Benji Has Been Put to Sleep

For those of you who have been following Benji's thread in the Infirmary forum, I just wanted to let you know that very sadly, we had to take him to be put to sleep this morning.

Despite having perked up slightly on Thursday, he really went downhill yesterday, and we knew it was the right thing to do for him.

It's been a hellish few days really, as sometimes he would perk up a little and nibble at some hay, then would get worse again and sit hunched, grinding his teeth. He was on a really high daily dose of Metacam and Vetergesic and still seemed to be in pain. It's been a real emotional rollercoaster.

He hadn't been on the antibiotics that long, but our vet said that if they were going to help, we should have been seeing signs of it by now. I think we were clutching at straws really, and we just knew in our hearts that he was asking us to let him go.

He had so many things wrong with him really - his liver was tiny, and the vets thought that he was the runt in his litter and just outgrew it. His other organs weren't right either, and he had low blood pressure, anaemia and quite thin fur. His bottom was looking really raw this morning with all the upset his tummy has had - and his guts were still really bad and hadn't improved at all. He has been snuggling up to Paddy, and to us, more and more during the past week, looking for comfort I think.

We took Paddy with us this morning and let him see Benji after he had gone to sleep. He had a good sniff, and then picked some hay up in his mouth and tried to cover Benji with it. Alison (our vet) said he was trying to cover him up. It was heartbreaking, but we are keeping a close eye on Paddy today and he seems fine. Our vet gave us a little bit of Benji's fur, just as she did with Rosie, and it's lovely to have that.

Thanks so much to everyone who has been interested, I really appreciate all your posts over the last few weeks. x

Im so very sorry you have lost beautiful Benji and am heartbroken for you.

Benji had so many odds stacked against him bless him, but the life he did have with you and paddy was more than any bun could wish for.

You fought so hard for him, and went above and beyond for him, and I wish there was something I could say that would ease your loss.

Benji will be free from pain at the bridge and Rosie will take care of him there.

Im thinking of you and sending you all my love,

Im so so sorry.

Binky Free Special, Beautiful boy, you are in good company at the bridge, and you will be missed. Yet another Angel to look after us. x x x x x x

Thank you so much Katie. x

You have been so kind and all your posts have meant so much to me over the last few weeks, you've been a star - really

Oh my goodness, I am so, so sorry, you must be heartbroken, I am sitting here crying for you, I know what you are going through, I am just so sorry, you did everything you possibly could for him, you did more than most would do for their bunny, you gave him every chance and such wonderful care, I really feel for you and I wish there was something I could say that would take your pain away, but you did the right thing for him when he needed it most, sending you both massive hugs binly free beautiful Benji xxx

Aw Benji. Binky free with all the bunnies xxx

Oh no, I am so sorry to read this, you have fought his corner so long and did everything you could for him. I truly believe he was meant to have been part of your lives to ensure he had the best of care. I'm sorry you had to let him go.

Binky free Benjie, loads of hugs for you all

I am so terribly sorry

Binky free little one...

Thank you so much everyone x

I read this just before going to bed last night, and I'm devastated for you, Rob and Paddy. The dedication you show to your buns is truly exemplary Helen, you couldn't have done any more for Benji, but there are times when everything will never be enough.
I'm so sad, I don't know what to say - I'm so sorry he didn't make it, his life was wonderful and he had the best family he could ever have wished for. Benji was true fighter, and a lovely bunny - Another very sad day for HH
Lots of love and hugs to you all xxxx

Just got to my sister's in Ireland and managed to get on for a wee while.

I am so so sorry to hear abou your devastating news Helen. Poor Benji just had such a bad set of cards given out to him at birth. It is just so sad.

You and Rob have been so amazingly dedicated to him and Paddy. He was incredibly lucky to come into your tender care. I am sure that even though he was ill, he was aware of the love and care that you gave him. It will have made his last days bearable to know that you were there for him.

Sending lots of love to you, Rob and wee Paddy. xx

Sorry to read your sad news. Binky free Benji, now free from pain.

xxxx

Thanks everyone. We are still feeling very low after losing little Benji, even though we know we made the right decision for him. Nickie - you are right, he was just dealt a bad set of cards and was never going to have a long life.

I just feel absolutely knocked for six, though I know it will get better. Thanks to everyone who's posted.

Thinking of you at this time

So sorry you lost Benji Helen. No one could have fought any harder for him than you and Rob did. Love to you all.

Thank you xx