What can I do to keep a healthy heart for Bruno?

[Spring]

Hi there,

I have a one and a half year old french lop, Bruno. I've heard they can be prone to heart problems, which worries me a bit. He's still young - one and a half, but his father recently passed away at five years old, from what could have been heart trouble. Very lethargic, not eating, and then passed away the next day. Went down hill very quickly. It may have been something else, but since it could be heart problems, it could also be genetic as well?

Is there anything I can do to make sure Bruno keeps a healthy heart and possibly avoid those problems in the future? He is a bit chubby, but I'm trying to get his weight down and get him exercising as much as possible. He eats 1/4 pellets (That's going to be cut down),with lots of hay and veggies.

 

[Maureen Las]

Hi Spring

I'm sorry it took so long for a response..I know that when I have posted and kept checking for a response it gets a little depressing.
We have a few articles in the health section re. heart problems..one of them is from medi-rabbit about congestive heart failure and can be printed out and the other is the threads from Angel nSnuffy who lost a rabbit due to heart[problems. I hope that she responds to this post because she has 1st hand experience.

Besides the basic things like feeding a good diet, helping him lose weight , allowing adequate exercise etc. it is difficult when a problem is genetic.

I would learn all the signs and symtoms of heart problems in a rabbit because it is often a misdiagnosed problem Then I would begin a search for a very rabbit saavy vet who knows rabbit cardiology and establish a relationship with him/her beforeyou even have a problem. I would take bruno in for regular exams specifically to check for any abnormalities. heart problems can be treated with meds.

I actually believe (this is off the top) that it is addressed by kathy Smith In "Rabbit health of the 21st century"

A heart problem that is allowed to evolve and escalate without treatment probably will kill the rabbit but watching for problems before they occur gives him a greater chance of having a normal life.

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12361&forum_id=10

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Hey Spring,

I would say that if it runs in his genes, there's really not much you can do to prevent it. Exercising him and a healthy diet for sure.

For Bun Bun (who did have CHF), I believe it started with the prolapsed third eye lid. I honestly do, being from the pressure. So, that would be a first sign to watch for. He had that for awhile before the more serious symptoms came about, heavy breathing and choking/coughing spells. Although, the choking/coughing spells came on not long after the eye lid prolapsed. An x-ray determined the cause and Enilapril and Lasix were prescribed. It helped, but in the long run, there's just nothing else that can be done, unfortunately.

A thought to maybe ask your vet if there is anything you can do would be a good idea, ya never know, there may be something.

Hopefully, Bruno didn't get the genetics of the heart trouble. I wish him a very long life.

 

[Spring]

Thanks!

Bruno's dad could have died from so many things,but in case it was heart problems, I just want to be prepared just in case and know as much as possible in advance.

Ichecked out the medi-rabbit link, was very helpful! Reading AngelnSnuffy's post-link was really helpful to know any possible early signs.

Bruno has been very healthy and he's a strong boy, so hopefully it won't be anything we have to face. I have to see about booking a checkup for Poppy (nothing urgent, just thought I'd make sure everything is running smoothly since she's 4 and a half) in the next couple months, so will take Bruno along as well to get him checked out and discuss it with the vet.

 

[Bunnys_rule63]

Sorry to hear about Bruno's dad Spring.

Although I don't have any personal experience with CHD rabbits I did learn some things when that's what we thought Ruby had (turned out to be a lung tumour.) Most importantly I would keep a close look out for any physical signs or unusual behaviour that could indicate something going on and get him straight to the vet. I've known rabbits to live for quitea while with CHD when treated with diuretics however the earlier it is caught the better the rabbit's chances.

I know it's hard Spring but try not to worry about what the future will bring for Bruno. Just keep him healthy and happy and make the most of every minute with him. Just remember (in reference to the rabbit age thread) rabbits can livea very long time! I hope Bruno is one of those lucky rabbits.