Rabbit is extremely ill - unable to reach vet - RIP

[xerosic]

I came back from work recently and I noticed that he was lying against the inside of the cage. It has been raining heavily and it is relatively cold outside. I have placed him inside and have put a few towels beside him in order to keep him warm and comfortable. He is extremely weak at the moment, I physically had to move him (which is something I hardly do as he doesn't like to be held or touched) and his head is nestled into the towels. There is no discharge from his eyes or nose, but I have noticed that he is breathing irregularly (a strange wheezing sound). I'm not sure if I can get him to a vet tonight, so any help is greatly appreciated.

I've had him for many years, not particularly sure - but he would be more than five years old. He is a typical wild brown rabbit. I've had him ever since he was extremely small - he had stumbled into my backyard after being injured by a neighbours cat. Ever since I begun to look after him he has been extremely warm to humans - any help is needed.

Thank you.

 

[xerosic]

*Edit*
The heavy breathing has stopped, but he remains lethargic and hasn't moved. Behind his ears and head there is no dangerous feelings of heat or warmth.

 

[JBun]

Sorry I'm coming to this late. Hopefully you've already been able to get into the vet. If not, you could try syringing an electrolyte like plain pedialyte. But don't force it and do it slowly, you don't want to risk aspiration if he's not swallowing very well. You should also try and keep him warm. You may have to use heating packs or warm towels. And just get him into the vet asap. Make sure to tell them it's an emergency. If you don't already have a good rabbit vet you can take a look on these lists to see if there is one near you. I hope your little bun is going to be ok.
http://rabbit.org/vet-listings/
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/f28/finding-vet-13366/

 

[Nancy McClelland]

ray:

 

[majorv]

Doesn't sound good at all...was he protected from the wind/rain? Rabbits will go down fast if they catch pneumonia, especially as they get older. Only a vet can help him, I'm afraid.

 

[xerosic]

This wasn't how I wanted to reply, but unfortunately he passed away this morning. It absolutely pains me to write this, as I am beyond devestated.

Thank you for your replies.

 

[DogCatMom]

I'm so sorry to learn that your rabbit passed away suddenly. It's hard to lose an animal friend--almost harder than losing a human sometimes, as we expose parts of our lives to animals that we would never let a human see.

When you can, sanitize his cage and other equipment. Wash with hot water and bleach any towels or other fabric he used in his last illness. Then wait.

Another rabbit may already be looking for you.... Animals know who their friends are.

Best wishes in your time of grief.