Netherland Dwarf Not Himself

Question
QUESTION: Pookie is an almost-three-year-old netherland dwarf. He and I are very close. He is usually very excited to see me - standing on the side of his cage I am closest to, jutting his head forward for me to pet it, giving 'kisses' and what-not. He usually has a normal, healthy, apetite. He's been staying with my parents for the past four days, as I live elsewhere and needed them to 'babysit' for awhile. my mom called me tonight to inform me that Pookie is rather lethargic, hasn't been eating much, and so on. I rushed to pick him up, I haven't left his side for the four hours I've had him. Usually, when I have him out of his cage, he looks around to see where he wants to jump and play. Not today. He stays with me, breathing is slow, eyes are half closed, he's eaten a little bit, but not his usual amount. He drinks OK. I understand that seeking help from a closeby vet would be ideal, but I'm unemployed and have absolutely NO money. If I have any money, I'd give up each and every last penny I had to save him. He's my buddy. This is my only hope of gaining the knowledge I need to nurse him back to health! Please find it in your heart to help me help my poor friend, Pookie!!! Thanks

ANSWER: Dear Elizabeth,

I cannot work miracles over the internet.  But for now, use the instructions here to find out what to do until you can get him to a rabbit-savvy vet:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

Your bunny could die if you don't get him to a vet, and I am not exaggerating.  Rabbits don't act like this unless they are *very* ill, and if you don't want to lose him, you will have to find a vet who can work out a payment plan with you. Check the list here for a rabbit-savvy vet, which is critical in a case like this:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I wish I could tell you there was something you could do at home to get him well.  There is a chance he'll get better on his own...but that chance is very slim.  If you want him to live, you must get him to a good rabbit vet NOW.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Dana,

Thanks for reviewing my question and writing to me. Your input is appreciated!

Just to let you know, I gathered up the money needed to take Pookie to the vet yesterday. I was lucky enough to find an exotic animal hospital in my area who actually has a veterinarian who is an expert on rabbits!

It ended up that he had a couple of nails that were very hidden, and that were so long that they grew into his little pads on his feet. Those were cut asap, and he started to perk right up!

He also has an extra 'rumbly in his tumbly' that shouldn't be there. He was prescribed 2 stomach medications (one of which I'm on, myself, LOL), 1 antibiotic, and 'critical care' to get him the nutrients he's been missing by not eating well... Although, within the past 24 hours, he's begun to eat his normal, healthy diet of vegetables and timothy hay.

I knew I had to get him to a vet and was willing to do whatever it took to do so! I'm very relieved and am sure that my pet bunny is well on the road to recovery!!! Even when we were at the doctor yesterday, his 'normal' personality came out. He was very affectionate and even made a new friend, in the form of a Sphynx cat named Parkay :D Thanks, again, for taking the time to respond to US! Have a great holiday!!!

Answer
Dear Elizabeth,

I'm so glad you were able to get Pookie to a good vet who helped with his problems.  What a terrible, painful thing that must have been!

I'm glad you now have a good vet who can do regular check ups so nothing like this will sneak up on you again.  

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Dana