Benson is going completely blind...

[undergunfire]

I have been waiting for the foster parent papers to come through Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue for Benson...I still don't have them and I have been waiting months! I contacted Kelly from BHRR tonight and I am waiting on her responce on where my papers might be. I need to know if I am getting those papers or just have to adopt Benson before taking him to the vet to get the eye looked at, so I know if I have to have my vet bill BHRR.

Anyway, the cataract is becoming more foggy (like his other eye) and covering Benson's eye. When he went to the vet in April, the vet said that he did have a slight cataract in the same eye, but wasn't blind in there yet. Well, now I think he is really becoming very blind in that eye.

I have eye drops that the vet gave me for his blind eye and I put 2 drops in (like it says) in the eye that is becoming blind. It basically keeps the eyes hydrated and keeps infection away.

I don't think it is an emergency at all and he isn't having any discomfort that I can tell. So, I wonder if it would be okay to get the eye checked out in 2 weeks or when my papers come from BHRR? If I pay for the vet, then I won't be refunded from BHRR.

I let Kelly from BHRR know and I am going to see what she says, she should get back to me by tomorrow. If they want me to adopt him outright and not mess around with fostering because his chances of adoption are very slim, then I will make him a vet appt. as soon as I can.




Now, since he is practically fully blind AND deaf....what do I do for him? Keep his cage layout the same and not move his water, food, or litter box? He can't hear when I pour food, but when I open up the craisin container or oats container...boy, he knows what he is getting from smelling it instantly!

He doesn't play with toys. Is he just too "old"? He is about 8 1/2, probably closer to age 9. He always looks so depressed and I am not sure how to make his life more comfy. I put down thick fleece and sheets as a "matress" for a cage floor to his NIC pen because I know his bones are old and he is a little shakey.



ETA: He is on Timothy pellets (Oxbow) and I am going down to the bunny store in Scottsdale (about 2 1/2 hours away) in July...so I think I am going to put him on Alfalfa pellets (Oxbow). Should this boost up his energy level?

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Oh, Amy, he does sound as though he's going blind. Poor baby, but ya know what? He is with you for a reason! I believe that to be so true! Remember that. Benson, you sweetie, you keep strong!

 

[Maureen Las]

You really sound like you are caring for him in a very kind manner...


I had a bun in the 90's who went blind very suddenly from glaucoma.
The opthamologist told me to test his eyes when he was home and relaxed. I was to shine a flashlight in his eyes and see if his pupils contracted (became smaller)


I did do that and he was definitely blind. he was also older and knew the rooms so well that he didn't have a problem.

They adapt better than you can realize.

 

[undergunfire]

Thanks for the replies, you guys!


I got the "okay" from Kelly and Erika at Brambley Hedge to go ahead and take Benson to the vet, send them the bill, and they will remburse me. They are also sending the foster parent forms to me ASAP.

So, I'll be calling the bunny doctor tomorrow for an appointment for Saturday the 14th . I may take the rats in on my own bill to get their lungs listened to, they have sounded a little stuffy lately.

 

[juliew19673]

Poor lil guy he's probably wondering why the Sun is not coming up.. Hope he learns to live with it at least he has one of the best caregivers!

 

[undergunfire]

Benson is going to the vet at 9:10 a.m. this Saturday. I am hoping he is going to be okay. I just rubbed down his body with pets (normally he only likes his head rubbed) and noticed he felt skinny to me. Maybe it's old age and just good food (instead of the junk food he was on before)?

 

[juliew19673]

I know of cats with "old age" cataracts can be reversed so hope it goes as well for Benson (thought about this on my way home from work tonight).. Best wishes!

 

[pumpkinandwhiskersmom]

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way for the vet visit tomorrow. Benson is so lucky to have you to love and care for him!

 

[undergunfire]

Benson had eye staining done under UV light and his eyes tested for pressure. There were no scratches on the eye ball and the pressure was very low in both eyes.

He has been put on Baytril because his lungs sounded a little wheezy, probably from old age but Dr. Luna wanted to be sure.

Dr. Luna is going to research in the morning to see if there is anything else that can be done for Benson because she said he keeps his really blind eye closed a lot, which makes her feel like he gets a little pain from that eye ball. She is going to call me by Tuesday to let me know of what steps we can take next.

 

[pla725]

I would ask your vet to recommend an ophthamologist.

 

[Haley]

Poor Benson :?

The main things I have heard regarding blind rabbits is to keep everything the same. Its awful he cant hear either. Although Im sure he will adjust.

Regarding the age thing, Basil is 8 (or older) and doesnt really play with anything or chew on anything. The only time he really gets excited is when he hears treats or foods Older rabbits also tend to feel skinnier around the spine area. Basil's weight hasnt changed so I think gravity takes hold a little as they mature.

I dont know if you checked the Library yet but theres some info on Blindness there..not a whole lot, but some good info.

Keep us posted on if the vet finds out any new info!

 

[undergunfire]

Thanks, Haley . I will check that link you gave me.

When I put Benson back into his cage from the carrier, he knew exactly where he was and jumped into his litter box. He can smell very well, so he knew he was home.

I am going to try to find him a litter box where he can enter from the front easily and not have to jump up as much, since he tends to be a little shakey.

I will definitely not move anything around in his cage. Do you think I should remove the toys from his cage since he doesn't use them and he always has to walk around them to get around his cage? He never plays with them and when he touches them, it is to push them out of his way.