E. Cuniculi After Care, Preventative Tips, Alternative Healing, Disabled Bun Care

[PJ'n'Me]

This discussion is kind of a continuation of a post I did months ago, but I wanted to start this discussion because I am now trying to treat the aftermath caused by E. Cuniculi.  It has caused PJ some major life changes in days time.  I am trying to cope with the sudden changes and staying positive about his recovery.  I would like to talk about any preventative measures that need to be done as far as cleaning of spores that may have contaminated rugs, furniture, clothes, blankets. How to disinfect in a bunny safe way.  What everyone’s take on the spores thing is.  My vet said not to worry about that… Sounds like it could cause a relapse if exposed..?..

I want to talk about any alternative, holistic herbs or healing methods that might be used to help with inflammation and recovery, such as using Turmeric or Colloidal Silver.  Anything that helps boost immunity or ease discomfort.  I was thinking of getting a Himalayan Salt lamp?? I am trying everything I can think of.

I am doing bunny messages daily, I was actually looking for a mini hand held one to do this, maybe ease the discomfort and I am sure he would love it, has anyone used one on a bunny? 

He is having trouble falling over, and getting himself back up, he is kind of squirming on his side.  I’ve had to help him twice today.. Anything I can change or try out so that he is able to move around while able stable himself better in the litter box?  I had to feed him a Cecotrope today, he hasn’t seemed interested in them the past two days, not sure if the medicine(Panacur and Metacam) might be affecting this, or the dead parasites and his body’s reaction to it.  ,

Can I give him unflavored Pedialyte?  I have heard yes, and no.   I know he has lost some weight since this started, I try to bring the water bowl over to him as often as I can, he will start drinking if I bring it over, but I am worried he is not drinking as often as he should be on his own.

Any foods to avoid that might cause the inflammation to worsen? I know with a lot of other afflictions also in people, certain things are cut from diets. 

Treatments and DRUGS used, any combos that has worked with putting this demon parasite/fungi into remission?? PJ is on Panacur, he was just on this a month ago, and already he is relapsing, bad. What are some Drugs/combos anyone has tried that might help put this into remission?  I have read Panacur in use with Baytril work well.  Maybe he had a bladder infection that caused this to happen again? some kind of infection? He as been peeing weird, like I watched it drip out of him one night.  Told the doctor.    How long can I keep him on these meds?  I know this medication has caused serious side effects, but last time we treated for 21 days and it’s here with a vengeance.  I’d like to go for 28 days rest a week and go again but not sure how long till it becomes dangerous, I read after 30 days it can start affecting the bone marrow.

Any other info regarding how to treat, prevent, care for, even about E. Cuniculi itself, and how this S.O.B works would be great.  I have youtubed some very limited info and obviously been researching this nasty bug for awhile.  It just seems like no one really knows too much about it.  Why can’t they ever be completely free of this?  Has anyone heard of this woman named Barbi Brown?  She supposedly can cure E.C with cattle dewormer??   Thanks!

[DanaNM]

I don’t have any experience with this personally, but member vanessa learned a ton from caring from her bunny Lancelot. She isn’t active on the forums anymore, but if you google search for binky bunny Lancelot E cuniculi journal you should find it. I do remember him often being on baytril and panacur at the same time.

There is also a site dedicated to disabled rabbits that has lots of housing ideas, as well as listings of safe herbs and their medicinal uses in bunnies: http://www.disabledrabbits.com/
Do be careful with any supplements and herbs, as humans and bunnies metabolize things differently, so you would not want to assume something behaves the same way in buns as it does in humans. Many involve lining the floor with puppy pads, and using rolled up towels or more pads as bolsters for the bun to lean on and stabilize itself without falling over.

One of the rescue coordinators at my shelter looks after a disabled EC bun, and she has her in a baby play pen that is has hay pilled everywhere. The bun is able to wiggle around in the pen basically by burrowing through they hay. They keep a very close eye on her to make sure her quality of life is still good (as did Vanessa with Lancelot), and this particular bun loves snuggling on the couch every night and is obviously relaxed and happy.

I’m not sure about most alternative therapies, but many people have had success with acupuncture with pets. I imagine it could be very helpful with EC if you had a skilled and experienced therapist.

. . . 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.  

[Boing]

Both my vet and the (human) infectious disease specialist didn’t seem concerned about spores.

Anything could cause a relapse. It never really goes away. Some human diseases are like that too.

Cincinnati was on fenbendazole for 28 days. It stopped new symptoms, but not ones he’s had for awhile.

No one knows much about E cuniculi. It’s both a true fungus and a true intercellular parasite. That’s weird. Since there’s minimal risk to human health, there’s probably not much research money invested.

I try to feed high quality food to prevent relapse.

Good luck!

[PJ'n'Me]

Thank you Boing for the reassurance in regards to the spores, I was starting to panic with how to disinfect everything.  I hope they cure this one day, it is certainly devastating, and rapid. I usually buy all organic food for him and high quality hay.  The vet said I can give PJ vitamin E, a few drops from an oil based capsule 200iu.  I am going to try to get this guy back.  I also ordered a mini massager to see if it helps with the muscles.  I read testing for EC is very hard, that it comes up false negative and positive.   My vet said the testing for it isn’t that efficient for determining if it is EC.  How can we know the testing is accurate?  

[Asriel and Bombur]

As I’ve said before, Bombur has been on 4 rounds of Oxibendazole for EC and will need to go on a fifth round in October. He was diagnosed in February, so let that sink in about how many months of meds he’s been on since then ? yes it’s quite frustrating. EC will never go away because it’s not curable. It’s treatable and you can alleviate the symptoms, but it’ll never go away and he could have flare ups randomly.

[PJ'n'Me]

Do you take breaks in between treatments?  My vet wants to treat PJ for 21 days like last time, but I feel like that didn’t put it into remission.  He was just on Fenbendazole two months ago.  Is Oxibendazole pretty much the same as Fenbendazole?  Did Bombur have any mobility issues that went away or got better?  I am moving this weekend to a better environment for PJ, I’m hoping this helps relax him too. Thank you for the information and insight, I’m still in disbelief he has this going on, it was so fast, I feel helpless and desperate to get him well again. I miss him getting into trouble.  This was taken a few years ago, but it captured his spirit. 

[LBJ10]

Yes, I wouldn’t worry about the spores. He already has EC, so it’s not like he can be reinfected. Besides, it’s unlikely he has even be shedding spores anytime recently. Spores are generally shed in the urine during a very narrow window, shortly after initial infection.

Baytril can have a mild effect when it comes to EC, so sometimes you see an improvement when it is used concurrently with Panacur. The other antiparasitic is Oxibendazole (as A&B mentioned). You could possibly alternate between the two, I’m not sure what effect that would have. Perhaps you could ask your vet about it.

MediRabbit also mentions some mixed success with pairing pyrimethamine with fenbendazole. Pyrimethamine is traditionally used to treat toxoplasmosis. I’m not sure how well that has been studied, other than it requires a higher dosage in order to have an effect. It seems it was being used experimentally in “last resort” cases.

His pee issues are likely due to the EC. Lesions on the kidneys can cause urinary symptoms. Has he been on Metacam or another NSAID lately? Using that alongside an antiparasitic does seem to relieve some symptoms that are due to inflammation in the body. Dana also mentioned acupuncture, which I believe some people have had success with.

[Asriel and Bombur]

He responded really well to the first round or two of treatment, but not much success with the other two. Oxibendazole is one of the only EC drugs to penetrate the blood brain barrier, so it’s technically more potent, but because of it we have to get him blood tests after 2 and 4 weeks to check his white blood cell count. If his levels are too low then we need to stop for a bit and go back on it. So we’ve had about 1-1.5 months of a break in between each round of it. Ours is a 28 days course, so we get an extra week in there.

As for motility issues, his EC mainly affects his gut and his kidneys. He’s been treated for a severe form of stasis called Enterotoxemia, which is almost always fatal. I have to be super strict with his diet or else his tummy acts up. He’s never given more than 2 tbsp of pellets and about 1 cup of greens, and 1 treat every 2-3 days, sometimes once a week if his tummy is that bad. If I stray from this at all it’s out comes the gas drops 

[PJ'n'Me]

I knew this was going to happen, but PJ is completely paralyzed, its almost by the hour I was watching him get worse.  I don’t know how to care for him in this state.  He is urinating while laying on his side, I had to clean a soft cecotrope off him last night with a baby wipe, I am afraid to leave the house for even an hour.  He is still eating, every time I put the water bowl up to him today he has not taken a drink, should I start syringing the water?  I am worried he will dehydrate, his poops looked irregular last night.  That scares me he will go into gi stasis in this terrible condition.  I don’t know how to set up an area for him.  He wants to go in the castle but I cant maneuver him that well when he is in there.  I am going to buy a bunch of towels to lay down under him so I can keep changing them out, I didn’t really want him laying on pee pads that seems uncomfortable to me.  How am I supposed to do this?  I have another vet appointment I will ask about this other medication to see if that might work better for him cause the Panacur hasn’t done anything it’s day 7 now. Please I need help my bunny is going to die.  He is mentally alert he is still PJ in there.  

[Asriel and Bombur]

I would keep his space very wide open with nothing he could get injured on in it. I think the towels are a great idea (it’s what I use for Bombur too). I’d syringe him water every 3-4 hours if possible, that way you know he’s getting hydration. I’d also wet his greens so he gets hydration that way as well. I can’t give much for advice otherwise. Be patient with the Panacur because it can take a while for any sign of symptoms to subside. I know it’s frustrating. After this round, if he’s still not not better, then I’d talk to your vet about the Oxibendazole. I believe it took Bombur 2-3 weeks on it for any improvement to be seen. If that’s any help. I’m really sorry you and PJ are going through this. You’re an amazing bun parent and take such good care of PJ. Sending you both vibes and hoping for the best!

[PJ'n'Me]

He’s my little soul mate, I’ll do anything for him.  Trying not get fired right now too..  I wish they understood what PJ is to me.  I keep thinking I’ll worry about it later..

  I’m not sure if this is a fluke or what, but from last night laying like a vegetable peeing on himself, he is popping his head out of the castle and even tried using the litter box he kind’ve made it.  He peed in it and drank some water.  I will most likely be syringing him water too.  I always put the veggies in a bowl of water get them pretty wet and cleaned off with pure water.  This is his 7th day on treatment. I wish I would have treated sooner I feel like I wouldn’t have put him in this situation.  I haven’t slept, I don’t want him to hurt himself or stop eating. I can’t leave him while I sleep.  He hatessss the cage, it stresses him, but in the room I’ve kindve closed it off I just left a little circle area around the castle, but his water is padded and with him and food hay and litter box is right next to him so he doesn’t have to walk much.  I can’t believe he was actually trying to use it.  He’s been peeing where he’s laying, so maybe this is a sign of improvement.. I hope..so bad.. Thank you so much for the information and concern Asriel & bombur.

[Bam]

I echo Wick on the fluids: Rabbits can have Rringer lactate or saline 0.9% (with up to 5 % glucose added), so if PJ had saline sub Q, it’s fine.

((((((PJ)))))

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so sorry to hear that is so unwell right now. Sending along some healing vibes ((((((PJ)))))).

[jerseygirl]

Adorable guy! I posted in your other thread but just wanted to offer some {{{healing vibes}}} for him here.

ETA:  I meant to address your Qu about the barbibrown site. Im familiar with it from years ago(10yrs ago?). I recall it had some good but some questionable info on it. I believe she kept herds of rabbits at the time. It was ivermectin she used to treat them?  I believe this was from when EC was still classified as a protoza parasite.  

[Boing]

Herds of rabbits? That sounds really hard and expensive.

Anyhow, I’m really sorry to hear that PJ has relapsed. Try to take care of yourself too. Maybe you could move your mattress to be by him so as to not leave him yet get some sleep yourself. You falling ill will do PJ no good. He also relies on you remaining employed, if only because you’ll be less stressed employed. I know it’s hard, but sometimes doing what is best for those we love means doing what is best for ourselves first. You’re doing everything you can for him. I’m sure he’d want you to take care of yourself too.

Try to ignore the people at work. Few are the privileged who know what it is to know and love a bunny’s soul, and be loved back in return, though we by nature are worse than them, they choose to love us. What a gift. I’m a better person for having known bunnies.

Take care.

[PJ'n'Me]

I have been wanting to get back and thank you guys for commenting and sharing your experiences and info.  After the last post, PJ went on a downward spiral and it has been non stop care.  I thought he wasn’t going to make it past the weekend.  I had been cleaning off messy cecotropes daily, changing out pee pads, washing towels and sheets, feeding every few hours, medicating.. panicinggg…. figuring out how to get around work.. It took its toll on me, but I am with PJ now, and we have been resting together.  He has been stable since Saturday, staritng to eat on his own again, his breathing is normal, not this heavy death pant.. ugh.. I don’t think I have ever cried soo much in such a short amount of time. It looked grim, still seems that way but atleast he’s feeling better.

He is completely paralyzed still can only move his little head around, and the last day or so I have seen him try to use his left front paw and is desperately trying to push off with the back feet when we do feedings.  This certainly requires a lot of time, sleepless nights energy to constantly be cleaning and preparing.  I have figured our routines down now, I move him from the floor surrounded by blankets to prop him and shift him in comfy positions, but still able to reach hay when he wants.  I will move him to the bed where I set up another area with mounds of blankets and sheets..  I have to cut up pee pads into squares to lay them under his bum and also place a washcloth to stabilize his feet and keep the urine from pooling and soaking him.  I try to let him sniff around the room when I feel he is up to it.  He seems to like it, and I like him to try and use his muscles a little, stretch out and get some blood moving. 

Cleaning him when it was bad took a good 45 minutes to get the tacky cecotropes out of the fur.  I really like the Seventh Generation baby wipes, way better than the Huggies. After the wipes I’d do saline and then a damp rag and then dry him off, only for it to keep happening.  His cecotropes have been getting much better as far as shape but the smell is unfamiliar to me and smells kind of sickly, he hasn’t been wanting to eat them.  

He is just laying there looking like the saddest bunny ever.  I am really torn right now, what is the best thing to do for PJ.  This is a lot for him to adjust to, he is not happy with this new life.  He seems to be developing a cataract in the right eye now as well

I had to cut out veggies for a day or so, it seemed to help and now it is even more limited trying to only give hay and critical care, it did help a lot with his energy, he was limp and lifeless a few days ago, he isn’t exactly healthy right now but is responsive when I call his name and is grooming himself when I hold him up and help him.

How do you juggle work, and a disabled bunny that cant drink on his own and needs fed every few hours, changed pee pads and just comfort and touch?  With no one able to watch him while I am gone, what am I supposed to do? Leave him in that one position all day, no interaction or stimulation, sitting in urine and feces.. I cant even grasp that thought. 

[DanaNM]

I’m so sorry you and PJ are going through this.

I don’t really have any advice, just wanted to offer moral support.

(((PJ)))

. . . 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.  

[PJ'n'Me]

Thank you, that helps too, Dana 

[PJ'n'Me]

I loved what you had said about being a better person having know bunnies.  It hit me, that’s exactly how I feel everyday.  I was able to get around work and bought some time…. At least I can spend time with PJ, give him extra care in his time of need, and see if I think he will recover.  It really got him good… I have been sleeping on the floor near him, so it is helping keeping me calm.  We would always fall asleep together every night just as I would start to drift off I would hear a bunny grunt and feel his little body jump on the bed and nose in my face, it always made me laugh every time, no matter how tired I was.  Thank you for the kind words. 

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so sorry you are both going through this. I’ve had disabled, very unwell bunnies so I know, mostly, what you are dealing with. It’s very hard and heart wrenching for sure. PJ is so lucky to have you taking care of him.

[PJ'n'Me]

LittlePuffyTail, thank you for that, sadly PJ’s condition is not looking so promising at this time.  His eye have started to rapidly move from front to back as his head drifts off to the side when he lifts his sweet little bunny head.  I am sick to my stomach daily and try to comfort my little baby.  So very difficult to go through, I’m so sorry you had to go through similar situations, it is indescribable.  I feel like this isn’t real, I thought I had another year maybe two left out of him, but I feel that there is too much damage to let him endure this for much longer. 

[LBJ10]

I’m sorry PJ isn’t doing better. How long has he been on the medication now? Is he still on the same meds?

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry. The hardest thing is trying to make the right decision for him. When I was dealing with my Bindi being unwell, my vet told me to consider carefully the following to determine his quality of life: Interest in food, interest in you (if he normally likes cuddles, etc) and interest in his surroundings. When one or more of these goes, you need to ask yourself that question. Nothing harder in the world, I know, but sometimes, we have to make that decision out of love. ((((Hugs))))

[PJ'n'Me]

LBJ10, It has been almost 20 days of Panacur.  I am emailing the vet to see if we should even consider trying Oxibendazole.  He is in bad shape, so I don’t know if I want him to even endure another week and on even harder medication.  He is eating, pooping, and we are still cuddling, but I am worried about his organs at this point and do not want him to die an even more painful death.   Every time he pees he clenches his entire body it looks like it is causing pain, and it drips out most of the time, and this new rapid eye thing.  I think it’s too much for him. But I also don’t want to give up.  Everyone around me thinks it is PJ’s time to pas,s but I honesty can’t see myself without him.  He has been my life for a decade.  What should I do, I am so confused.  He is totally paralyzed and almost fully blind now, with a hernia.

[PJ'n'Me]

LittlePuffyTail, thank you for your input.  PJ is definitely sad, you can see it in his little eyes, it’s so hard to see this, he is being a trooper though.  He keeps falling asleep when I lay next to him and cuddle.  He is eating like a horse, it is hard to tell what to do.  I really don’t want to prolong any suffering, he’s always been so strong.  I feel so guilty for making him stay in the condition he is in, it really is no way for him to be living, if you seen what I have to do daily just to keep him going, he is not enjoying all of the handling let alone wiping his bum daily.   I also want to keep trying to make him better.  If this damage is permanent, and there is a strong chance of him relapsing again.. I don’t want him to keep going through this and I’m still confused why he went 11  years without any indication that this was going on inside of him.  I don’t want to have any regrets if he ends up passing soon.  I keep going back and seeing the small signs and all the doctors in the past year, maybe if he would have been treated sooner or intermittently over this past year it wouldn’t have gotten so bad.  He was on Panacur just two months ago. It really got him bad.   

[Bunny House]

It’s never easy. The thing is, everything that has happened and is happening now is because it’s suposed to. It would be great if we could go in the past and fix what we missed but we are supposed to learn from our “mistakes”. He’s lived an amazing 11 years with such a good mom. When it’s his time to go, you can’t force him to stay. Imagine you being in his situation, you’d probably wish you were gone when it started because I couldn’t imagine the pain he’s in. Of course we want them to keep fighting and we want them to make the decision on their own instead of us. Decision making is the hardest part, but then if they passed on their own, we would feel bad it got so bad that we couldn’t put them out of it and they decided for them self. We support whatever you decide, either way, it isn’t easier. We’ve gone through having sick buns until the end and know how confused you are on what to do. I suggest that if you keep going further with treatment, to get his blood tested to see if his organs are still working, that will be the best way to see if you can continue with treatment or not. ((((Vibes))))

[LittlePuffyTail]

You might think this strange, but with Bindi, I asked him to show me a sign when it was his time to go, and he did.

It’s great that he still has a good appetite. My Stormy was another difficult decision. He had GI cancer but was still eating right until the end. However, I sort of thought that since he was eating he was still doing okay. I now regret keeping him with me so long. After he was gone, I realized I should have let him go sooner.

Only you know what’s best for your bunny. Take some quiet time with him and really think about what is best. Hopefully, he will help you make the right decision, somehow. I really feel for you. It’s so hard.

And like BH said, we support whatever direction you take. We know PJ is very loved and you have his best interest at heart.

[PJ'n'Me]

*Bunny House*  Thank you, the doctor said to start antibiotics since he is having trouble urinating, I might do this for him in the meantime, my scheduled appointment is on Monday, we were going to possibly help him pass that day.  I am trying to get him some antibiotics as of right now to help ease any discomfort in the meantime here.  I feel so bad.  Both of his vets aren’t in till Monday and I felt that was kind’ve a long wait for PJ to stay in this shape.  Should I do this sooner? I really didn’t want a stranger to do this, being that it is already so difficult and there are not many vets that are rabbit friendly and don’t want something to go wrong in the process if that makes sense.

[PJ'n'Me]

LittlePuffyTail,  I kept going back and forth in my head the past few days, trying to read PJ, but his eyes are telling me what I already knew, I know that it is time for him to go.  I am trying to admit that to myself that he needs to be set free from this terrible situation.  He held on long enough and I know he will continue to as far as his organs will let him, but I know what I need to do now and I am sticking with this decision of helping him pass, I feel like this is a bad dream and it can’t be real.  I asked BH if waiting to Monday is too long.  I really just want to put him at ease and waiting till Monday seems almost impossible to me.  His vets aren’t in till Monday so three more days of what I’m assuming is hell for him at this point, there is one more I can ask but would most likely have to do it today and I have only seen him twice in the past.  I did ask my other vet if we should wait that long and he did say that PJ could make it till then.  I don’t want him to hurt anymore though. Don’t know what I should do.  Thank you for being here for us.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so sorry. But from what I’ve read, I think you are making the best decision for him.

As for whether the apt. should wait till Monday, I can’t say. Maybe call some other vets and see if there are any other good rabbit vets that will be available sooner and then make that decision on waiting or not. I know it’s really hard to have a set date and then just wait. All of my bunnies, it was me knowing it would be soon, but them helping me make the ultimate decision, spur of the moment. With all of my boys who’ve passed, it was not their usual vet. I would have much preferred, but it just wasn’t an available option in their situations.

[Bunny House]

I agree with LPT, it’s like you’re postponing the inevitable, and he will continue to stay in pain and may even pass on his own before Monday, at least that way you didn’t have to Okay it. But it’s up to you. I know you want your vet to do it and having someone else do it may not make you feel any better about the situation but you’re doing it because he needs it, not because you need it.

We know this is a horrible situation to be in and you do what you think will help you the best when you look back at this situation, just keep it like that. Do today what you wish you would have done when you look back years later. He knows you love him and did everything you could for him.

[PJ'n'Me]

I made the appointment for tomorrow with another rabbit vet that will be doing this.  I hope this is the best thing.  It was very hard to dial that number but I don’t know how he is feeling and this has gone on long enough I think.  It’s going to be hard getting in that car tomorrow and knowing this is our last night together.  I’m trying to think that he will be better this way and give him peace that he deserves.  Thank you both so much for the comforting words during all of this.  It makes me feel better knowing that other people love their bunnies as much as I do, and had to go through this pain.  I am trying to hold myself together, PJ and I are so bonded it has been just us since the beginning. I’m so heartbroken, it will not be the same without him. There is no reason to put it off any longer, I would rather do it before he isn’t PJ anymore.  Thank you guys again for your support and compassion, bunny people are the best people.

[Bunny House]

Well be thinking of you. Just don’t beat yourself up with the what if’s, everything was supposed to happen the way it did, even if it hurts so much. I know this isn’t an easy decision for you. I’ll be praying for you tomorrow

[LittlePuffyTail]

I will be thinking of you. And we are all here for you during this difficult time.

[kurottabun]

I’m so sorry PJ’s mum :'( My heart aches reading this.

11 years is wonderful and you have obviously given him the best you could. I’m sure PJ knows that.

Do take care of yourself; sending you lots of love.

[Bunny House]

And remember, this isn’t the end of him. You may find another bun who needs you more than he needed you, and his spirit may be in him.

[LBJ10]

Aww, poor PJ. After 20 days, you would think you would have seen some kind of improvement (if he were to improve). You could try another medication. That’s always an option. But I agree with the others that it may just be his time. I didn’t realize that he was 11 years old! That is a great lifespan for a bunny. It’s clear he has been well cared for and loved. Whatever you decide, we will support you. And perhaps the vet, even though it isn’t his vet, can help you tomorrow — whether they confirm that the best thing to do is to let him go or they feel it is worth continuing to fight. I think once you talk to them, you will feel much better about the decision you make. Don’t beat yourself up. Sometimes these things happen. He most likely has been living with EC all of this time and now that he is aging, his immune system could no longer suppress it. So it wasn’t anything you did. The EC just decided to take over his body.

Let us know. We will be thinking of you and PJ.

[PJ'n'Me]

Is it normal for this to not feel 100% right?  Half of it feels like it is, and half doesn’t. They said they would do an exam first so maybe if I tell myself we are only going in for an exam it will be easier. 

[Sarah]

I’m so sorry you are going through this .  I’ve had a variety of animals my whole like so I know how awful this feels and I can tell you I’ve always felt torn when I had to say goodbye to my babies too.  Part of you wonders if you’re giving up o them too soon even though in your heart you know that you’ve given them every once of love you could and that it really is their time.  It unfortunately never gets any easier which so sucks.  I can tell from your posts that you are a great mommy and I just know that your bun knows that and loves you for all that you have done to give him such an amazing life- he is one lucky little dude!  I don’t have any real words of wisdom or real advice but I just wanted you to know you’re in my prayers and your not alone if your feelings and sorrow.  please keep sharing with us and let us help you though this! 

[Bunny House]

No, it won’t feel right, but the vets exam will help you not feel so bad about it. And they might see some hope in him to continue treatment. I know we always wish we could see the future and know if they could get through the sickness but we can’t know. I always think with patches gi surgery that’s he was so high on painmeds during it he might have woke up and survived, but then his cecum could have collapsed and lead to a horrible painful death. Just see what the vet says. They could tell you to try a new med and if he doesn’t improve then it’s time but how long do you want him to suffer if it won’t work? And of course it could work but he really needs blood tests done before they say what the next step is.

[DanaNM]

I also didn’t realize he was 11! That’s honestly amazing. I agree that he is probably showing symptoms now because his immune system weakened with age. This happened with my mom’s horse.. he was 22 or so and suddenly started showing neurological symptoms from a parasite called sarcosystis. It similar to EC in that the symptoms can be treated but never cured, and the damage is not reversible. She had to make the call before he got so bad that he injured himself badly.

Agree that whatever you decide will be supported, and it is very normal to not be 100%. I also think it’s an important part of pet ownership to know when to make the call. In nature animals have their suffering ended by predators if they are very sick or injured… so I think it’s important to think of whether we are holding on to them for ourselves or for them. The kindest thing is not always the easiest.

The vet might help you feel better, but sometimes when they suggest a barrage of other tests and treatments it can make you feel worse, especially if they think that is what you want. So it might be best to have a frank discussion with the vet about PJ’s quality of life and what the vet thinks his chances are of a big improvement in condition.

Again I’m just so so sorry. Hugs to you and nose rubs for PJ.

. . . 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.  

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