UPDATE 6/3/2009 with new photos from her foster home

Violet continues to make slow but steady progress. Although still a long way from full use, her right hind leg is becoming stronger, and she can use it to help propel herself along while leaning her right side against something. She's also now able to position both hind legs almost completely under her body when sitting, allowing her to keep cleaner and dryer, plus it's easier for her to eat from her pellet bowl and drink from her water crock.

She can also now position herself on her left hip for short periods of time, something that wasn't possible before. This is a big help as it allows her to groom areas that she can't otherwise reach - and she's very fastidious about grooming!

When she's given her daily outside playtime, the top of a Marchioro cage is placed over her. It allows a lot of room for her to move around and munch on the grass while giving her something to lean against.

She's still very sweet, bright and alert, and is always interested in watching what's going on from her cage. Whenever someone comes into the room, she comes over to investigate and say hello, then props herself up so she can see everything.

Dr. Harvey has refilled her meds (Albendazole and Ponazuril) and we'll continue with those since they have obviously helped. She's scheduled to see Dr. Harvey again on 6/7, so there may not be another update until after that.

Veterinary care for Violet - and other needy bunnies like her - is made possible through donations from caring individuals. If you would like to help with Violet's medical expenses, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Save A Bunny by clicking on the "Sponsor Violet" button at the bottom of this page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE 5/17/09 FROM HER FOSTER HOME

Violet was seen again today by Dr. Carolynn Harvey. Her condition has improved in the last couple of weeks, but she still has a long way to go. She's regained the use of her front legs and partial use of her left hind leg, but there is still hind end weakness, particularly in her right leg which causes her to collapse onto her right hip. She likes to lean against something to keep herself upright. Exactly what's causing this is unknown, and xrays were negative for skeletal damage. Dr. Harvey feels she may have a cerebellular problem, possibly from a blow to the head. It seems like her brain is not sending the correct messages to her right leg, although there is some reactive response.

She continues to do well in her foster home. She's very active, bright and alert, and loves being the center of attention. Whenever she sees someone she immediately comes over for a nose rub, or better yet, to be cradled in your arms. She's even giving kisses! She's now being allowed supervised playtime and grazing in the grass in the backyard on a daily basis. She can really scoot around, even though she's pretty wobbly and tends to rest on her right hip. New photos of her playing outside are now posted.

A big part of her recovery hinges on physical therapy while in her foster home. T-Touch, "bicycling" and gentle rocking movements are performed, along with massaging her right hind leg, hip, foot and toes. She's also receiving acupuncture from Dr. Harvey and chiropractic from Dr. Margaret Holiday. Her medication has been reduced to just Albendazole and Ponazuril; the Baytril and Metacam has been discontinued. This may be changed in the future.

Violet is an extremely sweet and gentle bunny who deserves a chance at living a normal life. Everyone who's working with her is really pulling for her and "going the extra mile" to help her. Although her long-term prognosis is unknown, we're encouraged by her recent progress. However, she may never fully recover. But whatever happens, it's our hope and our goal that she'll eventually be able to be placed in a "forever" home, even if she needs some special care. She'll be a wonderful, loving companion.

Violet's web page will be periodically updated with reports about her progress, so please bookmark it and check back often.

--------------------------------------------------...........
Hello. My name is Violet and I am a beautiful girl-both inside and out.
The reality is that my life has been very rough so far. And, my prognosis is not so good. But I am making every effort possible to enjoy my life and take each day at a time. Even though humans have been mean to mean I still love people. I love to be talked with, petted and sung to.
Shoulder massages are my favorite. They help ease the stress in my little body.

I am listed as a special needs rabbit because I have unknown neurological problems. It may be head trauma. It may be e. cunniculi, both, or something else. No one really knows, so I am being treated for e.cunniculi and given pain medication. I have balance problems and tend to fall over. I can right myself, but am unsteady on my feet. I like to prop myself up on the side of the cage and peek out on the world wondering what my life would be like if I was able to run and dance like other rabbits.

I was part of a large group of rabbits dumped at Candlestick Point in San Francisco. Atticus and Ken Ohura at SaveABunny and Dandelion at Oakland Animal Services are part of that group. One rabbit from our group as humanely euthanized when she started having seizures at the city shelter.

We were found in very bad condition. Exhausted, neglected, filthy and sneezy. Everyone else but me is doing very well. All of us are friendly and lovely rabbits very deserving of good homes.

I am currently in a foster home getting the medical attention I require.

What I also really need is for people to donate to help pay for my medical expenses. Making life and death decision based on finances is not easy for any group. Saving special needs rabbits is VERY expenses and takes a lot of time and resources.

Some people may ask why SaveABunny would take in a sick bunny like me when there are so many healthy bunnies needing rescue. Well, each situation is different and SaveABunny believes that each rabbit deserves individual consideration. I am a very sweet, loving and brave girl that still wants to live, so I was saved.

Please help SaveABunny provide me with the special care I need with a tax- deductible donation. I'm not to shy to ask and I know that all the money goes to help bunnies.

Your support will also allow them to continue to help other special bunnies like me.

Thank you!