Chapter 129 - Suffering in Silence
Dino munched on a dandelion leaf. He watched Merlot come over and sniff the food tray. Then she walked away.
Dino asked, “What matter Merlot? Don’t you like da food?”
Merlot replied, “No, it’s not that. My teeth are digging into my mouth. It hurts to chew.”
Dino suggested, “Maybe tell Dad. He fix it.”
Merlot said, “No, he’ll want to take me to the vet!”
The two went behind the couch and snuggled by the window.
Dad had noticed Merlot had lost weight again. The last time this happened, she had to have the points on her teeth trimmed. The last interval was four months between tooth trims, but it had only been three months this time. He checked the video camera for the past day and discovered Merlot had only drank water and not eaten!
Immediately, he called the vet to get an urgent same-day appointment. He pulled out the carrier from the closet and went to get Merlot.
Merlot sensed something was up. She thumped. Surprised, Dino asked, “What matter?” Merlot replied, “I think Dad is going to take me to the vet!” She ran and hid. Dad chased after her. “How did you know?” he asked. Bunnies are so smart. She ran from hidey spot to hidey spot. Dino watched the two of them run around the room.
Eventually, Merlot ran out of hidey spots and gave up. She thumped. Dad picked her up and put her in the carrier. “I’m sorry, Merlot. We need to get you to the vet! I’m worried about you!”
A little while later, they arrived at the Supervet’s office. Dr. Stern looked in her mouth and confirmed, “Yep, she has points on her teeth. They’re digging into her cheeks and tongue.”
Dad felt bad that he hadn’t caught it sooner. He looked at Merlot and said, “Poor baby. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. That must be very painful.” He knew how much his mouth hurt when he bit his cheek.
Dr. Stern said, “We can get her in for tooth surgery tomorrow. You can leave her overnight so we can do it first thing and then she can go home later in the day. We’ll assist-feed her so she gets some food.”
Dad hugged her and said, “I’m sorry baby. I have to leave you here tonight. But don’t worry, I’ll be back to get you tomorrow.”
Merlot wasn’t thrilled about spending the night at the hospital, but she wanted the pain to stop. She had suffered long enough.
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Maurice lives with two rabbits, and does most to of the typing for Merlot, our novelist.
