13 1/2 year old sick bunny

[bigkim]

I have a bunny who will be 14 this year…i’ve owned him since he was a couple of months old.  he hasn’t been well for the last few months now.  his testicles are so enlarged that when he falls asleep on his side he can’t get back up without my help.  basically if i’m not home (working) he can’t get up and has to stay on his side.  he is also unable to clean himself or move around much, so his pellets are constantly stuck to his anal area, which i clean frequently.  over the last two weeks i noticed a walnut-size soft mass on his abdomen…and it seems to be getting bigger.  i don’t think there is much that can be done for him at this age, but i don’t want him to suffer.  he is still eating.  i am considering having him put down & just am looking for some advice, since i feel so horrible for him.  thanks!

kim

[MooBunnay]

Welcome Kim, I’m sorry to hear about your bunny’s situation. It sounds like your bunny really needs to get to a rabbit savvy vet ASAP! If you can tell us the general area you live in we can help you find a vet. There is a very good listing of rabbit vets at http://www.rabbit.org. A vet can give you a much better recommendation than I can since I don’t know exactly what is going on with your bunny. With all that swelling and the mass on his abdomen, it sounds like he could definitely have something serious, so I’d recommend you get him to the vet as soon as you can.

[BinkyBunny]

Welcome to BinkyBunny.

Wow, 13 1/2.  We all hope our bunnies will reach that age.  However, I am so sorry for what he may be going through and the heartache that this is causing you too.Ultimately this will be a decision that you will have to make, but if it were me it would depend on if he seems happy or is he just getting by day to day.  I  would talk to my trusted vet and if there was a simple non-invasive treatment at this age that could turn it around to make his life better easily enough then I may try for that, but if all in all, my bunny was just suffering and any treatment would just add more stress to his aging body, then I would opt to have the vet help him with a peaceful passing.

That’s what I would do, but again, you know your bunny, and obviously he has had a good long life with you, and so whatever decision you make I am sure it will be done out of love and care.

[BinkyBunny]

Be sure to keep us updated so we can help you either way.

[MimzMum]

I’d just like to add some bunny hugs for you and your bun.

I currently have a dog who just went through some mass removals and he is 14 and doing rather well. I know, dogs are not bunnies…but sometimes we put too much stock in numeric age. Ultimately, your bunny’s physical and mental condition and emotional state are the major deciding factors here. 13 1/2 is quite impressive!

I agree that quality of life is as important or more so than quantity, and it sounds like he is doing well in his routine with you. But those masses are worrisome. A vet would be able to tell you more and assist you better, but I just want you to know that people here are thinking of you and hope that, whatever the outcome, it will be what is best both for you and your bunny.

Bless you.

[JK]

Well I have to say that if his quality of life has deteriorated then I think I would want to put him down.  If he can’t get up without help that to me is the writing on the wall. I know what a tough decision it is.  I had to put my dog down a few months ago.  The minute I saw she was suffering that was it. You will know when the right time to do this is. I would certainly not want to put him through tests and treatments at his age. He has lived a very looooooong life. That is just my opinion and I know some will disagree with me. Good luck and please let us know what happens.  Take care.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Welcome!

Yes, although treatment for his situation may not be available I’d highly recommend seeing a vet, so that if he should need help crossing over humanely they can do it-they’ll be able to advise you on quality of life and what should be done-of couse keeping with your own views. But it sounds like he’s had a long happy fulfullling life with you.

Please keep us posted!

[bigkim]

thanks everyone 🙂 i’ll get him to a vet for some input on what the best option is & i’ll update you.

[bunnytowne]

His testicles are so big he can’t get up by himself and a mass on his stomache.  I wonder if that is cancer causing his hardships.  A vet would know better.  

Yes a hard decision a sad decision but knowing it is best for bunny  sometimes we have to do it.  And it will be done out of love and care of course.  if that is the decision that must be made. 

That is wonderful he has been with you for soooo many years.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks Kim-He’s lived a fulfilled life no matter what-so try to feel happy with what you gave him no matter what

Keep us posted!!

[bigkim]

i went to rabbit.org & arranged for him to be seen by a vet monday (we live in ny), this way the vet & I could figure out what the best option was…then I went out for lunch today & when I came home bunny had passed away in his pen. He’s been with me for so many years, so I just have to be happy we had him around for so long. it’s funny how things work out…at least he was able to go peacefully on his own…thanks for your caring & comments 🙂

ps – i looked in 2008 guiness records & the oldest living rabbit is 14! so mine was almost there!

[BinkyBunny]

Awe, I’m sorry. Thank you for keeping us updated. He can now Binky Free on the other side. If and when you can, I would love to hear his story (what he was like, etc) and see some photos – either here or in the Support section.

[jerseygirl]

Almost like a sweet parting gift to you, taking that awful decision out of your hands. What an amazing bun he must have been and for you to be there from a few months old until his passing almost 14 years later – amazing!
Binky Free!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh I’m sorry for that! *hugs*

Binky Free!!

[xParadise]

I’m so sorry for your loss. But you should feel proud, almost 14 years old? That’s impressive. You obviously took very good care of him and he lived a long, happy life. Glad he went peacefully and didn’t have to endure the stressful vets along with that incredibly difficult decision. He’s healthy and happy now, binkying over the bridge.

We would all love to see pictures!

[MimzMum]

Oh Kim, I am so sorry to hear that your bunny has passed on, but yes, how good that you had such a long time with him and that he did-in essence-make the decision on his own. I am sure he is happy and healthy once again on the other side of the Bridge and is watching over you as we speak.
My sincerest condolences to you. Big hugs and bless you for being such a terrific bunny mom! ^_^

[Beka27]

I am also sorry to hear that your bun passed away, but it sounds like it was his time. You must have have done something right to have a healthy bun for such a long time! I know it’s not any easier when all you feel is grief, but good job on taking care of him all those years!

Binky Free Bunny!

Hugs for you!

[wendyzski]

I’m so sorry for your loss, but what an amazingly long time to have with him!  You should be proud of yourself – he was lucky to have you.

[MooBunnay]

I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I agree with everyone else that it sounds like your bunny lived a very happy and full life, and that he was very well cared for.

[Lily]

Im so sorry about your loss! Hes in a better place now. Its so great he lived almost 14 years, i hope my bunnys have such a long life, im sure he had a happy one to.

[bunnytowne]

Oh so sorry..   Your beloved bun was ready to go.  I am sure he didn’t suffer and felt your love and care.  You did great by him.  It is so sad when they have to go.   And you had him with you for sooo long.  Congrats on that.  May we all be blessed with a long lived bunny

 AS far as being put down…Those decisions are sooo hard on us.  I am glad you didn’t have to make it for him. It hurts when we do. And when they go on their own  it hurts to lose them too. He knows you did your best for him all these years.  I bet he is binkying all over now. Enjoying meadows filled with flowers and friendly buns awaiting their owners too.

[Author]

Messages