Advice on Buns Living with Cancer

[MsJuliet]

My sweet little Chewy, 9 y/o female, has just been diagnosed with cancer. She has 4 sores on her body that looked like cysts that led to the diagnosis. They do not know what type of cancer it exactly is- my vet has never seen anything like it.

She is as happy as can be, eating fine, typically happy Unfortunately the vet informed me that this cancer seems very aggressive, and that there is not medication she can be put on to control any more growths (steroids are out of the question).

She has been so healthy and happy her whole life, with no problems. I want to keep it that way for as long as possible. I cry at just the idea of putting Chewy to sleep, but I want her to pass on to bunny heaven happy, not in pain.

If any of you have any advice on having a bun with cancer, or anything, my ears are open. I can't bear to think of this cancer affecting Chewy's consistent happiness.
My family is also going away on vacation soon- it's only for a week, and I'd cancel it if I could, but it's not really in my hands. I will be having my best friend care for her while we are gone.

 

[luvthempigs]

So sorry about your bunny.

I don't really have advice specifically about rabbits with cancer but I have dealt with dogs and cancer. You will know when it's time for her to go over the bridge.

 

[tonyshuman]

One of the things that helps is remembering the 3 A's: appetite, alertness, and affection. They're helpful in determining how they are coping.

I would make sure to ask about pain meds. The first level drug is Metacam (meloxicam), which is similar to ibuprofen. Narcotics can also be used, such as tramadol and buprenorphine. The narcotics can be dosed at a level where they provide good pain relief but don't make the bunny "high" all the time. I would keep an eye out for signs of pain like irritability, sitting hunched up, sitting in the corner, not moving, tooth grinding.

 

[MsJuliet]

Thank you, lovethempigs for the support it is much appreciated.ray:

As for her behavior being different... she seems happy as can be, but I have noticed she has been a little more aggressive and she has been sitting in her corner of her cage for longer periods of time as opposed to lying down, which I personally think she did much more before :? It's hard for me to tell if she's in pain or not, I don't know if these are signs that she is?


Should I put her on the first level pain med now just in case? I was just scared of putting her on medicine she didn't really need, and she's also on an antibiotic right now to prevent secondary infections in her sores.

 

[luvthempigs]

MsJuliet wrote:

Should I put her on the first level pain med now just in case? I was just scared of putting her on medicine she didn't really need, and she's also on an antibiotic right now to prevent secondary infections in her sores.

What antibiotic is she on? Did you discuss with your vet the use of pain meds?

Hopefully an infirmary mod will be by soon to advise you.

 

[Pipp]

I'd personally try pain relief for a few days and see what difference it makes in her activity and enjoyment levels, and take it from there.

If it's an NSAID like Metacam, give it to her with food and keep her well hydrated and watch for any kidney issue signs like straining to pee or very clear output.

I don't know if the x-rays covered her lungs, but another thing to watch for is her breathing and positioning. From what I've seen, cancer in rabbits often metastasizes to the lungs. A sign of this could be if she's sitting rather than lying and has her nose elevated.


sas :clover:

 

[MsJuliet]

The vet told me the same thing- that she thinks putting her on pain medication right now would be the best option, and to see how her behavior changes on it.
I'm going to pick up her medicine today. They make it raspberry flavored, so Chewy thinks it's a treat!

I will be looking out for her breathing. Thanks for letting me know.

 

[MsJuliet]

Just wanted to update on Chewy. She has been put on Metacam, and she is doing fantastic! I am so thankful for her wellbeing.

 

[Maureen Las]

I had a bun with a fibrosarcoma ( malignant tumor); it is an aggressive form of cancer and I had the 1st tumor removed but it grew back very quickly . my little guy Jacques did not have many symptoms from this disease other than the tumor....
one dayI came home and foundhim in an unconcious state in his x-pen . I chose to have him PTS at that time.
Later whenI was preparing to bury himI found parsley in his mouth so he had collapsed while he was eating ( which was his favorite activity.)

Jacques only had several months after the diagnosis but he was active and happy up until the dayI had him PTS
I don't think that this is typical but I was lucky that he did not suffer.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Our Mel had a tumor on his jaw. Had it removed once, but it came back. We were able to keep him going for four extra months, but, then it was time. I sure miss my big boy.

 

[Haley]

I was just reading this and your other post and was wondering, how did the vet diagnose this cancer? Did she take a biopsy or is she just assuming based on the scabs? You didnt say so I thought I would ask. I had a friend who had a vet tell her her bunny had cancer when really it was a tick that had dug under the skin and created a tumor like lump. I am always a little skeptical since a lot of vets are so inexperienced with rabbits.

 

[SmokeysMomMom]

Haley, I was just told that my rabbit has a hard lump in her stomach. She said I would have to go to a specialist in Pennsylvania and it could cost $1,000 or $2,000. I love her like she is my child. But what if it a cyst or tick bite. She is back to eating. She only didn't eat much that one day when she was shaking and acting weird. I hope it isn't a tumor.