End of Life Care for Rabbits – How do I know it’s time?
Knowing when it is the “right” time to make the decision for euthanasia for your pet rabbit can be very difficult. As rabbits age, they may also develop conditions, much like people, such as arthritis, chronic kidney disease, various cancers and dental issues, all of which can affect their quality of life.
Depending on the condition/s different clinical signs will be visible. However, rabbits are a prey species and are naturally very good at hiding signs of illness up until they’re unable to cope with their condition/s. Often, a rabbit may respond to pain/distress by simply remaining motionless, hiding or having a reduced appetite.
If you are not sure whether it is time to consider euthanasia for your rabbit, we recommend that they are booked in for a quality-of-life consultation with one of our veterinarians. During this time, we will examine your pet, assess for any pain, discuss their current quality of life and see if there are any management/palliative options we can consider before making this decision.
Our veterinarians can also offer a diagnostic workup, such as blood testing if you wish to perform some diagnostic work to check their internal health.
How to help your older rabbit have the best last days:
If, after some discussion with your veterinarian, euthanasia is agreed as the best step for your rabbit, there are some things you can do to make their final days comfortable and special:
- Spend quality time with your rabbit, such as gently grooming them.
- Provide them with some of their favourite foods and treats in moderation (as too much can cause an upset stomach and lead to pain and discomfort).
- If your rabbit has a companion, give them plenty of time to spend together, eating the foods they enjoy sharing.
- Ensure your rabbit has plenty of soft and warm bedding or even provide active warming, such as a heat lamp if they live in an outside hutch. Alternatively, set up an indoor space for them to spend the night.
- Keeping their food, water, litter trays and bedding low and accessible will mean that they don’t need to travel too far for the things that they need.
What is the process? How can we make this as comfortable as possible?
At Berwick Clyde Vet Clinic, we make it a top priority that clients and their pets are taken care of in the utmost respectful and caring manner. We welcome clients to stay with their pet during the process of euthanasia, although this is not mandatory. Prior to euthanasia, your veterinarian may recommend that they are either given a little flow-by anaesthetic gas to breathe in or receive a small injection to help them relax whilst we place an intravenous catheter in their ear vein. This is the only part where we may take the rabbit away from clients.
We allow plenty of private time for owners to say goodbye, ensuring that their pets know that they are safe, warm and with the people that they love during this time.
Our clinic also works with an external company for cremation services.
Can a vet travel to my house for a rabbit euthanasia?
Yes, Berwick Clyde Vet Clinic offers home euthanasia visits for rabbits. We understand that home will feel safest and most comfortable for many of our rabbit patients, it enables them to be at ease, minimising their stress levels.
If you wish to enquire about or organise a home visit for your rabbit’s appointment, please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff.
