BOSTON and Centerville, Mass. Feb. 23, 2015 – An injured two-year-old rabbit named “Peanut” is on the mend at the MSPCA-Cape Cod adoption center in Centerville after extensive treatment on his left eye combined with hours of aftercare by staffers eager to see him through his ordeal, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.
Peanut was surrendered to the MSPCA on Feb. 6 and immediately taken by the center’s animal care team to the Oceanside Animal Hospital in Sandwich with a severely infected eye—the result, his previous owners said—of a fight with another rabbit in their New Bedford home.
Peanut’s tail was also so badly infected that the veterinary team decided the best option was to amputate the appendage.
“Obviously Peanut was not in the best home environment and we’re glad the previous owners drew this conclusion and surrendered him to our care,” said Mary Sarah Fairweather, director of the MSPCA-Cape Cod Animal Care and Adoption Center. The previous owners’ identity is not being released.
The veterinary team at Oceanside prescribed several different medications to treat Peanut’s eye, which the MSPCA adoption center team is applying several times daily. “Fortunately he loves taking his medicine,” said Fairweather. “He drinks it from a syringe through the bars in his cage, which is just adorable.”
It is still unclear whether Peanut will suffer permanent damage to the eye.
The cost of Peanut’s care—which is paid for through the shelter’s Guardian Angell Fund—has exceeded $1,000. “We try to go above and beyond for every animal who comes to us needing veterinary care before they can be adopted,” said Fairweather. “Peanut, sadly, needed quite a bit.” Fairweather expressed gratitude for the donors who support the fund, which enables the MSPCA to help animals such as Peanut.
Peanut’s Next Chapter
According to the MSPCA, Peanut’s future looks bright. He is expected to be placed for adoption in the next two weeks. Readers interested in adopting Peanut can contact the adoption center directly by emailing capeadoptions@mspca.org
The MSPCA-Angell’s three state-wide animal care and adoption centers take in, and place into new homes, thousands of homeless dogs, cats and other animals every year. Peanut represents just one of the many animals who arrive every day—and whose futures are brighter as a result of the care they receive.
