Should I bring my bunny to the vet?

[Babygroot]

Hi again!

I have a bunny whose name is Max and he's around 9-years old now! He's has dental issues and some eyes issues but we have been to the vet already for that but it seems that it's not really getting any better... But not only that, he seems to have been struggling a bit with his breathing, or I'm not really sure how to explain it, but it's like he is breathing with his whole body, and I've told my brother to call the vet (cause it's his bunny) but he hasn't and it's been a while now. It could be my imagination but it feels like it's gotten worse and so I'm thinking to bring him to the emergency. It is Christmas tomorrow but I'm not sure if we should really wait any longer. NOT ONLY that, but he has been having some itch in his ears and he's struggling to scratch it... As I'm writing this it feels very obvious to bring him to vet as fast as possible but I still want to talk about it here. Everybody in my family are always hesitant whether it is necessary or not, especially when it comes to emergency visits because it's more expensive, AND ESPECIALLY cause it's Christmas tomorrow... And because of his age we are expecting the worse... Help

 

[JBun]

Labored breathing can be caused by serious lung or heart problems, and also thymoma. This is certainly considered an emergency and the rabbit really needs to be seen by a knowledgeable rabbit vet right away. It's likely that chest and possibly head xrays, will need to be done to determine the cause of the labored breathing.

Medirabbit: respiratory issues in rabbits

(contains medical related photos)
Medirabbit: congestive heart failure

https://wabbitwiki.com/images/e/ee/Kathysmith-heart.pdf
https://rabbit.org/cardiovascular-disease-in-rabbitsmore-questions-than-answers/
https://rabbit.org/vet-listings/

 

[marilynpearson237]

With so much concern, I would call his vet TODAY and not wait another day, especially on a holiday. If yours isn't open, try to find a vet that is familiar with rabbits TODAY. You have a better chance of getting the Bun seen today vs tomorrow when your only option on a holiday is probably the Animal ER. Good luck! My rabbits name is Max too!