PAWS Rescue Story
Amira
The Rabbit Who Refused to Give Up
A story of courage, relentless care, and a rescue community determined to give one extraordinary rabbit every possible chance.
JOURNEY
April 2024 – ongoing
SUPPORT GIVEN
Complex dental, abscess and osteomyelitis care
Meet Amira
When Amira first arrived at Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue in April 2024, it was immediately clear that something was very wrong. Large abscesses had erupted across the right side of her face, including beneath her eye and over her nasal bone.
Behind those visible swellings was a much deeper battle: severe dental disease, chronic facial and bone infection. Yet despite everything she faced, Amira remained bright, food-motivated, affectionate and determined.
Veterinary care donated
Over $3,300
Through Little Pet Vet and the PAWS Rescue Clinic, Amira received complex dental care, abscess surgery, antibiotic bead therapy, laboratory testing, long-term medication and ongoing specialist support.
Advanced imaging
Dental extractions
Abscess debridement
Antibiotic beads
Lifelong monitoring
A devastating infection beneath the surface
Initial treatment revealed that Amira’s facial swellings were not simple. They were connected to severe dental disease and infection within the facial bones themselves.
Several cheek teeth were badly affected, surrounding bone was infected, and thick pus repeatedly formed despite careful treatment. For many rabbits, a diagnosis this severe would have meant there was no road forward.
Graphic Medical Image
This photograph documents a veterinary medical condition. Some viewers may find the image distressing.
Graphic Medical Image
This photograph documents a veterinary medical condition. Some viewers may find the image distressing.
The surgery that gave her a chance
By February 2025, Amira’s disease had progressed to the point where aggressive surgery was considered her best chance. The procedure involved removing infected tooth material, opening multiple abscess cavities and exploring diseased bone.
Hidden pockets of infection were discovered deep within her facial bones. Antibiotic beads were implanted directly into the infected tissues, and the wounds were deliberately left open so they could continue to drain and be managed during recovery.
A rabbit who chose joy
After such a major procedure, Amira’s future was uncertain. But once again, she surprised everyone. Her foster carer soon reported that she was brighter, more confident, eating well, and even doing zoomies.
Although she still needs ongoing monitoring and care, Amira has continued to enjoy a wonderful quality of life as a beloved permanent foster rabbit. Her story is proof that even the most complex rescue animals can thrive when they are given time, skill and love.
Amira’s journey
A simple timeline of the moments that shaped her story.
April 2024
Amira arrived at Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue with large facial abscesses beneath her right eye and over her nasal bone. Initial care involved draining, flushing and stabilising the infected areas.
May 2024
Dental radiographs and surgery revealed severe disease affecting the right cheek teeth. Dental extractions were performed and treatment began for chronic facial infection.
August 2024
CT imaging confirmed extensive bone infection, retained tooth fragments and chronic abscessation affecting the right side of her face.
September – December 2024
Amira received further debridement, antibiotic bead implantation, long-term antibiotics and repeated reassessments as her team worked to control recurring infection.
February 2025
Major surgery was performed to remove infected tooth material, open multiple abscesses, drill into diseased bone and implant 18 antibiotic beads directly into infected tissues.
Today
Amira remains a beloved permanent foster rabbit. She still needs lifelong management, but she is active, comfortable and enjoying a quality of life that once seemed impossible.
What PAWS Rescue Clinic support helped provide
Advanced dental imaging
Dental extractions
Major debridement surgery
Abscess drainage and flushing
Antibiotic bead therapy
Laboratory testing
Long-term medications
Tear duct and nasal care
Specialised nursing support
“Amira’s story is not simply about surviving a devastating disease. It is about resilience, dedication and the extraordinary difference compassionate rescue medicine can make.”
The Team Behind Amira
Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue
Gave Amira a safe place to land, committed to her complex care and continued to advocate for her quality of life.
Foster Carers
Provided daily wound care, medications, monitoring, comfort and the loving home that allowed Amira to keep fighting.
Little Pet Vet
Performed advanced diagnostics, repeated procedures, complex surgery and long-term medical care throughout her journey.
See more of Amira’s story at Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue
Here
Amira’s legacy
Amira’s journey is ongoing, but her progress has already shown what can happen when a rescue community refuses to give up. She has lived through a devastating infection, multiple surgeries and months of daily care, yet she remains affectionate, bright and full of character.
Through the partnership between Little Pet Vet and the PAWS Rescue Clinic, more than $3,300 worth of veterinary services were donated to support Amira’s treatment journey.
Thank you for being part of Amira’s journey and for supporting animals in need.