Hind leg amputation

Question
Dear Sir/Madam,

I have a 3 & 1/2 year old Netherlands dwarf rabbit. When she was a baby, about 2 months old, she jumped off my chair and landed at a strange angle. I picked her up immediately and noticed her hind right leg stuck out to one side. I took her to the vets and asked if anything could be done. I was given a lot of factors, that didn't involve my rabbit Maddie. I had just buried another baby rabbit who was only 6 months old. Anyway, the leg was left. But over the last 3 years, Maddie keeps getting infection after infection. When she runs around the leg seems to drag behind her. She keeps falling over it. It get's stuck under her and she starts to panic. Either myself or one of my family have to race to her to set her straight. Sometimes, if we are not fast enough, Maddie has to roll on her back to free the leg. She is forever standing on it. The leg spends more time in her mouth than anywhere else.

I saw a different vet at the surgery, and explained everything to him and he says if the leg is useless, it would be better if it wasn't there. I've agreed. But I am extremely worried about her. She is very tiny. I also believe she has lost some weight. I know she isn't sleeping properly because she fell asleep on my bed the other day. Aside from the leg and the dozens of infections, Maddie is perfectly healthy. She loves me and shopping and everything else we do together. But if I'm honest, I'm scared she'll go in for the operation on Friday and won't come back. She is more than just a rabbit, she is my best friend. She loves sitting on my shoulder, watching the TV and laptop and licking my face. We have a very special bond.

What are Maddie's chances of coming home? What are the risks? Would she have to stay over night? Would Maddie be able to cope with just one hind leg? What about balance and washing her face? Are there thing's she won't be able to do? i.e. climb the stairs? Jump up onto the furniture? Yeah I suppose that is out of the question - Totally unrelated questions; can a rabbit laugh? cry? What does it mean when I can see both top and bottom sets of front teeth? Maddie makes a sort of sound that sounds like a train, is this laughing?

I am so sorry to ask so many questions but I am so worried about her. I don't know who to ask. The vet that is going to be doing the op is away tomorrow and back in Friday. He is the most senior vet at the practice. I might be mistaken but I believe he owns the surgeries. There are several up and down Devon. It's 04:00 am GMT - my time. I am so stressed and worried that I can't sleep.

I hope I haven't bored you. I would be ever so very grateful if you would be able to advise me. I really don't know what to do. I'm so confused. Do I cancel the op? or do I proceed?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Kindest regards,

Mikaela

Answer
Hi Mikaela,

It sounds like you love your bunny very much!  You are really in a hard spot here, and I know you only want to do what's best for her.  Let's start with your first question.  Rabbits are delicate animals and have a hard time under anesthesia, this means that sometimes one will go under and not wake back up.  More often they come out of it fine though, and what you need to decide is whether the risk of the surgery outweighs the benefits of the infections and pain being gone.  Rabbits also do not tolerate the use of antibiotics well because of their sensitive guts, so having her get repeated infections (that are dangerous) that involve antibiotics to get her over them (which are also dangerous) is not a good option either.  If a rabbit has chronic pain, they will often stop or slow down their eating as well, which could be contributing to her weight loss.  A Netherland Dwarf is a very small rabbit to begin with, and any loss of weight should be concerning and taken seriously.  She may be more tired too, simply because she's not getting the energy she needs as she eats less.  I know it's scary, but the risks of repeated infection, repeated antibiotic use, weight loss and intestinal shut-down from not eating well are all much more significant than the risks the surgery may bring.  Your vet should let you know whether she will have to stay overnight, and should also tell you everything you need to do to care for her post-op.  Ask lots of questions too, that's what your vet is there for!  Make sure he/she tells you all of the risks and all of the benefits too, and puts your mind at ease before you place your bunny in his/her hands.  If you don't feel comfortable with the care you're getting from your vet, find another one.  Best wishes for a healthy bunny!  Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.