After all the surgeries we’ve done, we haven’t been able to stop the infection from spreading into her upper jaw. The vet said next step after this upcoming round of antibiotics will probably be total removal of the zygomatic arch on the left side of her face. Her mandible is fine, but the infection has spread so much that cutting out the bone seems the best bet.
We’ve done 3 surgeries so far, so many meds, gone through e cuniculi on top of all the surgery recovery, and now we’re looking at having a true zombie bunny. Financially, this is really hurting. Emotionally and mentally, I don’t know what more we could have done to help her. She’s always so bubbly and happy, her personality shines through always. But the next step with this surgery is so scary and I’m feeling lost on many levels.
by blackgalaxyrock
23 Comments
Have you considered taking her to a different exotic vet? Maybe someone else can offer some advice or opinions that haven’t yet been considered.
What a difficult road you are going on.
Best wishes for you and Circe.
So sorry OP, I can see you will do anything for her. I can relate. I wish you the best of luck and health for this little one. All will be well.
I’m going to be honest op, but as somebody who has had multiple infections in their jaw due to dental issues arising from medical abuse as a child, they are absolutely excruciating and there were many times I wished I was dead from the pain. This is speaking as a human with access to the ability to communicate my pain as well as painkillers. I can’t imagine what it must be like for an animal.
I don’t know if it’s because of the proximity to the brain, but my experience with facial pain is that is is distilled suffering.
If I were you I would be thinking about having a difficult but sincere conversation with you and your people about what Circe’s quality of life is going to be like going forward following a surgery like this, that is assuming it even cures the infection. I’m sorry that you’re all going through this, it sounds very, very painful.
Sending love and good vibes ♥️🐰
Poor baby and best wishes to Circe.
That’s a tough decision, but I would too seek out a second opinion. My boy once had an infection and cyst on his cheek and after a few weeks with good care it just went away.
Sorry to hear OP. Wishing for the best for Circe. Sounds like you’re doing everything you can. I’m sure Circe appreciates what you’re doing.
Poor little bun ❤️
I’m so sorry you’re in such a tough spot. Rabbit infections are notoriously difficult to clear. Have you brought your sweet bun to a board certified exotic infectious disease specialist? They’re really the only one who should be handling such a complex case at this point, in conjunction with the exotic veterinary surgeon. And as mentioned above – these surgeries HURT. I’ve had several facial, jaw and sinus surgeries and they’re always the most painful. Like, pain that I would whine in my sleep over despite copious amounts of pain medication. This is definitely a quality of life issue. A frank and honest conversation needs to take place before any other procedures. Seriously. This rabbit is SUFFERING. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is let them go in peace with love. There are several animal quality of life quizzes online that I encourage you to (objectively) check out. This is just one of these situations that no matter how much u love them, it can’t cure the infection or pain. Sending u allll the love and light. 🐰💐💖
My heart aches for you, OP; as well as for and Circe. Many of us know the pain you’re feeling, I know it doesn’t take the pain away, but you aren’t alone.
Above all, you’ve gone above and beyond to do all you could for this angelic girl. There’s no question that you have given Circe all the love and bun could ask for!
My bunny has been having surgery every few months for almost a year and half now. It’s ridiculously expensive but he’s starting to finally heal up. He’s been on a cocktail of antibiotics and also has the strawberry cone to prevent him from scratching his face surgery wound.
I’m so sorry you’re going through this 🙁 I hope all the best for Circe
Stay strong, you’re a brilliant person for doing this much
I had a guinea pig who formed an abscess that turned into a jaw infection resistant to antibiotics. We kept him alive much longer than he should have. He had good days and bad days. We didn’t do any surgeries, just kept him on meds, no matter how many times I had to threaten the vet if we didn’t get them.
My best advice would be to do what you feel would give her the better quality of life while she’s here with you. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
Lots of love for you and your bun ❤️.
How was your bun acting before you found out the actual cause? One my bunnies is having a hard time and I suspected an abcess bc he was drooling, licking at his throat , drinking excessively and dropping food. The vets treating him for a uti before we go the anesthesia route to investigate if it doesn’t resolve…
I hope everything ends fine ♥
Gosh, I’m wishing you guys the best. I know how harrowing it can be faced with the choice between bad and worse. I hope the other vet will offer you a good solution. There’s still may be a chance for a positive outcome. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
It’s not fair how fragile these little balls of love are. It just sucks.
I’m so sorry, the greatest pain is knowing your baby’s sick and you’re doing everything you can.
It’s soo much worse when you know they are super sick but they somehow manage to still show love and their personality. It makes decision making soo difficult. They are still fighting and showing you that they still want to be here. No matter what anyone says, you know what is best for your baby based on what bun is telling you. Your bunny thanks you for doing everything you can and fighting for it.
Our bunny had a difficult infection in the lower jaw last christmas. It was the result of a broken tooth. The vet removed the tooth + cleaned the puss from the jaw daily for several weeks. Luckily he pulled trough.
Our vet was amazing. She is very very experienced with rabbits. She sat me down before we started the treatment plan and told me honestly that his comfort should be the main focus and if the treatment wouldn’t work we should prepare ourselves to let him go.
You are such a pure and sweet human for going to this extent to care for your baby… What a cute bun. Wishing the best for y’all. 💕🐇