Today was Hell

Everything was fine until just gone noon (Friday). Henry had been busy following his usual rountine and as I was having a midday coffee he popped into his litter tray to "perform".
After he had done and nibbled some hay he threw himself down on his side and immediatly kicked himself up again. He was breathing really rapidly and I could see his sides fluttering fast. Then, suddenly, he began to blink really rapidly, the whole of his forehead seemed to be in spasm and his teeth were chattering (not grinding). It only lasted a few seconds and the whole episode from flopping to his stopping blinking lasted no more than thirty seconds, if that. Then he gradually relaxed and fell asleep, still in his tray.
I thought he had had a heart attack, with his heart condition it seemed the logical thing. I was scared he would have another, would be in pain ... I rang the vet and Richard came straight out. I had said on the phone that I thought it might be his time and he came prepared to PTS. But after examining him he said he didn't think he had had a heart attack and that he seemed very fit considering all his problems. He listened to my description of the attack and said he thought it was, perhaps, a fit. It might have been that his flopping on his side could have caused his enlarged heart to have an affect on his breathing and that had caused a kind of panic attack. There was no way to be sure what it was without tests, to which I said "No". So I'm keeping him warm and quiet.
But, I was prepared for the end today. I had said my "Goodbye" as we waited for the vet and I was shaking when Richard drove away.
I still have my boy but I know I have to face all that again.

Awww woodwench I'm so sorry,

Xxx

hugs

So sorry for your bad day, but glad Henry is still here, if only for the while at least.

He's himself again. In fact he was okay when the vet left. But I now have an idea of what to expect and, hopefully, won't panic again.
It really upset me seeing him like that even though it was only for a few seconds.

Xxx

Oh Hun, how completely awful. Poor little guy and poor you.

Have they tried him on vetmedin. Annie has seizures regaled to her heart condition and the vetmedin (and beatablockers) made a massive difference to her. However she was a very easy bun to medicate.

Henry hates taking meds, even when disguised in treats he knows they are there. He gets so stressed and that stresses me and we feed off each others stress and it's awful.
I told the vets after they diagnosed him and gave their prognosis, that there would be no more meds, no more stress. Nature will take it's course and it is up to me to make his life as quiet and stress free and happy as I can, and to call time when that is no longer happening. I want to remember this, our last time together, as being relaxed and happy. Quality rather than quantity.
He's been quiet today and after Friday's episode I have admitted to myself that over the last couple of weeks there has been a change in him. He is in general happy and relaxed but his appetite is slowly failing, he loves his wild forage but over the last week he's not been so into his nuggets. He's eating hay okay but maybe not quite as much as he used to. But he is in good condition, a good weight and with a good coat.
It's in the laps of the gods now.

I am so very sorry for you darling, I hope he will be with you for a good while yet.

Hugs
JO xx

awww wee Henry. what a horrible experience for you. hope you are both ok. xx

He has been okay over the weekend. In fact last night he had a short mad dash between the dining room and sitting room. He is currently digging into a pile of wild forage.

I am glad to hear that he is being an active little bun and that he has been well over the weekend.  Lots more love on its way hun.

Hugs
JO xx

Glad to hear he has boon ok over the weekend, poor lad.

So john told me that they don't know that they've had a seizure, he said they have no memory of it. He said the best thing to do when they are having one is to calmly cover their eyes and they will come out of it, then leave them to rest it out.

Sure it's what you are already doing, but just want to mention it as it worked for Annie x

Thanks Katie. I had never seen a rabbit fit ... I thought he was having an heart attack. I didn't touch him while it was happening, I was too shocked and it was over so quickly.
He's been fine since. Read my post Fenugreek strop. I know it will probably happen again and could well be more severe. I shall remember the cover-the-eyes tip, thanks.

When d'Layla he'd her fits I wrapped her in a towel and covered her eyes. Sitting like this until she was back out. Watch you may be widdled on!.
I'm not sure whether they know or not. Certainly the other two realised something was off

He's been okay today. Quieter than yesterday, but not causing me any worries. Just sleeeping a lot.

Isn't it the same with epilepsy in humans, they never remember their fits?

Hugs
JO xx

I think so, Jo. But the way my vet described what happens with Henry is that his heart rate is slowing which means it doesn't carry oxygen to the brain (or any part of him) as it should and that causes fainting and sometimes fits. It also affects his digestive system, muscles... everything really.
That's why he's so sleepy and tires easily.
He's been okay today, much like yesterday.

Thank you for explaining that to me hunni and I understand what you mean, I am so glad Henry is having a good couple of days.  Lots and lots of love to you both

Jo xxx