procedure, then I would go ahead and do it because it’s the best option for him to regain good health.

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