Help Linfa, my ESA Rabbit, Recover from Infection!

Last week, Linfa (3F, lionhead rabbit) got an unexpected upper respiratory infection (URI) that put her life at risk. URIs are especially dangerous to lionhead rabbits, who have flatter noses that are more prone to congestion. A URI can quickly turn into pneumonia or suffocate a rabbit with nasal congestion.

Who's Linfa?

Linfa is one of my emotional support animals (ESA) along with her twin sister, Faziu. I would not have progressed so far in my mental health treatment without this bonded pair of sisters. When I first met Linfa in foster care, she was incredibly shy. However, she immediately trusted me enough to approach me and rest her head on my lap.

Linfa is an avid foodie, a belly rub enthusiast, a curious and energetic soul, a blanket connoisseur, and a fluffy little princess with a butt as big as her heart.

Cost Breakdown

$800 - Two ER vet visits, x-ray & sedation, antibiotics

$100 - Rideshares to and from the vet, because I do not have a car and there are no bus routes to the vet

$400 - Cushion fund in case of repeat infection; if there is no repeat infection, this will buy a year's supply of hay, pee pads, and paper towels. Keeping my rabbits well-fed in a sanitary environment will greatly reduce the risk of disease and other health issues.

URIs require immediate ER care from a vet that specializes in exotic and small animals. Our previous vet retired, and I struggled to find a replacement outside of my city since resources for rabbits are scarce. Linfa had to go through medical exams from two different vets, x-rays to screen for dormant infections in the lungs, and antibiotics. In some cases, it could take months to cure the URI, or there could be a return infection. All of these expenses added up quickly to $800, and I want to budget for another round of vet visits in case she gets sick again.

Please give what you can. My rabbits are the only family I have. Unemployment had run out a few months ago and I still don't have a job lined up. I had originally planned to take a few months off to study for my architectural registration exams, but Linfa's illness, along with other personal issues, had derailed my goals.