How long will it take? Dying rabbit.

[tarragon]

My daughter's holland lop seems to be going. I don't know what the actual problem is, but he is now unable to use his back legs and is very lethargic. Yesterday he stopped drinking water and barely ate. Still no water today, even when I put the nipple in his mouth. He's reached typical end of life span age, 8 years.

I hate to see it suffer, any idea how long he will last now that he isn't drinking? Is there anything I can do to ease his passing?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Hate to say it...but..is there any way you can help it along? Or are you absolutely against using typical cull methods?

 

[tarragon]

It has crossed my mind, but I don't think I could do it. And I'd hate to make it suffer because I tried. I'm assuming it would require breaking the neck?

 

[Godsgrl]

You could take him to the vet, and have him euthanized. It was a lot more peaceful than I expected with our ferret. Also cheaper, and it was an after hours call. I just couldn't watch her suffer anymore. Best of luck, poor bunny.

 

[dewey]

Quote:
After rendering the rabbit unconscious with a blow to the head, cervical dislocation is a humane method. I'm really sorry about your rabbit. Maybe someone familiar with the different methods could come over and put the rabbit down for you.

 

[RHRanch]

Rabbits can actually injure thier own backs - I don't know if this is what happend, but if this is your daughters pet, the best option is to take him to the vet to be euthanized. Otherwise he could suffer a while and why should he, when you can end his suffering?

 

[debilorrah]

8 years old is a pretty average life span for a rabbit. I am so sorry you are losing your pet.

 

[bargain]

I may be too late with an opinion....Lops are very susceptible to heat!!! rabbits perspire thru their ears and lops of course have lopping ears which do not allow for good perspiration. and it's been a hot summer. I ice down our bunnies when it's hot by putting 2 liter frozen bottles in their cages and this really helps.

If you're bunny is alive, try this. Also some electrolyte balance in with the drinking water. You might also try dipping his/her paws in cooler water.... pm me if you need more help!

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
All rabbits are susceptible to heat. The hollands actually "helicopter" their ears when they are heated, so it is pretty easy to tell.

 

[meowmmy65]

Our holland lop made it just about 8 years, too. It was a lot like you describe - she just sort of stopped everything, and over a period of hours it was finally over. I did not get the impression that she was in any pain. It was actually very peaceful. Bunnies are so fragile.

Good luck to you. I hope he either miraculously recovers, or the end comes quickly and quietly.