Fudge and I really really need some vibes please-UPDATED we've been back

Fudge and I have had a really tough nearly 4weeks. Nov 22nd he started showing signs that something wasn't right and I took him to the vets-they suspected he had a UTI so we went onto baytril, and a pain killer jab and we returned on the 23rd. Matt gave us more Baytril and another anti-inflam jab. We returned the following week for an ultra sound and x rays as something still not right.The little monster was suppossed to go with a full bladder-needless to say he tiddled on the duvet!!

The ultrasound of his bladder wasn't clear but the xray showed sludge.Matt said its not uncommon in rabbits and that this was good news as it was managable etc but he wanted me to bring him back in 10days to repeat the tests. We went back last Thursday and with a full bladder they did an ultrasound, got a urine sample and repeated x rays.

This time the xrays etc showed sludge in his bladder but also three stones of about 2-3mm in size...really not what we wanted to hear....he has sent off cultures to see what type of infection is in the lining of the bladder and whether we need something other than baytril and there was also blood in his tiddle,...but with a uti it isn't uncommon...sounds like he may have previously passed a stone when he experienced the urine scald incident in October when the other vet the exotics specialist suggested it was a terriority thing with his change in habits


Tomorrow we go back to see Matt the vet to decide our way forward and get answers..all the reading Ive done so far is pointing towards a really risky operation, seems if he was a cat or dog it wouldnt be a big issue but obviously furbaby is far more fragile

I am absolutely terrified about losing him and not sure what to do...his investigations have already come to over £500 of whcih £460 will come back from his insurance...however I am going to have some tough decisions...and I really dont like it! I've already mentally decided I am not going to rush into anythng as he is very happy in himself and is coping with his change in diet towards one more suitable with getting fluid in and reducing calcium storage in his bladder. The big worry I have is how long have the stones been there and how big will they get before tehy start causing more problems..Fudge is only 3years4months old...

If you could spare a thought for us both tomorow and send some positive news vibes that will be gratefully received...poor Fudge wants to be able to grow the fur back on his belly as he has been shaved bald twice now for investigations/ultrasounds/urine extractions....when its been really cold he has been running about wearing a newborn babies tshirt!

hope this explains why I haven't really been about on HH x

Oh Kelly thats really terrible. I am sending so many vibes to you right now I really really hope Fudge gets better very soon and give him a cuddle and a few mose rubs from me. And a for you too

Oh Kelly, I really do feel for you. Fudge is such a special bunny. Me and my gang are sending trillions of <<Vibes>> for the little fella.
Come on Fudge get better for your mummy and all of us HH'rs who love you to bits.
Hoping for good news tomorrow from the vet.

I'm going to make you a little picture and I will post it as soon as i'm done

Thinking of you both Kelly.

I really hope that Matt can come up with a solution for Fudge with the minimum of trauma.

Sending millions and millions of vibes for the gorgeous gorgeous boy, and hugs for you.

Keep us updated Kelly.

x x x x x x

Sorry to read your news Kelly.

I don't know if you know my Artie has similar problems. I don't know if he has ever had stones but he has a bad problem with sludge, not diet related it seems he just doesn't empty his bladder properly. In April last year he reached crisis point and had a cystotomy (bladder opened up and the sludge scooped out) Possibly the operation that Fudge may need. It is a 'big' operation but not risky in the same league as surgery on stomach/intestine, though I was worried sick for the week Artie was at the vets. Not many vets undertake this surgery on rabbits but Artie's was done at Harcourt-Brown's (THE rabbit specialist) in Harrogate, it may be worth asking for a referral if your vet thinks it appropraite.

Things may not be as bleak as they look at the moment, Artie now is on diuretic and anti-inflammatory daily and has his bladder expressed every 6 weeks but is very happy and well.

Oh and re the tough decisions - I didn't have to make any - I was TOLD Artie was having the operation so I just had to go along with it! He is everything to me so can totally understand how you're feeling.

Sending loads of vibes.

I'm really sorry you're both going through this, I really hope you get some answers and more importantly some advice and guidance on the way forward.

Sending lots of vibes for you both.

Thank you Friends x

The card is lovely thank you :hug:

Didn't sleep particulary well last night but that is being a bunny parent for you x

I did mention to matt that I wanted his information on email as I had means of contacting people in the know....i.e Frances Harcourt Brown and Mr John Chitty-he was really really surprised!

We don't think Fudge's is diet related-just one of those!

I am not going to do anything now until after Christmas/New Year after todays visit if it can be helped-given that we both go away on Tuesday!

Matt has been really good and he isnt even the exotics vet at the surgery although he does have a keen interesting in small furries and has a soft spot for Fudge.

Big Ears thanks for the advice about the diuretic some of the stuff I read said they weren't an option for bunnies....

we also ahve a serious issue financially in that Fudges insurance will only pay out £2000 in total in any policy year...we've had £460 and at the moment I'm not working.....I wouldnt deny him treatment but need to be sensible with the limited finances I have.

Don't worry too much about your £2000 limit at the moment - Artie's Cystotomy cost £336 - that included a weeks worth of intensive care, all the investigations - x-rays etc, initial consutation, meds - everything. That was 18 months ago and the VAT was only 15% at that time, but I think £400-£450 would still cover it at Harcourt-Brown's (they are not expensive).

Re the duretics. Artie was x-rayed regularly when he was first on his Furosemide to make sure it wasn't affecting his kidneys, but he's been on it over a year now and Frances is happy with how he is.

the investigations we've had so far and medication has already come to £460 since nov 22nd!

the hardest thing for me if he has the operation is being away from home....I dont do well in the house when he isnt here....infact on days he has day stays at the vet I stay out from droping him off to collectiing him.....a week without him at home.......

I think if we did have to go ahead with an operation I would ask if he could go over to Harrogate to see HB giving I've got your ressurance-would just need a friend with a car to take him in and fetch him back....just wouldnt' be able to visit him whilst in....Harrogate is 2 trains from Scarborough!

I'm so sorry to hear about Fudge Kelly, he's such an incredible character, it must be a really difficult time Sending you both lots of vibes for a successful outcome, will be thinking about you tomorrow xxx

So sorry to hear he is unwell. At least you have a clear diagnosis. Fingers crossed that he doesn't have to have an operation. He is such a lovely chap and I know how much you love him. xx

Hello x

sorry for the delay in an update...well we went to see Matt on Thursday afternoon Fudge went all snuggled in his carrier box with hot water bottle, quiltie, his blankie and wearing his tshirt! It was very cold and we came home in a blizzard!

The vet was really pleased with how the urine analysis came back! There is no nasty infection as they couldnt get anything to grow in the culture but we have another few weeks of anti biotics as precaution to make sure its all shifted through his system. His urine is less chalky and cloudy and he has a real appetitte! No more lethargic bunny with Man-flu expressions! There were no struvite crystals in the sample which Matt says is a very good thing, yes there are the calcium oxalates and the little stones in his bladder about 3mm in size however given Fudge is an active bunny he hopes that stones will bounce around off each other in his bladder and stay smooth. We aren't for now going to operate as if Matt did it he would want his urine to be complete clear and Fudge well hydrated for about 6weeks before-the practice has done the operation before and with success for them (no fatalities) however as Fudge is happy in himself Matt doesnt want to upset that.

The way forward at the moment is get any remaining infection/cysititis under control wtih anti-biotics, keep fudge full of fluid as much as possible so lots of high water content veggies, reduce his amount of pellets at the moment he has about an egg cup ful twice a day but hoping to find a complete pellet with lower calcium content (suggestions welcome) and if he shows shows of discomfort Matt says we can use metacam to keep his pain under control...he would sooner pain manage than operate-which I can fully understand. We have to go back to see Matt in the New Year however he is in Australia til 27th so it will likely be the beginning of February.

If any of you have experience/advice please do get in touch...I am a much happier mummy now I know we are kind of out of the woods-at least for a little while!I did mention to Matt that I had means to contact some very rabbit savvy vets (named John Chitty-my apologies) but since that Matt has actually forwarded all of Fudge's test results although not the xrays on email so I can foward these on if revelent!

Brilliant news, sounds really positive. Your vet sounds really thorough - whatever happens Fudge is in great hands.

Hopefully his condition can be managed. That's pretty much where we are at with Artie - it will recur but it has to be managed, and touch wood he's doing really well on his current regime of meds and 6 weekly bladder expressing.

Yayy i'm soo glad Fudge is feeling better!!!! Still sending vibes to ensure a full recovery

Im very glad that Fudge is feeling better Kelly.

I know how much you love the gorgeous little man, he is a very special little boy.

I really hope the anti-biotics do their job and get him in tip top condition.

Keep us updated.

K x x x x x

Jay wrote:, he's such an incredible character

I am so touched that all HHers have a space in their hearts for my darling furbaby!

Yes he is certainly an incredible little character and loved lots!!!

Last nihgt he was helping me wrap presents....everything had to be inspected, bows thrown, bows worn strategically on his head after a rummage and then all finished parcels quality control nibbled!

He is a very lucky boy to have you Kelly.

evening x
well its not been the best of 12hours...Ive emailed the vet as from last night Fudge seemed distinctly out of sorts with himself and not at all happy-in fact positiviely grumpy and lethargic.

Emailed Matt and we both think that Fudge is probably experiencing some inflammation and discomfort-not necessarily from the stones but all the messing around he has endured so from tomorrow he is going ona dose of metacam to see if we can bring his bounce back. I don't have to take Fudge out in the snow as we had discussed metacam as an option on Thursday and then we didnt' feel the need for it as he seemed bouncie in himself-forever what reason his bounce has reduced so metacam is going to be brought out....Im not too worried as this is maintenance to keep him happy...there is no sign of Fudge heading to RB!!!

Sorry to hear that he is feeling lethargic again. Hopefully the metacam will do the job and he will be back to his normal self.

Hope that the metacam helps put the sparkle back in him again. He is a lovely wee man and it is so sad to think of him in pain. He's lucky that you know and love him so well. xx

I am sorry i missed this, i havent been on here for couple of weeks, sending loads of vibes and nose rubs and i really hope he improves soon