PAWS Rescue clinic Story
Cupcake
Tiny Body, Extraordinary Courage
A story of a tiny Netherland Dwarf rabbit, a brave fight against severe dental disease, and the precious comfort made possible by compassionate rescue care.
JOURNEY
December 2020 – June 2021
SUPPORT GIVEN
Advanced dental and abscess surgery
Meet Cupcake
When Cupcake arrived at Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue, she was barely more than skin and bone. This tiny Netherland Dwarf had been surrendered with severe dental disease, painful infected teeth, a developing jaw abscess and luxating kneecaps that affected her mobility.
She was underweight, frail and living with constant pain. Yet despite everything, Cupcake never stopped fighting. With antibiotics, pain relief, Cartrophen injections and careful supportive care, her bright little personality began to shine through.
Veterinary care donated
Over $1,200
Through Little Pet Vet and the PAWS Rescue Clinic, Cupcake received advanced dental imaging, extensive tooth extractions, abscess surgery, hospitalisation, overnight nursing care, medications and intensive supportive care.
Dental imaging
Tooth extractions
Abscess surgery
Overnight nursing
Final months in comfort
A tiny rabbit carrying too much pain
Cupcake’s first weeks in care were focused on stabilising her. She was managed with antibiotics, pain relief, supportive feeding and Cartrophen injections for her luxating kneecaps.
Her front teeth met at an abnormal diagonal angle, pus was present around the gums, and there were early signs that deeper dental disease was causing infection beneath her jaw. Medication helped her feel brighter, but it could not stop the underlying disease from progressing.
One of the biggest dental surgeries of her size
Cupcake underwent extensive dental and abscess surgery. All six incisors, eleven cheek teeth and the large jaw abscess were surgically removed. The infected left lower cheek teeth were so diseased that several came away easily because infection had destroyed the normal tooth support.
The surgery was technically demanding. Fragile bone near the base of the eye socket required careful reconstruction to seal the defect safely, while the abscess cavity was cleaned, flushed and marsupialised so it could continue to drain during recovery.
“Cupcake reminded everyone that success is not always measured in years added to life, but in the quality, comfort and love we can give to the days that remain.”
She proved everyone wrong
After surgery, Cupcake received intensive nursing care, overnight monitoring, pain relief, assisted feeding, multiple antibiotics and ongoing rehabilitation. Her recovery amazed everyone.
She quickly began eating again, gained weight steadily and proved herself to be one of the toughest little rabbits the rescue had ever cared for. Within weeks she had gained more than 140 g, an extraordinary improvement for such a tiny rabbit.
Cupcake’s journey
A simple timeline of the moments that shaped her brave little story.
December 2020
Cupcake was assessed for abscesses, dental concerns and hind limb issues. She had bilateral luxating patellas and purulent material around the front teeth.
January 2021
Cupcake entered Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue’s permanent foster programme, receiving ongoing support for chronic pain, mobility issues and dental disease.
10 March 2021
Dental radiographs revealed severe left mandibular disease, a large mineralised abscess and extensive bone loss. Surgery was planned despite a guarded prognosis.
11 March 2021
Cupcake underwent major dental and abscess surgery, including extraction of all incisors, multiple cheek teeth and marsupialisation of the mandibular abscess.
June 2021
Cupcake had gained more than 140 g since surgery and was eating well, showing just how determined she was to recover.
Her final months
Approximately three months after her incredible recovery, Cupcake passed away. Her time was far too short, but she spent those final months in comfort, love and freedom from the severe dental pain that had once dominated her life.
What PAWS support helped provide
Advanced dental radiographs
Incisor extractions
Eleven cheek tooth extractions
Abscess surgery
Hospitalisation and overnight care
Intensive nursing support
Pain relief and antibiotics
Mobility support
A final chapter in comfort
“She was tiny, fragile and medically complex, but Cupcake’s courage was enormous. She proved that even the smallest lives are worth fighting for.”
The Team Behind Cupcake
Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue
Gave Cupcake a permanent foster place, approved advanced treatment and made sure she had every possible chance.
Foster Carers and Supporters
Provided comfort, medication, monitoring, encouragement and the love that allowed her personality to shine.
Little Pet Vet
Provided advanced dental imaging, complex oral surgery, abscess treatment, pain management, overnight care and ongoing support.
Watch more of Cupcake’s story
Replace this section with the Facebook video or post embed for Cupcake’s rescue story.
Cupcake’s legacy
Cupcake’s story did not have the long future everyone hoped for. Approximately three months after making her incredible recovery from surgery, she passed away. Her time was far too short, but those final months were filled with comfort, love and freedom from the constant dental pain she had been carrying.
Through the partnership between Little Pet Vet and the PAWS Rescue Clinic, more than $1,200 worth of veterinary services were donated to support Cupcake’s treatment journey.
Although her life was brief, Cupcake remains a symbol of courage. She showed that every life matters, and that even a tiny rabbit can leave an enormous mark on everyone who loved her.
Thank you for being part of Cupcake’s journey and for supporting animals in need.