Donate to Smudge's Medical Care

Update: At Smudge’s checkup on Friday, his moms were directed to take him to another emergency vet where he was seen stat and admitted to the ICU in hypovolemic shock and GI stasis. The vet said he would likely be there for 48-72 hours. While he was there, he was given pain medication and fluids, had x-rays taken to see if they could determine the cause of his neck dropping, bloodwork…he had the whole workup. The fluids definitely helped, and he became less shocky and more alert and stable. His fur is so matted that he will need to be sedated (when he is strong enough) to get fully shaven down. He had a consult with a neurologist due to some concern over his neurological presentation, and they recommended a MRI which he will have this coming Friday. He had food in his stomach from the critical care I had been feeding him, but he was still not pooping or eating on his own. The biggest concern was his neck. The vet decided to try laser therapy, and it is helping tremendously. He is finally able to lift his head on his own, not completely but definitely better than he had been. Kat and Payton actually purchased a laser to continue these treatments at home. The x-rays showed nothing obviously wrong with his neck but something is definitely not right. He was covered in bite marks and scratches, so the vet believes he was most likely picked up by another animal and shaken. He started to perk up a bit and even got a little feisty. He chewed through 3 IVs. He surprised us all and made so much improvement that he was able to go home in just 24 hours. At home, he learned how to drink from a water bowl and takes his 5 medications like a champ. He’s been exploring his new home, learning that some people aren’t so bad, head rubs and scratches are kind of nice, and that he is safe and no one will ever hurt him again. He is such a good boy and even peed in his litter box! He has a long road of recovery and treatment ahead of him but he has shown everyone that he is a fighter. Obviously this most recent trip to the emergency vet has built up some pretty significant vet bills. This last stay cost around $4k.

Kat and Payton took him in with very little notice and while they knew he had some medical issues, there was no way to know how severe they would be. Any and all donations are very much appreciated, and thank you to everyone who has already donated.  

Hi, this is Smudge. Smudge is a domestic rabbit and was found outside in a neighbor's yard on 2/26/25. My neighbors do not have experience with rabbits, so I went and picked him up. I have two rabbits of my own, so I had all the supplies to take him in for the night.

When I picked him up, I knew something was not right. He was incredibly lethargic and had bite wounds on his neck. We spent the night at the emergency vet 1 ½ hours away. Smudge was treated for GI Stasis and multiple bite wounds on his neck. They shaved his neck to keep the wounds clear and cut lots of matted fur off. He continues to receive treatment for GI Stasis and his wounds at home with critical care and medication.

This first bill was over $500 for a bunny I had just met. Smudge is going to his forever home today, but he is going to require a lot more care. He has a follow-up appointment today (2/28/25) and a neuter appointment scheduled in April. We will know more about Smudge’s condition after today. The wonderful moms taking Smudge and I did not anticipate or plan for these bills, but we will do everything we can to help this sweet boy. I will continue to be in contact with Smudge’s new family and send them any donations for Smudge.

If you would like to donate any amount to Smudge’s recovery fund, we would greatly appreciate it. Smudge is doing a little better, but he is certainly not 100% yet. Check out @harlequinhunnies on TikTok for updates to Smudge’s story and recovery. Thank you

❤️ Kailee, Kat, Payton, and Smudge