9:21pm

Kasper gets Neutered

8 comments

Anyone else have that experience with a vet that makes you feel like your pet isn't important if they are not a dog or cat???

I remember when Kasper was 4 months old and had an upper respiratory infection. After checking him, and telling me he had a very bad case of 'snuffles',(a deadly respiratory infection to rabbits) the vet stepped outside into the hallway to confer with another vet. I could over hear her say, "She's ONLY had him for 2 months". Again, like 'it's just a rabbit and she couldn't possibly be that attached to him already'

They gave me baytril(sp)an antibiotic and sent me home. After 2 days, he got worse and almost died. The vet was very discouraging on the phone, telling me if he was breathing through his mouth, he had gotten pneumonia and would not make it. I got in touch with the breeder and thank God for her. She still cares very much about Kasper. She told me about the Peter's RX (like vicks vaporizor) and the Rabbit-Mycin nose drops. Well, after trying those meds, lots of love and prayer in a few days, Kasper pulled through.


Well, today, July 15, 2008 was THE DAY. I had to make up my mind whether to get Kasper neutered or see if he could make beautiful babies with Kayla. Hard decision--but I came to my senses. I do not have homes for any babies lined up--and It was heartbreaking watching Kasper get frustrated trying to make it back to the office where his 'love' resides. Rubbing his chin all over EVERYTHING---leaving his pellets and pee wherever Kayla could smell him.

Woke up bright and early-6:00 a.m.--(dear Lord, is anyone awake at that hour??? Oh yes--all these people on the road). I pack Kasper in his little leopard print tote bag with a soft fleece blanket that had my smell and his smell on it so that he would go into that after he awoke. And so, off I went.

Got there way to early, but all went well. Had more time to talk to Kasper and give him lots of love. Dropped him off at 8:00 a.m. and at 11:00 a.m. I got a call that he was done and did wonderfully. I could pick him up at 1:00 p.m.

Wow, that was fast. I got there and, wouldn't you know it, nobody was there except a young man that takes over when everyone goes to lunch. Doesn't know anything about anything, except 'here's your pet'. So, of course, I had questions that he could not answer.

I've had dogs 'fixed' before and knew what to expect, but never a rabbit. Like should I let him eat whatever? pellets, hay, veggies?, will he lick at any sutures? (that's why the dogs get their huge collar), is he in pain? will he need antibiotics, pain meds?????

Anyway, he seemed fine, and I drove him home--no kisses from him--I don't blame him. But he will feel SO much better and understand in time. He will not be so frustrated over Kayla, his potty habits will return to being better and all that.

Anyway, around 3:00 p.m. I got the paper work and called what I thought was the vet's office, and it turned out to be the Doctor's phone number. 'OOPS--well, while I have you, I have some questions that the young man at your office could not answer'. So, after feeling incredibly stupid--(after all Kasper just had major surgery--he will dictate to you what he can do or doesn't want to do,,,,,).

I can't help but feel that, even though this vet did a good job and it was hard finding a vet that neutered rabbits, that Kasper was JUST A RABBIT--not like he was any part of a family, or loved, or cared for. Almost as if, if he were a dog or cat, I would have received better advice, care and concern.

I asked about antibiotics and he said there is NO antibiotic that is safe for a rabbit. (Hmmmm-Even though, when Kasper had an upper respiratory infection at 2 months old, another vet gave him Baytril--which is the only antibiotic that IS safe for a rabbit. He didn't agree--N E Way

Well, he is home and safe and loved--AND it is over with now. JUST WISH VETS would make you feel like whatever your pet is---they are part of your family--and you care very much about them.

I never even had the chance to meet the vet, just the receptionist taking him back and asking her if I could leave his tote with his blanket in it with him. Needless to say, I won't be using that vet again.

Now to think about getting Kayla fixed---with yet a different vet--it may cost more, but she is well worth it.

Actually, this vet didn't even give Kasper any kind of check
up before he was put under. I wanted to get them both fixed at the same time, but he stated he never spays female rabbits. 'HUH??? What about the uterine cancer they can get, or the change in attitude?'

Whatever, off I go to search out another vet. Meanwhile I pray Kasper will be up and around in a few days, acting like himself and I will get more videos of him.


Till next time.....



Discussion

8 comments found.
I remember when I was in high school I had a rabbit (named POO). Needless to say while I was away in Europe my family didn't watch him that carefully and he got an eye infection. Now I was so scared but I told him to the vet that we took all our cats and dogs and he took so care with POO. He was so gentle with him and even talked to him while he checked him over. I would tell you to try that vet but it is far from where you are. He is location near erie, pa. I do remember the vet telling me when rabbits get sick or need medicine you can also help them by giving them yogurt with a syringe. Yogurt is very good for them because it is full of what the vet said "good bacteria." My rabbit couldn't get enough yogurt and wanted it long after his eye healed shut. He become blind in the one eye. But lived a long time after. I would never trust my pets with my family again. I hope you find a vet for you babies.

Hi guys, thanks for the comment. I'm sorry to hear about your bunny way back when--but good advice on the yogurt---was it just PLAIN yogurt or the flavors--and if so, what flavors? I will def try that--could help in the healing process. I did research and found another vet that seems to care more about rabbits and knows alot about them. I will be taking Kayla to that vet when I get her spayed. More $$$ but, females are more complicated and she is so intelligent and such a character. Kasper, on the other hand, is a real trooper--healing up fine--thank God.

On the other hand, my SandyMan (hamster) has been dealing with an eye infection--doing the purified water and antibiotic eye ointment, but it's just not healing up. I'm wondering if the yogurt would work with him? hmmm--may have to research that.

Thanks again on commenting on my ramblings--so thoughtful of you.

Great friends---have a great weekend---PEACE and God Bless

Ugh.. This vet sounds awful! Please write a review of your bad experience on zootoo for others to read!

When I got my bunny neutered they gave me pain meds and this powder stuff to mix up (to make a food-mush) and shoot into his mouth with a syringe because they usually don't eat for a bit. They gave me instructions on how to wrap him up in a towel like a "bunny burrito" so he wouldn't squirm when I gave him the meds/food mush. They also told me how to check the site to make sure he was heeling ok.

You should call other vets in the area and ask for advice on his aftercare, especially if you have any concerns because obviously your vet isn't much help!

Good luck!

Anonymous
Anonymous
1 month ago
Vets do specialize, so one with at least as much knowledge as your breeder contact would be nice. I've had vets that I loved for one animal, who couldn't handle another. I even ran across a fake vet. The guy had a legit looking office complete with "diplomas" and a real business license. He used fake names and had done it across the country. He knew procedures, so he worked in the field at some time or another in some capacity. And he had access to supplies and drugs. I now check with the state for licensing and disciplinary actions. I go so far as to see if the age and other general info matches what they tell you and their license info. Seems like there should be good bunny docs out there somewhere.

ourstaff
ourstaff
1 month ago
I have had bad experiences with bad vets. I went and got a second opinion and a new vet. I don't care if you have a pet rock. If you love and care for it the vet should show you the respect of caring for it properly. I am sure that you were not charged less money for the office visit than someone bringing in a dog or cat.
The days of only having one vet in the territory are over. There are listing of vets on line, in the phone book and on zootoo. There are also associations for vets and universities listings for them. They may be able to refer you to a GOOD local vet and/or take a report on the one you had a problem with.

Please write a review for this "veterinarian" that treats you and your rabbit in such an off-handed, cavalier way. It will help others avoid his place and you may find that it may help him learn how to better treat ALL his patients AND their owners!

I was thinking (please forgive my pitiful attempt at humor) that vets probably don't see many rabbits being brought in to be neutered or spayed. :-)

Kasper can now enjoy his friendship with Kayla and Kayla can breathe a sigh of relief (as can you!) that the friendship will remain purely platonic!

deedee
deedee
1 month ago
Oh please try and find some other vet with more compassion, alot more everything !.... You're a good Mom.

Glad Kasper okay.He is such a little cutie.Some vets are like that.I notice with my birds.Thanks that I finally found a good one now that really cares about birds and igys.I would relly check into your next vet.Maybe someone on Zootoo knows of a good one.Post it under answers.

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