Gus is dribbling pee

[funnybunnymummy]

So I have an update on Gus's condition.About a week into taking the Panacur his dribbling started up again and never improved again. So we took him back into the vet today to get the bloodwork done. It came back that Gus definitely has kidney failure and there's nothing we can do to correct it. Just try to keep him as dry and comfortable as we can until his kidneys eventually give out. :tears2:

I've been consoling a ten-year-old for the last two hours and feeling rather down in the dumps myself.

The vet did give us a prescription for Lotensin transdermal gel. It's supposed to boost kidney function in the hopes of prolonging his life. I haven't given it to him yet, but wanted to be sure that it was safe for rabbits.

Thanks,

Rue

 

[tonyshuman]

I am so sorry. You may want to get in touch with myheart as her Luna had kidney failure due to poor diet as a younger bunny. She gave Luna sub-q fluids frequently and I think some other drugs (Lasixis one) to help. Is he having any pain? I would think the spondylosis could be painful. Luna's story is very hard to read (especially for me with my Dutch-love and having thought about doing a bunny date between my Tony and Luna when she was fostered by Naturestee), but a PM to myheart might give you some ideas on how bad the kidney disease is, what you can do to help, how much it really helps (i.e. what treatments actually provide better quality of life), and how to know when it's too bad.

Thinking of you and Gus and the rest of your family. I have lived with a terminally ill bunny where we had no idea when he was going to be too sick; and we spoiled his little butt off. Luckily he wasn't naughty ever, just wanted lots of treats. It's not easy but I think it helped that we knew it was coming to some extent. It allowed us to keep in mind that the memories we were making were precious and to really enjoy the good stuff.

 

[funnybunnymummy]

Thanks, Claire.

What's really killing me is that, since we've moved, Gus has become a much more affectionate bunny, yet he has to spend more time in his cage, because he leaves a trail behind him wherever he hops. I try to let him out as much as possible, but I can only chase after him with a towel for so long before I need to just put him back. His cage is in the basement, too, so when he's in there, we don't even see him. It breaks my heart!

I did set a NIC pen up for him in the dining room this week, but I have to make it taller because he can hop out of it! Just waiting for them to restock the panels at Canadian Tire!

I don't know if the spondylosis causes him any pain. Aside from the times when he gets a bit of gas, he never seems uncomfortable or like he's in pain. The vet didn't seem to think he needed any pain medication. I can ask about that when he does a follow up call in a week.

I don't know how much more we can spoil the already spoiled bunny, but we will sure try!

I'll look up Luna's story and PM myheart.

Thanks,

Rue

 

[jujub793]

:feelbetter: I'm sorry to hear about Gus, I can't imagine how you feel knowing you cant make him all better. He's come such a long way. I know he knows his family loves him.

 

[Kipcha]

Oh gosh, I am so sorry to hear this. I was hoping you would have better luck with Gus then we had with Ty. Ty is still going strong and both our boys started showing signs around the same time (I believe?) so hopefully both our guys will continue their spirited behaviour right to the end.

You and Gus and your family will be in my thoughts

 

[Lucy500]

Im so sorry to read this Lots of hugs to you, your family and Gus

 

[funnybunnymummy]

Thanks, guys. It's been tough to adjust to the idea that we'll have to eventually put him down. I'd always pictured him as this crotchety old bunny finally dying in his sleep. Kinda sucks that we're going to have to make that call.

Right nowGus is just so happy and seems completely unaware that he's sick. So that makes up for it a bit.

I got some new pics of him the last couple days. I'll post them in his blog.

Rue

 

[jcottonl02]

I'm so sorry Rue. Hugs to you and Gus xxxxxx

Jen

 

[Anaira]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear this Rue. I'm a big Gus fan. Give him some snuggles from me!

 

[funnybunnymummy]

Thanks, Jen and Anaira. Gus has been getting lots of snorgles lately. He disapproves.

Rue

 

[Pipp]

I'm so sorry, Rue. Tough news, I've been following all things Gus since day one. But maybe he'll hang in there and surprise us all.


sas :clover:

 

[funnybunnymummy]

I hope so! He certainly doesn't act like a sick bunny, does he? I really hope this medication is going to work. I'd just be happy if he managed to stay dry for the most part so he can continue to have free run of the house. It sucks having to keep him in his pen/cage so much.

Rue

 

[Nancy McClelland]

ray:

 

[Sweetie]

I hope that Gus gets better soon. I will pray for him and your family.