I took Bub, my sweet 3-year-old banana crazy New Zealand Lop rabbit, to the vet for his scheduled visit about his mange. I was already hestitating since vet visits are very stressful for my bun, but I thought it’s just a quick visit. No needles or anything.
I went there with my mom. Right at the entrance we were greeted by an unfamiliar face. This person was wearing a vet’s assistant uniform. He must be new. We went inside then they weighed him and put him on the examination table. I noticed this new guy is still a trainee. The male vet doctor was coaching him on how to properly hold my rabbit. Saying things like, “not like that, do it like this, I’ll hold him, this is how you do it.” This raised a slight concern to me. This guy is clearly not familiar on handling rabbits.
Doctors proceeded with the examination. Without telling me what they were going to do, they scraped Bub’s ear using a sharp tool while the new guy kept him steady. Results were good – mange no longer present but we were still advised to administer topical medicine monthly. Next, I asked them to check his teeth (he lost his enamel on his lower teeth and is sometimes having difficulty chewing). Of course, Bub was uncomfortable with instruments going in his mouth. Again, the doctor was coaching the new guy how to hold Bub properly, and how to support and secure his hind legs. Results were good. His teeth is healthy but needs to be observed from time to time.
Now, here is where I think everything went wrong. They instructed the new guy to put Bub back in my pet carrier. He lifted him up, kind of how you do heimlich maneuver, and after a few seconds, held (NOT supported) his hind legs together. He puti him back in the carrier and we were both shocked.. is Bub dead? Playing dead? Why isn’t he moving? I adjusted him a bit and found that he’s still breathing. He was laying on one side and holding himself up with his front paws. I can tell he’s in shock. He was VERY still, even his breathing changed. I spent a few seconds with him and my mom also noticed this weird behavior. I asked the doctor to check if he broke his legs so the doctor put him again in the examination table. She said he’s fine and that it was a trauma response that Bub’s acting immobile. He will be better when he’s in a familiar area. I paid them and went home.
We arrived home, I put the carrier down inside his X-pen and opened the side zipper. Have you seen how seals move? Bub was literally like that. He crawled out only using his front paws, dragging behind his hind legs. He immediately wanted to go inside his cage (this was his safe space) so I assisted him. We called the vet clinic. They said once again, it could be shock or trauma. They also denied seeing any mishandling. I’ve administered pain meds per advice and critical care. Now, he’s pooping a bit but not peeing. His stomach feels hard and bloated.
I’m taking him back tomorrow. I’m really worried. He was hopping and begging for treats before we went out, and now he’s carely moving, confused on why he couldn’t hop or sit up. Any advice on what I should say/do? It would be very helpful. Thank you.
by bunnybub-
