17-year-old couple takes sick bunny to vet only to learn that the required surgery is $3,000, but miraculously, the rabbit gets healed by determined mom who won't give up on her

Author image for Blake Seidel
Blake Seidel • Managing Editor & Brand Manager
May 18, 2025 11:00 AM EDT

As most of you probably know, animal fam, pets can be quite expensive. If you have a doggo, you're not only paying for their food, toys, beds, and anything they might destroy, but also the consequences of said destruction, like, let's say, when they decide to snack on your smart watch and have to have surgery the parts removed (definitely not speaking from pawsonal experience). These extra expenses can be costly, and more often than not, come when you are the least ready for them.

There are also times when your pet looks sick, but actually isn't, and you end up paying a ridiculous fee just to be told your pet has gas. This, however, isn't one of those cases. When this teenage couple found out their bunny had an intestinal blockage and that the surgery to fix it was $3,000, they were stunned. They couldn't afford that, so the hooman mom went full-mother-mode and researched ways to fix it herself. Don't be shy, scroll on down to see how this hop-tastic story ends below.

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  • 01

    Can’t afford 3000$ surgery for my baby. Vet recommended pineapple juice 😐

    'No way would we ever be able to afford a $3,000 vet bill'
    via boonsom

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    So me and my boyfriend's bunny started acting really weird yesterday so we took her to the vet to see what was up. They did an x-ray and found a large hairball blocking her stomach and quoted us $3000
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 03
    for a surgery to remove it. we are both 17 and in no way would ever be able to afford a $3000 vet bill. So we asked for any other option and she said to force-feed pineapple juice and gave us some intravenous fluids but said she is still likely to without the surgery.
    via u/No-Estimate-4215

  • We could afford $3,000 if we really had to, but no one likes to shell out that much money all at once. Unless you're crazy rich, $3,000 is a lot to come out of your bank account. But, if we had to, we would do it. You can't put a price on family.

  • 04
    So I get home and start doing research because that's how I am. And I discover that pineapple juice for dislodging hairballs has been widely refuted and can even do damage. she didn't mention
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 05
    anything about critical care or motility medication or painkillers. I don't know what to do. after reading some posts, I bought some pumpkin purée to make a blend with her hay and water. I also might buy some baby gas drops because they said she was starting to have a buildup of gas.
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 06
    however, sunstone in my other pics suspected they misread the radiograph because she had passed a few gooey p☐ ps and ate a strand or two of hay, so it may not be a full blockage like they said.
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 07
    for the past few hours i have been slowly syringe feeding her the mixture i made, along with water. her ears are cold so i have kept her draped in a heated blanket bc i fear hypothermia. i have also been
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 08
    Cheezburger Image 10505545472
    via Sunan Wongsa-nga

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 09
    massaging her tummy gently and i can feel and work out some gas bubbles. if anyone has any other ideas please help. i really don't want her to ■. :(
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 10
    Another update: just gave her second round of intravenous fluids and i think the pain meds kicked in. she semi- enthusiastically ate some hay
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 11
    for a minute. she is hopping around being a bunny and not hunched so thats good. i dont have high hopes but this is all i can do right now
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 12
    wow she just scarfed down some pellets and hay. not a lot but maybe 6 pellets. she drank a good bit of water too. shes also being a cuddle bunny rn nosing my hand to pet her
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 13
    SHE P PED!!! A GOOD BIT!! im so happy she is eating some too and drinking lots of water
    via u/No-Estimate-4215

  • We never thought we would be so excited to see someone writing about #2, and yet, here we are. We're so happy that everyone is okay! Way to go, team!

  • 14
    Cheezburger Image 10505545728
    via PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 15
    Thank you to those who offered advice besides "you cant take care of her. euthanasia or give her away." Sincerely. With the help of some people who messaged me my baby is pping and eating her fill of
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 16
    hay and water. It's ridiculous to say that you can't have a pet unless you consistently have 4000 or more dollars laying around to spend on her if she gets sick. when I have more
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 17
    money next month, I plan to take her in for a follow up x-ray to make sure things are running smoothly now. I really appreciate all of the constructive feedback!! :)
    via u/No-Estimate-4215
  • 18
    lucyjames7 I would go to a more rabbit savvy vet for examination and treatment. We usually check blod glucose to see if there's a real indication for obstruction, and pain relief is always warranted.
    via u/lucyjames7
  • 19
    MarialeegRVT Good luck, sending you good thoughts. I know no matter what, don't let your bun eat nothing for an extended period of time.
    via u/MarialeegRVT
  • 20
    SSScanada You and your boyfriend must tell this to his mom immediately. Don't make assumptions that she won't pay for the surgery. It will be
    via u/SSScanada
  • 21
    the worst when she learns all of this after the bunny d d. You must give her a chance to help even if she gets mad.
    via u/SSScanada

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bunnies healing pets miracle veterinarian couples expensive vet sick rabbit bunny animals surgery
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