Farm Life is Hard

Sunday we lost another old chicken. This time it was to the neighbors dog. The kids saw her being attacked. The time we got to her, she was too damaged to help. Patrick had to put her to sleep. All the kids ran upstairs and turned on the music very loud, not to hear. Was a scene right out of a Laura Ingall's book. She had a great life and we were thankful to have her.

Then on Monday we took our rabbit to the vets to be neutered. I was told to have him fast before surgery...this is soooo wrong!!! Rabbits and horses cannot throw up and their stomachs should never be empty!
We dropped him off at 8am. They called at 2pm and said he did well but they did not have food for him. So I drove to them and gave him his food (40minute round trip). Then after 10 minutes of being home they called and said he was not eating and would like me to pick him up asap. They thought he would eat if home. So I drove back out to pick him up. The vet's office did not give me any post surgery instructions.
Got home, he would not wake up enough to eat. He was so sleepy. After about 3-4 hours I started to worry. Still no food or water, no pee either. Then another couple of hours, I started googling about post surgery care. This is were I found out rabbits need not fast. They should not have empty stomachs. Also, if rabbits are over stressed, dehydrated, or sick, they can loss their will to live. I knew I needed to help this little guy.
I went to him and syringed the pain meds into him and then water. Every hour, all night I would forced some water and then finally some food into him. I even sat in the bathroom reading so he could see me.
By the next morning he was drinking and eating only from my hand. He had a small bm and pee....only a mom would be happy to see pee and poop.
I did not heed my own advice, always research for yourself, never rely on a doctor to know all the answers!
Buttons is eating well after 36 hours and I think he'll be ok.
We got Buttons from a friend who was watching him for someone else. They both did not want him. He is 2 years old. I thought he would be good for Kelly Belle. He is a friendly bunny! But lost of work. Have to clean cage once to twice a day. He was marking the floor, so we decided to get him fixed. And to repeat others before me, "There is no such thing as a free animal"! Total vet bill $162.00!!
Buttons is a true member of the family NOW!