Operation or put to sleep :(

[GinandWhiskey]

My baby Gin has been ill for about a month now. It all happened after she got spayed. She took the longest to recover however all seemed normal for a few days. She was quiet but I thought she was getting over the stress and shock of being spayed. She stopped eating for a while. Only having nibbles here and there, I took her to the vets and she got some meds that helped speed her tummy function up and all seemed well. This went on for a while and since last week her poo’s have started getting smaller and smaller until they’re so small it could probably fit up her nose! But there’s loads of them! 



At first I thought a blockage so carried on with the meds and took her to the vets. She’s lost lots of weight hence another reason i went to the vets, she’s lost half her body weight. They said to carry on with meds. Then she’s started laying funny, not wanting to lay on her stomach properly. Started being lazy and letting me pick her up whenever. She props herself up all the time and looks so uncomfy to be on her tummy. Took her to the vets again and they took bloods and xray (xray while she was still awake as I was too scared to put her under as shes so tiny and weak at the moment). 



Bloods came back that she’s anaemic, she’s slowly bleeding from somewhere apparently but it’s not clotting?? so thats good?? says there’s inflammation somewhere but they’re not sure if its due to something, however they think it might be something bigger because she’s been on anti inflammatory for a while. Now on antibiotics too but not seeing much difference. She’s just got no energy and seems wobbly  



Vet called today and said main option is to cut her open and see what is going on inside and they’ve checked everything that can be checked on the outside and can’t find any problem. Ultrasound didn’t show much and xray was bad as shes too skinny for there to be any definition between her organs. All just blurred into one. 



Worried about her surviving the op as shes so skinny and weak will she come back round from the GA? but then the vet said if we don’t then she will have to be put to sleep as she is clearly getting worse and in pain. 



I’ve spoilt them rotten their entire lives and always took them to the vets whenever something changed, even if it turned out to be nothing. I don’t want to lose her but I feel like she wouldn’t survive the op. 



So worrying as they don’t even know what they’re looking for just need to have a look around! Nothing in her poo or wee so must be something inside  only got one more day with her before I have to drop her off. I’m so scared!!

[Millie]

I’m so sorry about this whole situation, it sounds super tough and stressful for both you and your bun.
I went through something very similar to this with my dog back in April of 2017, though the difference was we didn’t have an option for surgery. We just had to let her go.
Honestly, if I had an option, I would’ve 100% given surgery a chance. So, I’d say give the operation a go. You’re going to get an answer either way, and if they find out theres nothing they can do, then at least you know you tried everything you can. Or they may find out thats its treatable, and you can continue life with your rabbit. This is my own opinion, and of course I’m not in your shoes so its really all up to you and what your heart says. Best of luck…Hugs going you and your bunny’s way <3

Have a great day, -L

[Rain]

I agree with Millie. It’s best to try everything you possibly can before putting her to sleep right? That way you’ll find out if there’s a chance for her. You are such a caring owner. I hope that everything will turn out okay for you both! Hugs and Kisses for Gin!!

[Bam]

I’m inclined to agree with the others. I would want the surgery. It could be something that’s not so difficult to fix surgically. It’s her only chance, in any case.

[Hazel]

I agree, I think you might as well opt for surgery. Going by her behavior (she was fine before the spay, and now can’t lay on her stomach without pain), I’m suspecting that they botched the spay surgery somehow. How rabbit savvy is this vet? It might be a good idea to try and find another vet that is very experienced with rabbits, and have them to the surgery. Although it might be too late now, you said the surgery is today?

[Deleted User]

Never blame yourself for things like this. Its tough knowing that after everything you have done that you are still left with decisions like that. But rabbits are very delicate and prone to many illnesses, hence why i say they are not for young children. You have done the right thing by her so far.
I would agree with the above, give the operation a try. If she passes, then she died trying and you will not have any “what ifs”. Buns can be super tough! My Finn was really skinny (and i mean REALLY skinny) when he had his operation and his only 6 months! He flourished afterwards and made a full recovery. Sending healing vibes.

[Muchelle]

I’ve been in a similar situation. If your finances allow it, give her this one last chance. Buns are amazing little creatures and if there’s one tiny chance of survival I’m sure your girl will fight with all her might to survive. Be with her, spoil her rotten and let’s hope for the best. If things will go badly it will be sad, but you’ll know you tried everything you could.

I feel you guys and I truly hope Gin can make the miracle happen.

[Sirius&Luna]

I also agree, but can you spend a few days feeding her critical care before the operation to try and build her up a bit again? oats are also a good way to help rabbits put on weight.

I’m sorry you’re going through this, I really hope they find out what’s wrong!

[Deleted User]

I would opt for the procedure too. I’m sorry it has come to this for you guys.

I recently read a story about a tiny little dutch bunny that was only a few weeks old and had been found in someone’s backyard after being attacked by something. She had bite marks and obvious infection and was surrendered to a rescue where they were able to get her prompt veterinary care. She underwent surgeries and had a drain put in for an abscess in her shoulder, and her front paw was unusable at the time. Even at less than 2 months old, this little bunny pulled through it all and came out healthy as an ox and regained functionality of her front paw. I was so amazed (and heartbroken at the photos) that such a tiny little thing could have survived all of that and recovered! So, I say never give up hope on these little guys because they can be extremely resilient!

[Rain]

Yes, BunNoob is right. Rabbits may easily get ill or hurt but boy do they have strength. There’s a member here who has a rabbit that gets mites, fungus, dental problems, soooo many health issues, but is still a healthy, binkying bunny when he gets better. Your bunny could definitely make it through!

[GinandWhiskey]

I’m sad to say Gin got put down yesterday afternoon. They were mid surgery and the vet called me with a nurse holding the phone to her ear. She said that her spleen was covered in white puss and lumps and bodies. That it was also in her liver and gut and on the walls of her flesh on the inside. She said she could remove the spleen (which she and no one in the practice had ever done on a rabbit before) and stitch her up and try and give her antibiotics to clear the rest up. However, she was leaning more towards it being cancer, as only last month at the beginning Gin was spayed and the vet assured me she had not seen anything like this. She also believed it was cancer as it had spread to many other organs. She couldn’t say for definate what it was, and she gave me the choice. But what she did say was that cancer or abscess there was so many of them that if they were small white abscesses they probably wouldn’t have cleared, as Gin was already weak as it was, she would’ve been recovering for major surgery and trying to fight them off. She had been on antibiotics for a week before the surgery as metacam wasn’t doing anything so we took it up a notch, but clearly the antibiotics hadn’t done anything either. In her experience she said she’s never seen antibiotics treat a rabbit for these abscesses and they were too small to drain (if they were) and if by a miracle they went, they would only come back again more aggressive.

I cried and cried for ages but eventually decided it was best to put my baby out of pain, as she had been uncomfortable all weekend. I knew this was my last weekend with her I could feel it, so I really did give her the best time with all her favourite foods. But she still managed to lose weight. Her anaemic little body was so weak bless her. When I went to pick up my other bunny and see Gin, they showed me photos and it really was amazing how she wasn’t in more pain than she was and was still sometimes perky as it was literally everywhere. I made her sent the photo’s to me, so if I ever doubt my decision I can see how much pain she was in and how horrible her insides were. The vets feel more certain it was cancer and have kept some of it in case I went to send it off, however they obviously didn’t want to tell me that in case it wasn’t and that made influenced my decision. Both options didn’t really provide any hope for her, and she would’ve been in so much pain.
She was only 8 months old. I’m so worried about my other little one. They were sisters and joined at the hip always. Whiskey was constantly grooming Gin in her last few days I think she knew.

I feel so lost and devastated. I just want my baby back. I stayed with her body in the vets for an hour before leaving her and taking my other little one home. I couldn’t leave. She was my world. I just wish she would come back! I was waiting for her to hop to life and say look mummy I was just pretending! Lets go home!

I’m getting her cremated as I rent this house and when we eventually buy this year or next I don’t want to leave her buried in that garden.

I don’t regret anything I spent on her but I hope everyone insures their bunnies as this cost me nearly £1000 from the beginning of december till now as I constantly took her in every week multiple times because I knew she wasn’t right. Which the vets said I should be proud of myself for. Everyone told me to stop worrying (my partner and family and some of the receptionists made jokes) but I knew my baby inside and out and I knew this was something more. She was originally said to have the start of GI but after a few days I just knew it was something more. Her poo was tiny, she was hopping weird, laying weird, not drinking unless I syringe fed her the water. I just knew.

I apologised to her little face and kissed her so much, told her how beautiful she was and how sorry I am. I have been lucky and never experienced any loss in my life before, but now I know what true heartbreak feels like.

Sincerely, a devastated and lost bunny mum.

[Bam]

I am so very sorry you lost Gin.

You couldn’t have done more for her, I’m sorry it had to end this way. It’s so unfair, she was only young.

I hope you and Whiskey can comfort each other.

[Muchelle]

I am so so sorry. Know that we’ll be here for you and Whiskey <3

[Sirius&Luna]

I’m so sorry for your loss, it sounds like you did everything you possibly could to help her – sometimes we just can’t save them, no matter how hard we try.

I hope Whiskey brings you some comfort.

[GarfyTheLop]

So sorry for your loss, your post brought tears to my eyes.

You really did do everything you could for her.

Give lots of cuddles to Whiskey xxxx

[Heaven]

Sending you all my love. That sounds so hard and I’m so sorry. Be kind to yourself & lots of cuddles for Whiskey <3 you gave her the best life she could have had and every bunny has a time to go, it will always feel too soon ):

[Deleted User]

I am so sorry for your loss hunni, you did the right thing by letter her go and at least you can be sure now that what you did was right. She was lucky to have one of the few bunny owners that actually care. You should be proud of yourself, and through the bunny deaths I have dealt with I know now that no bunny death is in vain. For it only helps you love another bunny as strong again. Sounds crazy but there is still a serious lack of caring and experienced bunny mummies out there compared to those of dogs and cats. Binky free Gin and sending you and Whiskey comforting vibes.

[GinandWhiskey]

Thank you everyone your kind words honestly make a difference, I always used to read what people put on here but never did I think I’d be posting something myself, especially not this. I feel selfish crying because I want her back. I know she’s out of pain now and I’m happy I saw her after they put her to sleep as I think it helped me realise. But I just feel so guilty because I was the one that said yes do it to the vet! I know I shouldn’t. I just miss her so much. She was my little 8 month old baby. I’ve bought Whiskey a toy that have the same colouring’s as Gin and I’ve bought a radio to keep on during the day – I know it might be silly but hopefully she wont feel as alone. She seems to like the teddy. Everyone has told me that I should get her a husband but I honestly can’t bring myself to at the moment as I feel like I’m replacing her. But I don’t want to be selfish if Whiskey needs someone.

I agree that I feel more bunny owners need to know the ins and outs – I hate the whole ‘it’s just a rabbit’ or how people don’t see them as valuable as a dog or cat. They can be exactly the same and show the same amount of love. Whiskey has started following me around this morning before work and a bit last night when we came in, after she had finished sniffing the air – I imagine smelling Gin everywhere my partner convinced me to change their bedding and hay as it might smell of Gin and upset her more – but that broke my heart as I felt like I was getting rid of her even more! I sit with her blanket next to me, the one that I used when nursing her and giving her meds etc, I feel like I don’t have a lot left to remember her I’ve even kept all her medication bottles! I don’t know what to do! I get her ashes next week and I’ve known some people get their pet’s ashes in jewellery so I might do that so I feel like shes always close

[tobyluv]

I’m very sorry about the loss of your sweet Gin. You and the vets did everything that you could for her. She knew that you loved her, and I’m sure that she returned the love to you. I’m also sorry for Whiskey. I know that she misses her sister, but your love and your partner’s love and presence is certainly comforting to her.

[Deleted User]

Its strange, as when i loose a bunny i cleans the cage and pack it away (when i had my single buns) instantly. Everyone copes different, and you shouldn’t feel bad. You knew she was struggling and you helped end that, you spoke for her when no one else could. So don’t be hard on yourself.
I wouldn’t get another bunny yet. Leave it a month and wait until your ready. I know Finn was just fine when he sister passed away. In fact he coped better then I did. Our four legged friends live in the moment and don’t allow all that emotional stuff slow them down. I know your current bun didn’t see the body so it might be confusing for them, but just give your bunny lots of snuggles and nose rubs! 

You could keep the aches. I did this with my Toby who passed away 11 years ago now. They put them in a nice box for you (un openable).

[GinandWhiskey]

I want to wait as I wouldn’t have the time to bond her to a new bun at the moment. She’s only 8 months so I don’t want her to live alone for the rest of her life so I will do it eventually. 

That’s same same box I picked for little Gin  

Whiskey did see the body! I take her to the vets too whenever I take Gin and after I spent time with Gin they brought Whiskey in. There was a lot of mixed opinions as to whether or not they thought Whiskey should see her. But after a while I decided it was for the best as I didn’t want her waiting for her or not knowing whats happened. She tried to groom her at first and sniffed around her whiskers. Then she explored the room and came back to her and tried to groom her again. After a while she jumped ontop of the body!! I was so shocked but I didn’t move her I wanted her to realise. I think she did as afterwards she ran into her carry cage and just sat there staring at her. When I took her home I found lots of poos in the carry case (and she never poos in there) so I guess she was literally pooing herself?

She seems fine though so I’m worried I didn’t give her enough time. She is a bit more clingy than normal and lets me stroke her for longer than she would normally allow before getting bored and running off to do the next exciting thing. but now she’ll sit quite happily for half an hour! She did some binkies this morning so I’m wondering if she fully understood? Or is she over it? I’m certainly not every time I leave work it hits me again and the crying comes back! I’m glad she seems happy though. She tried to groom the teddy I got her a few times so I guess she likes it? 

Never lost a bun before so still new to it all and all these feelings!

[Deleted User]

Thats good she saw the body, and the fact she hopped into the carrier is a sign she has accepted the death and her fiend isn’t coming back. Poops could also be good as her gut is moving. When a rabbit looses their friend they need to be allowed to see the body and do whatever they need to (sniff, groom, jump on, sit with), until they move away. Once moved away that is a sign they have accepted and then you can remove the body. She seems fine 🙂
Finn just didn’t care when his sister died. She died in her cage at home and Finn wasn’t bothered.

She will seek companionship in you until your ready to bring in another bunny — but only when your ready. This is the situation I am in now as I am bringing in another bun for Finn since Patience died a month ago.

[GinandWhiskey]

Sorry that you only lost your bun a month ago, that’s still so soon are you handling ok? I hope it doesn’t feel like this forever! It’s my birthday today what a horrible day to ‘celebrate’. Cancelled all my plans so I’m not leaving whiskey alone once I’ve finished work. She got so happy when I came home yesterday evening. Do you think me leaving the radio on is genuinely helping her or am I just being silly? 

[Bam]

I don’t know if the radio is comforting to pets, but I don’t think there’s any harm in leaving it on.

I hope you’ll have the best possible birthday today with Whiskey.

[meridiian]

I’ve been offline for a few days, so I’ve only just read your posts.

This is just heartbreaking. I really feel for you. I’m so sorry you and Whiskey lost beautiful little Gin.

You are such a caring bunny parent, there can be no doubt you gave her the best life you could in the short time she spent with you. In time, maybe a friend for Whiskey but only when you are ready.

Nothing a stranger says can really help but sending you and Whiskey love. Take care. xx

Binky Free Gin.

[Deleted User]

Posted By bam on 1/24/2018 6:12 AM

I don’t know if the radio is comforting to pets, but I don’t think there’s any harm in leaving it on.

I hope you’ll have the best possible birthday today with Whiskey.

<style>
</style>

I am ok. I am gutted and annoyed as not only was she my little favourite but she passed away the morning after I collected her from boarding as I went to visit family. So, I only saw her a few hours after the Christmas break before she died. But with Finn and his operation (he needed on the same day as her death) and his recovery, I think that had distracted me. Plus, just seeing him flourish after his recovery has helped me. 

[GinandWhiskey]

I’m so sorry to hear that it must have been such a stressful time for you! I can’t imagine what I would’ve been like if Whiskey needed an operation too! Whiskey started to get a runny/white mucus nose the day before it happened and was sneezing so much. So obviously I started to panic like crazy! Vet checked her over at the same time we went to see Gin and she said everything was fine she probably just got something stuck (I had just changed their bedding to a new type and I’d given them some leaves and some of them were very small so I imagine they way she eats they’d defo get stuck up there!).

At least Finn is pulling you through it, I can’t imagine if I didn’t have Whiskey. Sometimes I want to just go upstairs and have a lay down and a sob when I get in from work but I know I have to stay with Whiskey so that helps!

[GinandWhiskey]

Posted By meridiian on 1/24/2018 8:34 AM

I’ve been offline for a few days, so I’ve only just read your posts.

This is just heartbreaking. I really feel for you. I’m so sorry you and Whiskey lost beautiful little Gin.

You are such a caring bunny parent, there can be no doubt you gave her the best life you could in the short time she spent with you. In time, maybe a friend for Whiskey but only when you are ready.

Nothing a stranger says can really help but sending you and Whiskey love. Take care. xx

Binky Free Gin.

Thank you! Everyone has been really helpful so words of strangers do mean a lot! My partner deals with grief very differently he stays quiet and won’t talk about her and tries to go back to normal and suffers in silence (expect on the day it happened). So it’s nice to come here and be able to vent and have a virtual cry and talk about her!I started looking at friends for Whiskey but I couldn’t bring myself to carry on looking after a few minutes. And I’m so worried about bonding as I’ve never had to do it before and they were sisters and spent every second together from birth! They got a bit moody with each other but they were still joined at the hip! I hope my baby is somewhere binkying away and eating all her favourite foods, free from any pain  

[Author]

Messages