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I want to do what's best for him. What is your suggestion...emergency

Sent to Pet Experts October 21, 2006 3:06 p.m.

My male rabbit is 14 yo, he is experiencing lethargy...minimally responsive and seems
to be incomfortable, he is able to sit up and he did switch sides for comfort. He is breathing and his heart is rapid. He is on a topical eye antibiotic for an infection he's had off and on. I wonder if the infection has gone systemic or he may be fading due to old age? His infection has diminshed but slightly present...he's been on antibiotic ointment
1-2X day for the eye for about a week. He looks like his food has been eaten and water
has been drunk but my husband isn't here today to update me...I don't want him to suffer and I want to do wants best for him. What is your suggestion...emergency vet doesn't tx rabbits and a v et in another location does...but given his age?
I just saw him a bout 15 minutes ago...and this is the state i found him in...i don't live
here anymore and my husband has been monitoring him. Can you contact me ASAP...

Sincerely,
Concerned parent
Cheryl Houck

Optional Information:
Age: >12; Male; Breed: rabbit

Already Tried:
Called emergency vet they rec...euthanasia or a rabbit vet in another town.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $30

Info Request
October 21, 2006 3:17 p.m. (10 minutes and 32 seconds later)

REPLIED to Info Request

Cheryl,

Has he been on any oral antibiotics since he has the eye infection?

Thanks,

Terri

Terri Riba -- Animal Healthcare expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2571 Pet Accepts
20+ years in vet care experience in medicine, behavior, nutrition, holistics

Reply to Terri Riba
Sent October 21, 2006 3:19 p.m. (2 minutes and 47 seconds later)

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
October 21, 2006 3:31 p.m. (11 minutes and 25 seconds later)

REPLIED

Dear Cheryl,

Although a well,cared for rabbit can live up to 15 years, most only make it to 6 or 8 so your boy is an older guy. At this point the only ting the ER vet is going to do is hydrate him with subQ fluids and script him an antibiotic.As you say given his age it may not be fair to put him through such an ordeal. However, he is your baby and only you can make life or death decisions for him.Is he suffering? Is his quality of life diminished? How long will he have if he gets over this issue?

The best thing to do would be to have him seen and find out what his vitals are and if the attending veterinarian thinks he can be helped and then make your decision at that time. I can see that you love this boy and only want what is best for him. Follow your heart and you will make the right decision.

If I can help in any way at all or you just want to discuss this further - I will always be here for you.

Sincerest best wishes,

Terri

Terri Riba -- Animal Healthcare expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2571 Pet Accepts
20+ years in vet care experience in medicine, behavior, nutrition, holistics

Reply to Terri Riba
Sent October 21, 2006 3:34 p.m. (3 minutes and 10 seconds later)

Thank you...thats what i thought....Hard decision.

regards,

Cheryl

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
October 21, 2006 3:37 p.m. (2 minutes and 51 seconds later)

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Terri Riba -- Animal Healthcare expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2571 Pet Accepts
20+ years in vet care experience in medicine, behavior, nutrition, holistics

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