RIP Ben has a bum leg!

[gentle giants]

Ok, Ben is dragging his left hind leg. I can't find any sign of an abcess or swelling on that foot or leg anywhere. When he hops, he moves the leg, but it's slower and drags slightly behind. It seems like his balance in his hindquarters is off slightly when he extends to sniff at something. I think because he isn't putting any wieght on it.

His appetite and energy level are normal, and he doesn't act like he is in pain. But he didn't want me to flex his foot and leg when I was examining him. He is not quite four years old, is that too young for a Flemish to get arthritis? I can't get him to a vet until monday at least, I'm hoping someone can give me some idea what this sounds like before then.

 

[ra7751]

Check your PM

 

[TinysMom]

I don't want to scare you but the first thing I think of when I hear of left rear legs not working quite right - is e cunniculi. I've asked Randy to take a look at this thread as he's had a lot of experience with that and I think he's the one I've heard talk about that as one of the first symptoms....

I hope that the vet visit goes well.

Peg

 

[gentle giants]

Oh god please not my Ben.

 

[TinysMom]

For anyone who would like to know more information about e cunniculi (since I'm the one who brought it up)....you can read here in the library:

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=14471&forum_id=10

Let me add - I'm NOT a vet and I'm not trying to diagnosis this. I'm sorry if it appears that way - just saying "the first thing I think of". Reading about it may give you some ideas of questions to discuss with your vet so that maybe you can get better information and diagnosis quicker...

Peg

 

[JimD]

ray:

 

[gentle giants]

Ben had his vet appointment this morning. All it took was an x-ray to see what was going on. I don't really know how to spell this, if it's wrong I'm sorry. He has a fybroid carcinoma in the joint of his left leg, it's pretty advanced. The doctor gave him Metacam for the pain, his words were to "buy us some time". He said he could refer me to the U of I to see what the options would be as afar as treatment, but that they would probably want to amputate. I have pretty much decided against that, I don't think I could stand to see him go throught that. Plus he has a bit of a heart condition, so surgery would be risky for him anyway.

I am in deep shock over this, Ben is my heart bunny, I don't know how I can face losing him. He's been with me since he was just a few months old. He's always been my suggle bunny, he loves to put his chin on my big prego belly and beg for ear rubs. I always thought if he went, (other than old age) it would be his heart. I jsut can't even find words right now. Why him? Why did it have to be my big sweet loving boy who loves everybody?

 

[Bo B Bunny]

:cry2

I'm so sorry. I wish there was something we could do. Poor Ben and the loss of your doe..... :hug: I know it's got to be hard to deal today.

 

[TinysMom]

I've been sitting here bawling my eyes out.....I really have nothing to say....well.....not much.

The only thing I can think of - and this is going to sound wrong but I'm going to say it anyway - is to charge up those camera batteries and take tons and tons of photos. Spend some quality time with him and maybe have someone video it for you so you have it for later.

I know that this isn't "medical" advice....but I've got to tell you that I'd give anything now for more pictures of Tiny - even if he was in a horrid molt near the end of his life. The pictures and videos I took a week before he passed...mean so much to me now.

Please give Ben extra nose rubs and kisses for me today....I'm so sorry for what you're going through..

Peg

 

[seniorcats]

I am so very sorry for this illness. I believe you are making the right decision for him. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

 

[Thumpers_Mom]

:tears2:I'm so sorry to hear about this. I agree with Peg, take pictures and enjoy your time with him.

I'm praying for you andBen:hug2:

 

[cheryl]

I'm so very sorry about Ben...and also reading about your little girl also

Your in my thoughts

:hug:

Cheryl

 

[JimD]

:hug1

 

[naturestee]

Oh no! I'm so sorry about Ben. I've been following him since you first found out about his heart problems. Poor darling just can't get a break. What an awful day.

Hugs for you, and nose rubs for him.

 

[LuvaBun]

I am so very sorry, both about Ben and Lady. I can't imagine how awful it is to suffer two tragic things in one day. I hope Ben gets the pain relief and that you can have some quality time together.

Thinking of you

Jan

 

[gentle giants]

Thank you all. I will be checking in on this thread, if I don't reply it is because I jsut can't find anything to say right now. I have been so in shock today that I can't even cry right now, just kinda numb.

 

[mouse_chalk]

Oh, I'mso, so sorry to hear this- such sad news I'll be thinking of both you and Ben tonight... xxx

 

[MsBinky]

Poor you I hate when it's those special buns. Please don't take this the wrong way, but in a way, you are lucky to know somewhat ahead of time. You can really profit from that time if you can. Pictures, a scrapbook, etc. Lots of cuddling... I'm really sorry

 

[missyscove]

I'm so sorry!

 

[Greta]

I'm so sorry. Give Ben lots of nose rubs for me :hug2: