Wednesday, May 03, 2006

5/3/06 Mid-week bunny fix (sort of)

Dora is at the vet's tonight.

:-(

I took the afternoon off from work and brought her in to the vet because she's been acting *off* the last day or two and not eating like she should and not pooping. Bad news for a bunny.

The photo at left is her in her hospital cage zonked out on pain meds. I visited her tonight after my final meeting with students and brought a special salad with her favorite veggies and her toys. All of which she ignored. I hate to leave a bunny in the hospital, especially one as sensitive as my Dora, because being away from home causes its own problems. So a bunny who was not eating well is now not eating at all because she is timid and fearful in an unfamiliar place and is zonked out on pain meds. Pain medication is important for a rabbit who is ill, so I should be glad that my vet is willing to give it, because many vets do not routinely give pain meds to rabbits. Even after spay/neuter procedures - can you imagine? I have to convince myself that the she needs to be there, even if it means that she will get worse before she can get better.

She is being treated for GI Stasis and needs subQ fluids and injectable meds. I've done those things at home with other bunnies, but not with a bunny quite like Dora. She's only been with me for 6 months or so and will not be handled. I can pet her and kiss her and play with her, but heaven forbid I even think about picking her up and she bolts. No way can I hold her down to give her shots, or hold her still for subQ fluids. So I left her there tonight, hoping that the meds will do their work and get her digestive system working properly, so that I can bring her home with me.

10 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Oh, no! Tidbit offers her very best get-well wishes to Dora!

LauraHinNJ said...

Thanks Tidbit - I'm worried about her.

Pam in Tucson said...

So sweet. I'm glad Dora has her bunny doll with her. Wishing her a very speedy recovery.

Endment said...

Oh ---- poor bunny :=(

Get well soon!

Anonymous said...

Lots and Lots and Lots of get well thoughts coming for poor Dora. I know it must be hard to leave her, but if you can't administer the things she needs at home what choice do you have? Please update us when you can! Stay calm thoughts for you too!

Anonymous said...

God bless Dora!

LauraHinNJ said...

Thanks for the good vibes everyone.

Dora had surgery today to remove a bunch of *stuff* that was accumulating in her stomach and not passing through. Scary day. Will post more about her tomorrow, she'll be with the vet till next week if things go well. Please keep thinking good thoughts for her.

Pam in Tucson said...

This evening, I was trying to photograph the cottontails that come to feed twice a day in our yard and I was thinking of Dora. Good that she had the surgery to remove the "stuff". Hope she heals rapidly and can go home soon to your loving care.

Susan Gets Native said...

Oh, poor Dora! Get-Well vibes coming her way...
It sucks to have a pet at the vet... I hope she comes back healthy and happy!

Susan Gets Native said...

I just read the link about GI stasis, with my mouth hanging open. I had no idea that it could be so complicated in a rabbit. It's not just "take some Ex-lax and get over it", is it? Now I know why you post about bunny droppings...good grief! You're a brave woman to have bunnies! Hope she's doing okay.