bone cancer / leg amputation / 9 yr rabbit

Question
My 9+ rabbit has bone cancer and the tumor is now very large. She has been to 2 highly qualified rabbit vets. The tumor was not causing problems per say and I opted not to amputate b/c I felt it would be too hard on her given her age. It is so large now I feel that I must do the amputation b/c it is causing her more discomfort, dragging leg, balance issues.

I know it is risky at her age b/c it is a big surgery.

The vet is great, worked w/ for many years, fully confident in his abilities etc...HRS vet.

Any suggestions or advise on whether is is "fair" to her - to put her through this surgery at this age?

She is on 2x daily metacam for pain relief. Eating well, able to ambulate some, but fairly sedintary. Does have some possible unidentified neurological problem (not typical E. Cun.) that has been going on for past 18 mo. - has not worsened. In good weight, generally a heathy bunny.

I can send pix under seperate cover, do not have with me at this time.

Thank you.

Debra

Answer
Dear Debra,

The leg is certainly painful this way, so it must come off.  And there are worse ways to go than under anesthesia, as awful as it is to think about such things.   So I think you're in a place with no choices.  No, she's not the world's best surgical candidate.  But the amputation could give her many years of happy life, once she recovers.

Pain management is essential.  If possible, ask the vet about amputating mid-femur and leaving a large pad of tissue so that she can use it as a pivot.  We find this is better for buns than amputating at the hip, IF the location of the tumor will allow.

Sending healing thoughts.

Dana