vet says that my rabbit has broken disc

Question
I wrote you yesterday about my pet rabbit and about her not being able to move her back legs.  I took your advice and took her back to the veterinarian that cut her nails yesterday, and he says she has a broken disc.  I asked him if she would recover and he said it was a 50/50 chance.  He gave her a shot and sent her on her way(not a very nice person) and told me to call him tomorrow to see if he has medicine she can take at home.  I am very disappointed and now she is grinding her teeth.  When I called him they didn't act too concerned and so I called another vet and they want me to bring her up there.  I don't want to but, don't know what to do.  Please help again!!!!!!Thank you!

Answer
Hi Dee

I am so sorry about your little bunny.  I have to say I have never heard of a broken disc.  I have heard of ruptured disc's and the probability of them recovering completely is no where near 50/50.  Disc's are between the actual bones and they are filled with a jelly like fluid.  That is what keeps the spinal column from rubbing together.  There is no way that fluid can ever regenerate after it has ruptured.  Your rabbit might eventually learn to live with its disability and may possibly get around.  I don't like your vet or his attitude, he should have explained to you in more detail and I just get the sense that he isn't completely capable of caring for rabbits.  The fact that they weren't concerned with the teeth grinding makes me wonder.

You rabbit is grinding its teeth because she is in pain.  Rabbits are very good at masking pain to avoid predators but if they are in severe pain they will grind their teeth.

However controversial it may be to tell you this I just feel I must be honest.  Yesterday I sent you the website about living with disabled rabbits.  There is nothing wrong with that and if you have the time and chose to do so then you are a saint.  Unfortunately there is no way to tell how much pain the rabbit is in.  I am a firm believer that if an animal is suffering that it should be put down humanely.  I understand she is a pet and is probably very loved so I know for a fact that it is a difficult decision.  I am going through the same thing with my dog who is dying from cancer right now.  

If I were you I would take the rabbit to the other vet who seems to know what they are doing and get their opinion.  I wouldn't make any decisions until I saw the other doctor.  He or she should give you options and explain in detail what is wrong.  When you make your decision try to do so thinking of the rabbit first.  I am a very firm believer in the rainbow bridge.  I am going to attach a site that I think you will find inspirational.  After you read it you may find comfort in your decisions.  Also make it a family decision.  If you are a youngster then get your parents involved.  If you have children then let them know what you are going to do and most importantly make sure that everyone gets a chance to spend quality time with her.  

I am just so so sorry about your bunny.  I love rabbits so much.

http://www.freewebs.com/hgrabbitry/rainbowbridge.htm

Please let me know what the new vet says.  I will keep your bunny in my thoughts.

Pam


Hi Dee

Sorry I was out of town but I am really happy to know that your bunny is feeling better.  Let me know how she is doing in a few weeks.

Thanks

Pam