PAWS Rescue clinic Story
Dawn
Born Different, Loved Completely
A story of lifelong dental disease, repeated surgeries, unwavering foster care, and a rabbit who was loved through every challenge.
JOURNEY
2019 – 2026
SUPPORT GIVEN
Lifelong dental and abscess care
Meet Dawn
Dawn was born with an abnormal jaw that affected the way her teeth grew and wore throughout her life. Although she enjoyed many happy years, the underlying problem slowly progressed into painful tooth root disease, recurrent abscesses and chronic tear duct issues.
She became a much-loved permanent foster rabbit with Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue, cared for with extraordinary devotion by her long-term foster carer, Deb. Through every procedure, difficult recovery and setback, Dawn was surrounded by people determined to keep her comfortable and loved.
Veterinary care donated
Over $2,400
Through Little Pet Vet and the PAWS Rescue Clinic, Dawn received repeated dental surgery, radiography, abscess treatment, antibiotic bead therapy, laboratory testing, hospital care, medications, pain relief and intensive nursing support.
Dental radiographs
Tooth extractions
Abscess surgery
Antibiotic beads
Long-term comfort care
Born with a lifelong challenge
Dawn’s jaw abnormality meant her teeth never wore in the way they should. Over time, this created uneven pressure, tooth root disease and painful changes within the jaw.
For years, her care centred on monitoring, diet support and dental checks. But as her disease progressed, simple monitoring was no longer enough. Her comfort began to depend on advanced dental treatment and careful pain management.
A major abscess and a difficult surgery
In 2024, Dawn developed a large mandibular abscess that grew to the size of a hen’s egg. It became increasingly painful and interfered with eating and grooming.
Surgery involved dental radiographs, removal of diseased teeth, debridement of infected tissue and placement of antibiotic beads directly into the surgical site. For a time, she improved beautifully.
When the disease returned
In 2026, Dawn began avoiding harder foods, losing weight and developing severe tear overflow. Swellings appeared around her jaw, and further imaging revealed extensive tooth root disease, distorted cheek teeth, bone changes and infection.
A second major surgery was performed. Several diseased teeth were removed, abscess material was cleared and antibiotic beads were again placed directly into affected tissues to help control infection at its source.
A recovery that needed everything
Dawn’s recovery was challenging. She developed painful tongue ulceration, persistent drooling, severe dermatitis under her chin and neck, swelling, weight loss and periods where she needed syringe feeding simply to maintain nutrition.
There were times when her prognosis was guarded. Yet with intensive nursing, antibiotics, pain relief, skin care, supportive feeding and Deb’s unwavering commitment, she slowly began to improve. The dermatitis settled, the swelling began to drain, and Dawn became brighter and more herself again.
Dawn’s journey
A simple timeline of the moments that shaped her story.
Early life
Dawn was born with an abnormal jaw, creating lifelong dental malocclusion and a high risk of painful tooth root disease.
September 2024
A large mandibular abscess required major surgery, dental radiographs, tooth extraction, abscess debridement and antibiotic bead placement.
2025
Dawn remained clinically stable but continued to be monitored closely for recurrent abscessation, tear duct disease and dental changes.
April 2026
Dawn developed reduced appetite, weight loss, marked tear overflow and painful jaw swelling, raising concern for recurrent dental infection.
May 2026
Major dental surgery was performed, including extraction of diseased teeth, drainage of abscess material and placement of antibiotic beads.
Recovery
Recovery was difficult, requiring syringe feeding, pain relief, antibiotics, skin care, rechecks and constant monitoring by her foster carer.
Her legacy
Dawn’s story became a reminder that some rescue animals need more than a second chance, though her passing was felt by all, but she got to have comfort, love and someone willing to stand beside her for a lifetime.
What PAWS support helped provide
Dental radiography
Multiple tooth extractions
Major abscess surgery
Antibiotic bead therapy
Culture and sensitivity testing
Nasolacrimal flushes
Hospitalisation and nursing
Pain relief and antibiotics
Supportive feeding and skin care
“Dawn may have been born with challenges she never chose, but she spent her life surrounded by people who chose her every single day.”
“Some rescues are not a single moment of saving. They are years of showing up, adjusting care, and making sure comfort always comes first.”
The Team Behind Dawn
Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue
Provided Dawn with a permanent foster place and supported the complex decisions needed throughout her lifelong dental disease journey.
Foster Carer Deb
Gave Dawn daily care, syringe feeding, medication, cleaning, monitoring and the comfort of being deeply loved through every setback.
Little Pet Vet
Provided diagnostics, repeated dental surgery, abscess treatment, antibiotic bead therapy, pain management and ongoing specialist care.
See more of Dawn’s story at Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue
Here
Dawn’s legacy
Dawn’s story highlights something many people never realise about rescue rabbits: some animals arrive with complex lifelong medical conditions that require years of specialised veterinary care.
Through the partnership between Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue, Little Pet Vet and the PAWS Rescue Clinic, more than $2,400 worth of veterinary services were donated towards Dawn’s care.
Dawn may have been born with challenges, but her life was also filled with devotion, comfort and love. Her journey reminds us that rescue is not only about curing disease — it is about standing beside vulnerable animals and making sure they are never alone.
Thank you for being part of Dawn’s journey and for supporting animals in need.