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Clive's Story
You would not believe Clive is the same rabbit who arrived at the shelter. Clive is wonderful. A happy handsome boy who runs up to people. He sits in laps and he gives kisses. What a change.
I saw Clive when he was brought to the shelter. Clive and his two friends were the grandmother’s pets. But, explained the 8 year old grand daughter, “she left.” “My other grandmother says to tell you that she does not want to take care of the rabbits,” explained the girl.
Grandmother held Clive out and all I saw was bright red tissue bulging out of both eyes. The eyes looked so sore. Looking closer, I could see dirt and fur sticking to the tissue. The eyes were weeping and the tears had matted the fur. He was pretty skinny too. Not good.
Clive came home with me that night and went to see the vet the next day. Dr. Haskell diagnosed the eye condition as “cherry eye.” Rabbits have a gland that makes about 30% of their tears. Some people call it the third eyelid. Normally you can see part of it, but most is attached under the lower eye lid. Sometimes it becomes detached and the gland protrudes. The protruding tissue, exposed to fur and dirt, becomes inflamed and swells up. Clive had a bright red “cherry” at the inner corner of each eye.
Dr. Haskell recommended that the third eyelids be surgically reattached. First the swelling had to go down. Dr. Haskell also said “Clive is under weight - probably due to agroceria.”
“That sounds serious. What is it?” I asked.
“Lack of groceries,” he smiled. “See if you can put some weight on him before surgery.”
So Clive came home with me. He got eye drops which was ok. And, he got lots of food which he thought was great.
Finally Clive had his eye surgery. BUNS got a bill for $463. But what a change! It was worth every penny. Clive celebrates his new life every day. He runs around his play yard, greets visitors, and stands on his hind legs for pets. He celebrates his new life every day. We celebrate his new life too!
Everyone who donates or volunteers at BUNS helps give new lives to rabbits like Clive every day. You can help too. Visit our donations page to find out how you can support BUNS.
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