Is my pekin bantam male or female?

[Alis girls]

We have 2 buns - brother and sister 6 yrs old - boy is 3 legged - had amputation after breaking a leg. I took them for their myxa matorsis (SP) jabs today and mentioned a lump on Dandy's face. it is as I feared an abscess.

Yrs ago we had a big white rabbit from a pet shop called Daisy - after a few yrs Daisy developed abscesses and despite an operation eventually the things were breaking out in front of my eyes. We had her PTS. ES who was young at the time sobbed and sobbed.

I feel I should have noticed this sooner - shes also lost wt. She could have an op but the chances of it not working are high. Shes always been a bitey bun and I had a few nips from her. Today she snuggled up to me - my OH says she knows who loves her.

What would you do - the vet was lovely didint pressurise and understood my worries.

I requested pain relief till we make our decision.

Will her brother cope alone if she is PTS? Vet seemed to think so. He said life expectancy is 6 -7 yrs.

I also have to tell ES who just loves his animals (my hope of him being a vet have been dashed he woudl cry too much )

Any advice much welcomed. There is someone on the rabbit threads Franklyrabbit who sounds quite knowledgable but anyone who could offer some thoughts I would be frateful. I know at the end its our decision.

[cathybc]

Sorry to hear about your awful dilemma. Did the vet give any idea of what they thought would be best for your girl?

6 is a good age and if her behaviour has changed it may be a sign that she is not feeling so well. But I would have a good chat with the vet.

Re her brother if you did have to have her pts; I am sure there will be another oldie waiting at a rescue that you could try bonding with him. Or, perhaps bring him indoors as a house bunny so he will have more company. ES would of course be devastated but if the bun is in pain it would be the best thing to do.

I don't really think there is a right or wrong here, keep an eye on her over the weekend to ensure she doesn't go downhill and perhaps give the vet a call to talk it over on Monday.

Thinking of you and whatever you decide, you will be doing it for the best. x

[Alis girls]

Thanks Cathy, OH spoke to vet who wouldnt commit himself as I think to put her thro an op when she is weak would probably kill her. He was fairly non commital - and I think it would be the kindest thing. I hadnt thought about another oldie bun - I will think about it. Being a house bun probably isn't an option we have 2 cats - both of which are territorial. Thanks again I knew I would get support on this.

[bigmommasally]

So sorry to hear of your poorly bun. Is she still eating at all?

 

If she isn't and really is quite weak then I wouldn't put her through an operation, it would be kinder IMHO to put her to sleep.

 

However if she is still eating some food and seems to be herself then I would probably be tempted to try the op, however I understand that it is a big commitment to make as she will need quite a lot of after care, not to mention the expense.

 

Its such a hard call for you to make and I would hate to be in your shoes. It will be hard for your ES too but making these difficult decisions is part of being a responsible pet owner, as long as what ever you do is in the best interests of the bunny then you can do no more.

 

This site http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk has a really good forum with lots of knowledgable bunny owners they may be able to give you the benefit of their experience.

 

 

Good luck to you and your bunny, sending you big (((hugs))).

 

Let us know how you get on.

[cathybc]

Hello again, I had a house bunny with 3 cats - bunny lived in spare bedroom where cats were not allowed!

 

Obviously something like that may not be practical for you but apart from the cats initially stropping because they had one less bedto choose from it was fine

 

It sounds as though the op may be too much for her but do keep us updated on your bun x

[Alis girls]

Had Dandy PTS this am. Felt as she was no better it was the kindest thing. Thanks for your kind thoughts everyone. Ali XX

[franklyrabbit]

I'm so sorry to hear your news. I've only just visited the forum and feel awful that I didn't know before. Everyone's advice was brilliant and supportive wasn't it and I would have made the same heart-wrenching decision. Once bunnies begin to deteriorate there seems very little that can be done for them. I think it would have stressed Dandy enormously to have had to stay at the vets and from experience this is often the turning point for rabbits and nothing can be done for them. Glad you were there with Dandy when the time came.

 

You probably feel that it's too soon to think about a friend for your other rabbit but it will lift you all as a family I think, to know that you are helping another bun and giving him/her a good home. There's lots of good advice about bunny-bonding on the forum.

 

When we lost Frank we were devastated and my neighbour couldn't bear it and within days had given us two of her rescue rabbits. Frank like Dandy will never be replaced but the preoccupation of learning two new bunnies helped a lot.

 

I hope your son will soon feel better and be able to talk about Dandy and the funny things he used to do.

[Alis girls]

Thanks everyone, I did ask vet if our other bun would pine and he said as a rule they dont. he did suggest and I am adding this as something that might help other owners if faced with a similar dialemma to let her brother sit with her body whilst we did the grave if it didnt distress our kids or us to much. (I have posted on main forum re PTS and what to tell kids)

her brother nuzzled her and then carried on eating. I think he could see she wasnt right as he was keeping her warm last night and also kept nudging her with his face.

I'm not sure about a mate as yet - too early - our friend works for RSPCA - I might see if there is a suitable sounding rescue bun - will see how it goes. Or even a guinea pig.

Thanks everyone

[cathybc]

So sorry to hear that she didn't make it.

 

Glad to hear her brother seems OK, hope you and the kids are doing OK too

 

Thinking of you xxx

[Alis girls]

Thanks Cathy , YS keeps having a little cry. Gave Bracky our remaining bun a cuddle tonight - dark, sleety, standing in the cold with ES's wellies and coat cuddling this little rabbit. - this weather is so depressing.