I’m Sorry Guys.. Any Success Stories?

[SaisyDaisy]

Hey, guys, really bad news.. My vet came back with some work and tests done on Charlie (She’s in the peak of health, for now.) But the results came with my vet telling me that ultimately, Charlie’s not going to survive operation for spaying, due to abnormal breathing/heart rates, that won’t affect her much, but could be fatal on the operating table for spaying… which I had previously scheduled. I got a refund and full condolences from the vet, but I’m really heartbroken. It’s happened before, that one of her littermates (She and two other bunnies are rescues, I only own her) passed on the operating table, and I had the vet test her to make sure, that she would survive. But now I won’t even know if she’ll survive past age 3 due to the now-practically-cemented fact; she’s going to probably have cancer. Guys, I’m really sorry, and somehow, I think I’ve failed her, and you guys. Any success stories of a nice, ripe old age for non-spayed bunnies? I know it’s not common, but now, with this new roadblock, I could really use something to hope for.

[Bam]

Just the other day a new member here told us about her 7-year old un-spayed bun girl and how she’s planning to try and bond her with a neutered male. I personally know a woman whose unspayed girl bun lived to be 9 years. So don’t despair!

I’m sorry your girl can’t be spayed, but I’m glad you found out before it was too late. It’s so great of you to get her tested, even if the result was disappointing.

[DanaNM]

I’m sorry to hear that. A friend had a bunny die on the table during his neuter, she was heartbroken.

On another thread at the moment there is a member with a 7 year old bunny (Bella) that is unspayed, and she still seems to be in very good health. The statistic of 75% cancer rates is very scary, and is one of the big reasons why spaying is a good idea, but that also means there is a 1 in 4 chance she won’t get it, assuming that number is actually correct. And it’s also variable when bunnies actually develop cancer, and how quickly it progresses.

I’ll admit, I had never done any homework on that statistic until just now, and I came across this article: http://buckysbunnies.tripod.com/UC.html

They summarize the research done on the topic, and suggest that while reproductive cancer rates are fairly high in older female rabbits, they might not be as high as the 80% number that gets quoted. Seems like closer to 50/50 by age 4, and then the rate goes up from there.

I’ll also give a story that isn’t about a bunny, but that might comfort you a bit. A friend growing up had a kitten that was diagnosed with feline leukemia, and prescribed a whole slew of medications which had to be given daily, forever. This kitten HATED the medications, and basically everyone was miserable. The cat was miserable from the stress of all the meds, and the family was miserable. So, they opted to just stop the medications, and see what would happen. The cat lived to be 19, with not further problems!

Not recommending not following vet treatments, just saying that animals can surprise you. Also, even if her life ends up being shorter, you can still give her a very loving, fulfilling home, and I’m sure she will give you a lot of love in return.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[SaisyDaisy]

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!! I’m so blessed to have this support! Charlie and me really appreciate it!

[Author]

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