On Martha-bunny

[trystinn]

It looks at this point like we're going to need to bring Martha in to a vet to be humanely put down. We'd hoped, as you do, that she'd pass quietly in the night but while her body seems to be rallying, her brain has not.

I think she's had a stroke or similar neurological episode - one of her pupils is huge and she's blind, she doesn't respond to light or movement. She doesn't appear to be closing her eyes. She will eat when food is put in front of her, drink when an eye dropper is put in front of her. She cannot move to walk around and can barely move on her own violation. She has been soiling herself and I've been cleaning her roughly 4x a day, with a bath at least once a day. She jerks and over-reacts when touched as if she's being attacked. Only after speaking to her for some time and calmly rubbing her does she slowly relax. I'm not sure if she can hear (no response to snapping), though she does respond to vibrations. I'm not sure why, but she insists on lying on her right side, I've tried to turn her on to her left and she seems to have some kind of reflex panic, flopping around until I resettle her. She cannot rest on her belly. She does appear to rest comfortably and I am keeping her temperature constant by the temporary use of a heating pad on mild (it cycles on and off), which I move on and off her, with a towel as a buffer.

Today is Joshua's birthday. *sigh* And of course, this is one of his favorite rabbits. We'll see about getting her in tomorrow.

Comments

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds like how one of our young rabbits passed a little over a year ago. Very difficult to watch. I hope there's peace for everyone (including Martha) soon.

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

Poor sweet bunny. I'm so sorry. I hope her passing is easier than the past couple of days have been for her. <3

[wendyzski.livejournal.com]

Poor old-lady bunny. Sounds like she is done. Best to comfort her as best you can and let her go quietly.

[dana3.livejournal.com]

In a human, that'd be a terminal stroke with one-sided neglect. Born again to those who love her ... {{{}}}

[tryst-inn.livejournal.com]

Thank you for confirming, it seemed pretty obvious to me, but then I'm not medical professional. We're taking her to the vet tomorrow afternoon.

I'm not sure how long her organs can last in this state, but I'm also not interested in finding out. This isn't a life.

Much love, *hugs*

[tryst-inn.livejournal.com]

Vet confirmed a massive stroke and only rear brain function. He asked very hesitantly if we "had any hope" and I gently told him "we have no hope, she's not there anymore". He sighed gratefully and took us in the back.

He thanked us for being aware of the limits of his profession and for being responsible owners. He's a nice man and a good vet. I imagine this isn't the best part of his job, but maybe this was an easier appointment than most. Josh and I had a few days to say goodbye, so we were more than ready.

We thanked him and told him we'd like to consult with him on happier tidings like breeding our Flemish Giant doe and had a very nice discussion about Shady. Shady has an appointment.

On with life. Maybe we'll see an ornery baby in the litter and we'll see that familiar sparkle in her eye. If she tries to nip the vet, we'll know its her!