He is about 4 and is fully blind and he rely's on our other rabbit for guidance. He's never been a particulally friendly bunny but is lovely when he feels like it and still has real character, but i'm confused as to what quality of life he has.
2007-12-04 08:26:52 · 30 answers · asked by NiDn 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
He will have a good quality of life!
Hopefully you wouldn't ask that question about a human!
2007-12-04 08:30:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
I cannot believe a supposed veterinary nurse is advising you to put your rabbit to sleep because they will not have an 'adequate' quality of life. What a load of rubbish.
Rabbits have whiskers and when they are blind they use these just as other animals to guide themselves around their surrounding environment. I have known blind rabbits that have adapted very well to their surroundings and have such a strong sense of awareness of everything around them that they can happily potter around like any other rabbit. If it seems like your rabbit is in pain, depressed and not eating then that is one thing, but he can still have a very good quality of life even though blind.
In the wild a rabbit might have been left to die at birth if blind (doubt it very much as rabbits are born with their eyes closed) It may have died later though, but not through his mothers rejection. My friend has a wild rabbit who is blind that she hasn't re-released because of the disability. Domesticated rabbits are not wild rabbits however, and you wouldn't necessarily put an otherwise healthy animal down for being blind so why would you a rabbit?
2007-12-04 08:58:06 · answer #2 · answered by angela s 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
as long as he is happy I can see no reason why he should be destroyed ~ let him live his life with the help of the other rabbit
Can't believe the answer by Indiana ? We are not talking about a wild animal here, this is a domesticated rabbit,who other than no sight sounds healthy.If the rabbit has never had sight then he is not going to know any difference and his other senses will accomadate this.......with that attitude God help any animal (that is missing one of his senses) that is taken through the doors of the practice where you work !!!
and the comment later on about humans/animals adapting to life being differnet - well yes animals adapt BETTER - us humans have operations are are laid up for weeks if not months - animals are up and about in days - 3 legged dogs get on with it ! a blind rabbit will do the same, given the chance !
2007-12-04 08:32:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
If it were my bunny and he was in no pain and happy I would let him be :)
In indianas defence, she is a trained vet nurse. They have to look at an animals situation and make decisions on a daily basis depending on the animals quality of life. She does what she does because she cares for animals and every day animals have to be put down to ease their suffering.
It is wrong to compare a blind animal with a blind person as someone on here has done, people can be taught to adapt to a new way of life, it is not always that easy with an animal. Part of being a responsible pet owner is being able to make the decision to have your animal humanely put to sleep when the time comes, your vet and their nurses can aid in your decision as they are not emotionally attached to the pet so can see the situation for what it is.
Ask your vets advice and then follow it. At the end of the day the vet is the trained professional and ultimately knows whether your rabbits quality of life is effected
2007-12-05 01:17:30 · answer #4 · answered by xoclairexo 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
As long as your rabbit is having a quality of life, there is no reason to have to euthanize him. Other animals usually do not mind to take care of their peers. I have two ducks at home. In the beginning of the summer one of my ducks fractured her leg. After a couple months of rest and therapy she is back outside with her big sister. Though she gimps around, she is not in pain and is more than happy to go about her little ducky activities. The other duck is more than happy to keep an eye on her and to accompany her everywhere. Even in the morning when they are let out of their house, the older one runs to the food bowl, but waits until the younger one makes her way over before eating, so that there's plenty of breakfast for little miss gimpy too. I'm sure your rabbit will be fine, so long as the water and food are kept in the same places, and he has his buddy to help him out. I see no reason why you need to put him down.
2007-12-04 08:42:27 · answer #5 · answered by Tyra 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Keep him alive! I have a rabbit who is blind AND deaf, and he is very happy, he gets around just fine on his own and has for years. He loves to be cuddled, finds his treats, and with his nose he can smell out just about anything. He will adapt! As long as he isn't in pain, and still enjoys normal things like treats and cuddles (when he feels like it!) then he is having a good quality of life.
2007-12-04 11:01:53 · answer #6 · answered by Amylou 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Would you put a blind famliy member down? As long as the rabbit is loved and cared for then it will have a good quality life!!
2007-12-04 09:33:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Would you take your mum to the drs to put her down if she went blind? Vision isn't everything in life. If he is suffering from other things and has difficulty doing anything then thats when to do it. Rabbits live to round 8 years old or longer if kept in door. If hes healthy then why old you ant to get rid of him? If you stress about him so much find new home. Sorry if im a bit blunt but thats how i am. x
2007-12-04 08:36:39 · answer #8 · answered by cestradoo 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
its one of them things you have to work out , is he happy with his life , watch for him being picked on by your over rabbits or looking down if he is ok just enjoy him, as long as he is eating sleeping and enjoying life he`s ok , i have had lots of rabbits to look after some not what you would call the best sort they would`t let you struck them but they had there ways and lived a happy life until the end , good luck
2007-12-04 08:46:06 · answer #9 · answered by raynightporter 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he is in no pain there is no reason why he shouldn't still enjoy life. Rabbits can't see all that well anyway and lead by their nose and whiskers. Just make sure that he isn't in any danger (like walking into anything sharp etc) and give him LOTS of toys to play with such as toilet roll tubes to chew, newspaper to shred, towels to dig in etc.
2007-12-04 23:26:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blind animals adapt better than blind people so he will have a good quality of life until he develops other health probs. Good for you for thinking about your pet!
2007-12-04 09:56:04 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋