Nutmeg is an old bunny. Older than I thought, as it turns out. We had to make a trip to the vet last week because she seemed to be having problems with her back end and wasn't moving around very well.
We thought she was maybe 6-7 years old (the people we got her from didn't know how old she was). We've had her for 5 years now, so that was my best guess. According to the x-rays, the vet estimated she is at least 8 years old, based on the degenerative changes shown. Her little body is just sort of giving out now. :(
For the past week, we've been moving her around to different spots and making sure she has a nice soft place to lie down and rest. She will sit up but has a hard moving around much. I'm giving her Metacam (anti-inflammatory) once a day and that has seemed to help some, but not as much as I'd like to see. I'm also mixing up Critical Care with a little apple-banana baby food and water to give her some extra nutrition (she stopped eating her pellets for a few days but has since started eating a little bit ). Her appetite is good so I am thankful for that.
I wish there was more I could do for her, though. We're going back to the vet tomorrow to have some blood work done to see how she is tolerating the Metacam. Hopefully the vet will have some suggestions about other things I can be doing. I'd love to hear from you other bunny lovers with any tried and true suggestions.
For now, we're giving her lots of TLC and extra attention. Her best buddy, Patches, is a little confused about why Nutmeg can't get "upstairs" in the condo to nap with her in their usual spot.
Most bunnies, if they are well cared for, will live to be about 10 years old. Sadly, most bunnies won't make it that long. Nutmeg is hanging in there and we'll just keep giving her the extra care and love she needs.
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18 comments:
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Oh, poor little Nutmeg! We wish her well. She's very beautiful!
At this point, snuggling with bun pals might be one of the best medicines.
((HUG)) It's not a nice feeling when you realize your 'baby' has become a pensioner.
My cousin had a rabbit who lived until he was nearly 16! Yours get a much better diet and more exercise than hers did so maybe Nutmeg has a good few years to enjoy yet ;-).
I few months ago I did some google-ing for another person with an arthritic rabbit and I found out that rabbits often respond well to glucosamine supplements so maybe you could talk to your vet about that?
Hang in there Nutmeg! Haven knows how you are feeling baby. He takes 2 pain meds for his back legs. It is just heck getting old. You are getting so much love from Patches and your family.
aww poor Nutmeg. Im not sure, My bunny was about 8 when we gave him away, now I feel kinds bad for the lady we gave him too, i never knew how long they lived, I hope he was alright for a while. Hope her medication is working.
I'm so sorry Bridget and poor Patches! I've had 3 bunnies who have experienced the same thing. My Tisha actually got so bad she was dragging her back end by the time I helped her pass. I never knew you could give them anything for the discomfort...vet didn't suggest that. Ar was like this in the end too. I will think of her in healing thoughts.
Be strong, Nutmeg!
My bunnies have all been rescues and I've never been sure of their ages. I wish I had advice to give, other than to love her.
Come to think of it, that's all they really want. The rest is just details.
We love you, Nutmeg!
Poor Nutmeg, I hope the vet has some other suggestions. I had a cat that lived to be 20 and it was very hard to watch her fail as she got older, I think she had no complaints as she had a good life.
Kisses to Nutmeg!!! We know how it is ... all four of our bunnies are senior citizens, and Briseis' hind legs have been getting weaker and weaker in the past year. She also gets a daily dose of Metacam and gentle leg massages. She seems to enjoy the massages a lot. She still gets around and is very inquisitive, but her hind legs just don't keep up with her spirit. She also sleeps a lot more and deeper than she ever did. She loves the sun shining through her window and is always taking sunbaths. If I can help you in any way, please let me know!!! Oh, and try the massage!
It's so hard to watch our animals get tired and slow down. What a blessing it is for her to be surrounded by your love and the love of all her bunny companions.
You're in good hands, Nutmeg. *Hugs*
Sorry to hear that she's having problems. She's a sweetie and lucky you luv her so much.
I'm sorry to hear Nutmeg hasn't been feeling well :( I've become more and more confident in vet care lately. I hope your vet comes up with something great to help Nutmeg feel better. Otherwise, it's up to Patches.
I sure hope she will bounce back. She has a wonderful home and seems completely content.
All the best wishes to you all.
Such lovely buns and Nutmeg is a beautiful lady. It is hard to see our bun children get old. We just have to do what we can for them. Lillie is now my oldest at nine and a half. She has slowed down a good bit and doesn't binky as much as she used to. Time was she was the queen of the Bunny 500 down the hall, but she still gets around and loves to go outside to the play pens. I try to give my older ones extra hugs and spoiling.
Nutmeg is absolutely precious. I hope she feels better soon... I know how hard it is. It seems we are losing special animals a lot this year...
we are sending our love to Nutmeg xxx
the glucosamine sounds just like the thing actually as it is a joint lubricant, adn the metacam will reduce inflammation and pain, so hoping that she experiences very little pain, and still has mobility. She has patches to keep her warm, and the massages are essential I believe.
Arabella and Wesley get daily massages on their backs and Arabella gets it on her hind legs too.
kisses and hugs xxx
I had a Castor Rex doe that looked just like Nutmeg. Her name was Bronwyn and I loved her dearly!
Our kitty Oliver was on Metacam also to help ease his old bones. Hoping Nutmeg gets relief from it!
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