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.....


1 month ago
1 month ago
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
1 month ago
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!
1 month ago
1 month ago
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.
1 month ago
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!
1 month ago
1 month ago