My girlfriend has had Lola (the bunny on the left in the photo) for five years. After her bonded partner Rambo passed away six months ago, Lola suddenly became crippled. She hadn’t injured herself or had any accident — it just happened.
We took her to a “rabbit-savvy” vet. The blonde vet diagnosed her with arteritis and started treatment, but Lola didn’t improve. Eventually, the vet recommended euthanasia. Things got really rough, and we seriously considered it.
But here’s the twist: after Rambo passed, my girlfriend got Rodger (the orange bunny on the right). Recently, Rodger developed wounds around his nose. After some research, we suspected syphilis. Lola doesn’t show typical signs, but she came from a questionable breeder — and how else could Rodger have contracted it?
We took Rodger to the vet and saw a different one — a brown-haired vet — who agreed with our diagnosis. Rodger started antibiotics, and two days later, we began the same treatment for Lola.
At the third appointment, the blonde vet returned. She claimed Lola was a “flee animal” living in constant stress because she couldn’t move. She insisted syphilis doesn’t exist in rabbits and even threatened to report us to animal control.
I don’t speak German, but I understood bits and pieces. My girlfriend was overwhelmed but didn’t agree with the vet. Thankfully, Lola still received her medication.
For the fourth appointment, I couldn’t go, so my girlfriend’s husband came with her. He has mobility issues but wanted to help. The blonde vet brought someone she said was an animal physiotherapist. The brown-haired vet was present but sidelined.
It felt like the blonde vet had orchestrated everything to push for euthanasia. My girlfriend’s husband, who’s dealt with narcissistic personalities before, stood firm and challenged her. According to my girlfriend, the brown-haired vet disagreed with her superior but didn’t speak up. Lola got her antibiotics, and we were allowed to take her home.
I can’t help but wonder how many animals this vet has euthanised based on her own rigid views. She seemed unwilling to consider other possibilities or listen to reason.
Thankfully, Lola is improving. She can hop again — sometimes with help, sometimes on her own. Rodger’s wounds are healing too.
(I wrote the text and then mangled it through AI, for making the text more readable)
by Lonely_Devil87