Am I cursed?

[Emmett]

As some of you know my Gpig the Real Emmett died Thursday now my rabbit is very sick. I think she has a urinary tract infection. I have a vet appointment in an hour. I hope they can save her. I keep thinking I should of noticed earlier she wasn't eating much and lost weight. It seemed to happen so fast. I feel I'm a bad parent. I have her at work with me and she doesn't look good but is at least drinking water. I really don't know how much more I can take right now. I feel so bad for her I hate it she is suffering. I wish I could change places with her. At least I'd know what is going on.
Thanks for letting me vent

[Lydia]

Emmett - I'm so sorry about Emmett and my thoughts go out to your bun. Please remember that prey animals hide symptoms well and it can often be so easy to miss them. Even those who are the most experienced and watchful of us can have unexpected losses. I've had tragic and surprising deaths here as well (two lovebirds; Basil and Sam) and I still wish I'd made better choices and wish this and wish that... but sometimes you can never know until it's too late. You're doing the best you can right now; please let us know how things go for you.

[PiggieMom]

Oh hon! It's not your fault. It's obvious you care for these animals. Animals get sick, and like Lydia said prey animals hide it well. What is important is that you are taking your bun to your vet when you did see the problem. You are doing the best you can for them which is a heck of a lot better than most people do!

[jdomans]

You know what? It seems as if things happen like this. First one gets sick and then wham another. It just happens. You are not doing a thing wrong and you are a watchful mom!!

[Emmett]

Just wanted to let you know she is still at the clinic. It may be kidney failure. The poor old girl has had a bad time lately. I hate telling anyone this, I really screwed up 2 weeks ago. She has always been a outside rabbit in a large pen with her brother. Well, she got fly strike. I got her to the emergency room and she was on antibiotics for a week. The area eaten by the maggots never got infected because I applied otomax and kept it clean. She had been doing really well and she and her brother now live in the house. The bacteria from the maggots may of caused an infection in her kidneys. So if she does have kidney failure it is my fault.
I keep thinking I want to adopt a dog but after all this I don't think I could handle anymore responsibility or heart ache. I guess two 14 year old cats, 2 piggies, 3 parakeets and 2 rabbits are all I need.

[Susan9608]

That's a lot of animals you have. Personally, I would hold off on getting any more animals, not because I think you're a bad owner and at fault for you animals' illnesses, but because that's an awful lot of responsibility to take on. I think it's very important to know where to set the limit, and it sounds like, given the amount of stress you have, that maybe you've reached your limit.

While housing your rabbit outside may have put her at risk for developing this problem, blaming yourself doesn't do anyone any good. It's time to put it behind you and say, "Okay, that wasn't the best decision, so I'm going to fix the situation and not do it again." That's all you can do. Hindsight is always 20/20 (god, I hate cliches. )

You're doing the best you can now to help your pet. That's all anyone can do.

Thinking of you!

[Emmett]

I was raised on a ranch and keep thinking I still have that life. But I wasn't working 40 hours a week and completely alone as I am now. I had never been without a dog until 2004 when my 15 year old dog died. I miss her but not so much the responsibility. I also want to save this dog at the shelter's life but I know I can't save them all and have to let it go. I've been trying to talk myself into adopting a dog for a year now and my little voice is telling me no. I need to take that little voice more seriously. I adopted the 2 old brother cats last year and they are enough responsibility.

[Emmett]

Just talked to the vet and she said after they gave her fluids she perked up. There was no infection in her urine and probably no kidney problem. The Dr. thinks the she is in pain so quit eating and drinking. I also think she does not like the water bottle since she is used to drinking out of a stainless steel pot. I'm going to have to figure out some way to set up a water dish that won't get stepped in or tipped over. I'll look into the ones that attached to the cage wires. Anyway she is staying the night at the clinic to get more fluids. She will be coming home with pain killers. I'm trying to be optimistic (which is not in my nature). I'll keep everyone updated and again thank you all for caring. Even though I don't really know any of you it still makes me feel so much better.

[smileyface cavy]

I am really sorry about Emmett... it wasn't your fault at all.

Sending good thoughts to you and the rabbit. Don't worry, sometimes I feel like a bad parent too.

[piggly wiggly]

Good luck to you and your bunny, it sounds like she is on the right track. we are rooting for her.

[fourbwabbys]

Sometimes bad things just come and come. I'm glad she perked up, best wishes to you and her, keep us updated on her progress!

[Percy's Mom]

Since she is used to stainless, you might want to look at this one for her. Ethical Pet 10oz Stainless Steel Bolt-On Coop Cup Small Animal Supplies I'm so happy to hear that she is perking up while at the vet. Please keep us posted on her progress.

[Emmett]

Just talked to the Dr. and the rabbit is feeling better but still not eating so they have been force feeding her gruel all day. Doesn't sound good. I hope she starts eating on her own soon. This morning when I called she was playing with her hay but not eating it. Poor girl.

[fourbwabbys]

Did they check her teeth? Maybe she's trying to eat the hay, but she's not able to.

[Emmett]

The bunny gets to go home tomorrow morning. I took her brother in to stay with her yesterday and it seemed to help. I'm going to have to keep force feeding her but I can do that. She gained 1/2 a pound which is really good. I ordered Critical Care from Oxbow Hay so that should help. It looks good but she's still not out of the woods.
As always I'll keep you updated.

[fourbwabbys]

That's great news!