PoppysMum
Member
I have a 5 year old female lionhead who lost the use of her hind legs around four days ago. The vet prescribed metacam and steroid cream for the mild hock sores that had begun to set in.
Yesterday she was eating lots and lots of hay, pooing and drinking normally, seemed relatively upbeat (if a little frustrated) and was managing to groom herself.
Today she is eating much less (though still eating) and has been audibly grinding her teeth. The grinding is less pleasant than when she is being brushed and has a definite 'crunch' sound to it. She's also chattering her teeth, as a human does when cold. However, she occasionally comes around and becomes animated and affectionate.
My problem is gauging how much pain she is in, and what to do about it.
Over the past few years I have tried to find a rabbit-savvy vet in town, but to no avail. I have mentioned the possibility of EC to the vets but was told that hind leg paralysis is 'one of those things' She has been checked for injuries and it has been determined that there is no neurological damage. The vets seem geared toward putting her to sleep and I know it will be suggested to me again when I return to the vets later today.
I obviously do not want her to suffer, but when she does perk up I can't comprehend the idea of putting her to sleep when she's still so alert, affectionate and responsive. The grinding I fear is give away as to how much pain she is actually in though.
As her hind legs remain tucked under her due to the paralysis she has been sitting in the 'meatloaf' position and so her posture really isn't giving me any clue either.
Can anyone tell me if there are any other signs as to whether she is in pain? What your opinions are on whether she should be put to sleep and if so, how long should I allow? On one hand I feel as though I should give her more of a chance, seeing as she's still the same old Poppy when she perks up. On the other, I can't bear to see her miserable and possibly in pain.
Sorry for the long ramble, I'm at my wits end. The vets aren't very helpful and the internet is giving mixed information. I'm also new to this forum and not entirely sure how it works. Apologies if i've posted this in the wrong place.
Hope someone can help!
Yesterday she was eating lots and lots of hay, pooing and drinking normally, seemed relatively upbeat (if a little frustrated) and was managing to groom herself.
Today she is eating much less (though still eating) and has been audibly grinding her teeth. The grinding is less pleasant than when she is being brushed and has a definite 'crunch' sound to it. She's also chattering her teeth, as a human does when cold. However, she occasionally comes around and becomes animated and affectionate.
My problem is gauging how much pain she is in, and what to do about it.
Over the past few years I have tried to find a rabbit-savvy vet in town, but to no avail. I have mentioned the possibility of EC to the vets but was told that hind leg paralysis is 'one of those things' She has been checked for injuries and it has been determined that there is no neurological damage. The vets seem geared toward putting her to sleep and I know it will be suggested to me again when I return to the vets later today.
I obviously do not want her to suffer, but when she does perk up I can't comprehend the idea of putting her to sleep when she's still so alert, affectionate and responsive. The grinding I fear is give away as to how much pain she is actually in though.
As her hind legs remain tucked under her due to the paralysis she has been sitting in the 'meatloaf' position and so her posture really isn't giving me any clue either.
Can anyone tell me if there are any other signs as to whether she is in pain? What your opinions are on whether she should be put to sleep and if so, how long should I allow? On one hand I feel as though I should give her more of a chance, seeing as she's still the same old Poppy when she perks up. On the other, I can't bear to see her miserable and possibly in pain.
Sorry for the long ramble, I'm at my wits end. The vets aren't very helpful and the internet is giving mixed information. I'm also new to this forum and not entirely sure how it works. Apologies if i've posted this in the wrong place.
Hope someone can help!
ray:
