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8.16.2008

Bambi's Illness

Hello all and thank you so much for all the well wishes for sweet Bambi! I should have mentioned that her condition is chronic. She was living with a lady with an apartment down the hallway, and the lady asked me to come and help her clip her nails last October. Over the course of hearing about the rabbit, who was presumed to be male by the way, I heard how she had been bounced around several homes, and then her owner asked this lady to care for her while she went on vacation. Well, the owner didn't return from her vacation and so this lady was trying her best to care for Bambi. 

I went over armed with my nail clippers and a few other things to help. There she was, in a tiny cage, full of pine shavings. As I approached she ran to the bars and looked at me just begging for some attention. I reached in and scooped her up and... gasped.

Her stomache was rounded, very hard, and huge. "She needs a vet," I told the lady. "Really? She is sick? What can we do?" I called my vet and made an appointment. It was decided that Bambi would come and stay with me overnight so we could go early in the morning. The lady told me there is no way she could be pregnant, and that she would cover the vet bills. Yeah, right, I thought.

Bambi went in, she had advanced pyometria, they dealt with that and spayed her as well. She had to stay at the clinic for a full week and had a rough recovery. After that, I picked her up and paid the bill. I called the lady, who had now convinced me that I should just take Bambi in to my crew, and updated her. She asked about the bill, and I told her how much it was. Shortly later, a knock on my door. There she was, cash in hand, to cover the cost. Imagine my surprise!

Now here she is, she came with several other problems. Her breathing, as described, is laboured at times and usually wheezy. A result most likely of living in pine shavings for her entire life. She likely got a small infection years ago which didn't become life threatening,  but without treatment has damaged her lungs. Also she is a bit fat, she has lost about 1/2 lb. since I've had her. It's hard since she doesn't move around too much. Bringing me to the third issue, her back leg muscles are very atrophied, result from having such a small cage and lack of exercise. Here, she is happy though, she has her favourite spots, she is free range. Finally I think she is secure enough to start treating her lungs, and so we have her on an aggressive course of antibiotics to see what we can repair. X-rays show extensive damage. She is 10 years old  by my calculations of bouncing between homes. Despite all, she loves people, Fez takes very good care of her and has made her fur gleam, and she enjoys lying stretched out. So that is Bambi's story, a long one but with a happy ending! However long she has with me, I am happy to have known her and to be able to offer her some late-life comforts.

8 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

You and Fez are so sweet to have taken Bambi in like that and given her love. I'm sure it doesn't seem like it, but you made her dreams come true! :-)

Deb Cushman said...

Bambi was so lucky that you were called in to help! You and Fez have made such a difference in her life...Hats off to you both!

The Bunns said...

We see Bambi is much loved!!!!

Anonymous said...

i'm so glad you were able to take her and blessed beyond measure to hear that the lady did pay the bill - that was amazing and i would not have expected it.

i took a bun that had been in a small cage and it didn't take long for his legs to get strong and he was a hopper and runner after that. he was young but maybe bambi will get some strength back there. i'm so thankful she has you and fez

i wish we could save all the neglected animals...but at least we can help some!

Anonymous said...

Poor Bambi! I had no idea she had such a rough life before. I'm so glad she's in your hands now. It was really nice of your neighbour to pay for the vet bills, too.

We'll be praying for her lungs and legs to get better.

d. moll, l.ac. said...

Sweet, kisses to Bambi (OK kisses all around).

Friend of the Animals said...

How lucky Bambi is that you found her. I am amazed in this day and age that people are still so stupid when it comes to animal, espically rabbit, care. I wish I could help you out, I know how harsh rabbit vet bills are. That is great that lady gave you money, I'm surprised too. Much love to Bambi!

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