Hopping and Hoping for a Home |
| | | | Saturday, December 16, 2006 | For Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA employees, taking our work home with us sometimes takes on a literal meaning. The following was written by Dr. Linda Janowitz, PHS/SPCAs chief of veterinary medicine.
Lancelot arrived at PHS/SPCA in early October, left in our after-hours receiving area with a note saying that he had been found surrounded by wild cats. He was emaciated and dehydrated, with deep bite wounds covering 50% of his body. As a shelter veterinarian I see many severely injured animals, and often have to make the decision of whether it is in an animals best interest to attempt treatment, or if their suffering is so great that euthanasia is warranted. In Lancelots case I decided to attempt treatment, and re-evaluate him the next day.
He barely moved while we gently cleaned his wounds, administered fluids, antibiotics and pain medications. However, to my amazement and delight, when I offered him some parsley and carrots he eagerly ate. Over the next few days he actually looked worse as his tissues swelled from the trauma and infection.
Despite his physical appearance and the severity of his wounds through it all he continued to convince me that he wanted to live. Although it seemed to hurt him to move he always ate every speck of greens and treats he was given. After his stray period it was obvious that he was going to need weeks of treatment, and I decided to take him home and continue his treatment. For the next 2 weeks I spent each evening soaking his ears in warm antiseptic solution, and cleaning and treating his wounds. While I cleaned the wounds over his back he would lick my arms. I like to think that he was expressing his gratitude, but he probably was just itchy and couldnt reach the itchy area.
After about 10 days the devitalized areas of skin and tissue began to slough, and healthy granulation tissue began to appear. As Lancelot improved his personality began to emerge. Hes inquisitive and likes to explore. The first time he saw my robotic vacuum in action he followed it around the room, as if he was trying to determine what it was. He loves our cats, especially our special cat (Quick Cat) who has a neurological problem that makes it hard for him to walk. Quick Cat and Lancelot have bonded, and Quick Cat will even go in the cage with Lancelot from time to time.
Lancelot obviously enjoys being around my son and me, but he doesnt like to be held. Hell often come up to us, as if he wants to see what were doing. Lancelot is still recovering from his injuries. He has some scar tissue, a few holes in his ears, and his coat is re-growing. He is a Rex Lop bunny with a luxurious black coat and a lighter undercoat.
Lancelot will make an excellent family pet. Hes litter box trained, and easy to care for. He loves dandelion greens, carrots and bunny balls. He prefers to have the run of the house, but can be tricked into going into his cage after his playtime is over. I named him Lancelot because he has a brave heart and I think hes a handsome bunny, despite his injuries. Hes a very special bunny who deserves a loving home for the holidays, and for the rest of his life.
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