The Story of Hubert’s Mysterious Illness and Amazing Recovery

This is a story about Hubert, a 10-pound New Zealand White. Hubert was pulled from a Boston shelter about five years ago. He has never been adopted. Hubert is a large, all-white bun, with chubby cheeks and pink (also referred to as red) eyes. Many people shy away from a pink-eyed rabbit, thinking they look freaky. But once you fall in love with the bun’s personality, the pink eyes are no longer an issue. Hubert has another strike against him; he somehow has always managed to soil his beautiful white fur whenever he urinates. A loving, devoted caretaker could manage Hubie’s urination problems, but so far no one has come forward to adopt him.

Recently, Hubert unexpectedly lost the use of his back legs. An X-ray provided no diagnosis. His attending vet recommended euthanasia. Hubie was hospitalized for three days and came home to live in my bathroom. His litter box was now a large box top with one side cut off, so he could pull himself inside. His floor was padded with wee-wee pads and non-slip bath rugs, overlaid with imitation lamb’s wool pads. Because he had trouble hauling his large body around, two sets of food and water bowls were provided. Hay was placed in heaps on his rugs.

For a week-and-a-half, Hubie was miserable. He lay on his side and peed where he was, wetting himself. Twice a day he was cleaned up. Baytril Otic was applied to his urine scalded skin, then a generous amount of Balmex was applied. Nine days after the onset of his disability, Hubie came to accept his disabled body. He was starting to act like his old self again.

Then, tiny miracles started to happen. Hubert was pulling himself up and actually sitting. He started to regain control of his left leg. Then his right leg, the urine scalded one, started to move more normally. Then one day Hubert hopped. Not just once, but three times! Two days later a gate had to be installed to confine him to the bathroom, because he kept hopping out. It is hoped that he will soon be well enough to rejoin the other buns in the foster area, having made his remarkable recovery in less than one month.

Hubie’s illness has taught me some valuable lessons:

    1. After a catastrophic incident, don’t think euthanasia is the only option.
    2. Give the bun time to adjust to his new role in life. His attitude toward his disability just might surprise you.
    3. Make sure the bun receives all necessary medications, no matter how grumpy he gets at you.
    4. Listen to and watch your bun. He will tell you what he needs and when he needs it.
    5. Call bun caretakers and experienced bun owners for support. Suzanne Trayhan, Christine Bennett and Suzanne Rubins provided much moral support and valuable knowledge on caring for a disabled rabbit.
    6. Be prepared to accept that the bun might become disabled again and end up living permanently in your bathroom!

And, most importantly,

    1. Educate a veterinarian who suggests that euthanasia is the only viable option.

by Cherryl Reinhardt