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death during surgery for staph infection

22 11:12:34

Question
My beloved Holland Lop died Monday while undergoing surgery for a staph infection in his mouth that was unresolved after two rounds of oral antibiotics.  The vet had removed the affected molar, cleaned out the infected area, and was preparing to fill the area with a slow-acting antibiotic when my bunny just started struggling to breathe.  The doctor verified that his breathing tube was in place, wasn't blocked, etc., and even gave him a tracheotomy to try to improve the access to his lungs, to no avail.  He did several rounds of CPR and was able to keep oxygen flowing for a short time, but he said he could feel tension or tightness in his lungs that kept them from filling like they should.

I know anaesthesia can have tragic effects on bunnies (like people and other animals), but it seems so odd that he would be so far into the surgery and then just stop breathing, even though his heart was still going strong.  Our vet is the most experienced rabbit vet in town and said that bunnies' hearts occasionally give out during surgery but that this was inexplicable.  He offered to do a necropsy, but I couldn't bear to do that to my little guy.  I am curious about what could possibly have happened, though -- is this anything you have any experience with?  He was a generally healthy and absolutely wonderful bunny for almost six years.  I have a lengthy bill from which I can give you information about specific drugs, etc., if that would help.  I hope that my family's tragedy might contribute in some small way to a greater understanding of rabbits' unique bodies and their veterinary needs.  Thank you for your efforts.

Answer
Dear Devon,

I am very sorry about the tragic loss of your friend. The vet is absolutely right, though.  Sometimes a surgery can be going very well, and then--inexplicably--the bunny crashes.  In most cases, no amount of CPR will help.

A necropsy might have revealed a cryptic problem, but also maybe not.  He might have had a hidden heart problem, or he might have had an idiosyncratic reaction to the anesthesia.  There is just no way to know for sure.  These tragedies sometimes happen, and sometimes there is no explanation.

I am very sorry.

Dana