PAWS Rescue Story
Tux
The Rabbit Who Never Stopped Fighting
A story of resilience, compassion, and the extraordinary dedication of a rescue community that refused to give up on one gentle rabbit.
JOURNEY
March 2025 – February 2026
SUPPORT GIVEN
Advanced dental and intensive care
Meet Tux
When Tux arrived at Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue in March 2025, it quickly became clear that he was facing challenges far greater than most rabbits. Behind his striking blue eyes and gentle nature was a rabbit struggling with severe dental disease, pain, and a long road of treatment ahead.
His carers watched him try to eat hay and vegetables, only to become frustrated when chewing became too difficult. Yet through every procedure, setback and recovery, Tux remained bright, affectionate, determined and deeply loved.
Veterinary care donated
Over $11,000
Through Little Pet Vet and the PAWS Rescue Clinic, Tux received advanced dental care, surgery, hospitalisation, laboratory testing, long-term medication and intensive nursing support.
Advanced dental radiography
Major oral surgeries
Hospitalisation and nursing
Long-term antibiotics
Assisted feeding
A gentle rabbit facing a hidden battle
Initial investigations revealed overgrown cheek teeth, dental malocclusion and a concerning bony swelling on the right side of Tux’s face. Advanced dental radiographs confirmed significant abnormalities affecting multiple teeth and jaw structures.
In March 2025, Tux underwent surgery to remove two severely overgrown molars. Sadly, one extraction destabilised part of his jaw, creating a complication that would shape the rest of his treatment journey.
A new challenge: the jaw abscess
By May 2025, a painful abscess developed within the right side of Tux’s jaw. During major surgery, the abscess was opened, drained and extensively debrided.
Antibiotic-impregnated beads were placed directly into the infected tissues, and a subcutaneous injection port was surgically implanted so Tux could receive long-term antibiotic treatment without repeated needle injections.
Small victories mattered
The months that followed required extraordinary commitment. Tux received prolonged antibiotics, repeated hospitalisation, assisted feeding, pain relief, dental procedures, blood testing, radiography and intensive nursing care.
There were also beautiful wins. His weight improved, he began eating more independently, and his carers celebrated every mouthful of hay, every playful behaviour and every sign that he was comfortable.
Tux’s journey
A simple timeline of the moments that shaped his story.
March 2025
Tux arrived at Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue and was found to have severe dental disease, including overgrown cheek teeth and a bony swelling near the right side of his face.
March 2025
Dental radiographs and surgery were performed to remove two severely overgrown molars. A jaw complication during one extraction created a long-term challenge for his dental alignment.
May 2025
A painful jaw abscess developed and required surgery, debridement, antibiotic beads and placement of a subcutaneous injection port for long-term treatment.
Following months
Tux received prolonged antibiotics, hospital care, assisted feeding, pain management, blood testing and repeated dental procedures while his carers worked tirelessly to preserve his quality of life.
January 2026
As the dental disease progressed, Tux underwent complete extraction of all left-sided cheek teeth and removal of his incisors in the hope of restoring comfort and function.
February 2026
A severe complication developed behind his right eye. With infection, kidney compromise and a hopeless prognosis, Tux was peacefully farewelled by the people who loved him.
What PAWS Rescue Clinic support helped provide
Advanced dental radiography
Repeated dental procedures
Major oral surgery
Abscess treatment
Hospitalisation and overnight care
Laboratory testing
Long-term medications
Pain relief and assisted feeding
Specialised nursing care
“Tux’s story is not only about illness. It is about love, dignity, persistence, and the difference a rescue community can make when everyone comes together around one little animal in need.”
The Team Behind Tux
Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue
Provided a safe place, funded his treatment and ensured every decision was made with his welfare first.
Foster Carers
Gave him a loving home, administered medications, syringe fed him, monitored him around the clock and celebrated every small victory.
Little Pet Vet
Performed advanced diagnostics, multiple surgeries and provided intensive medical care throughout his journey.
See more of Tux’s story at Romeo’s Rabbit Rescue
Here
Tux’s legacy
Although the outcome was heartbreaking, Tux experienced love, comfort and dignity throughout his final year. His story demonstrates just how much can be achieved when a rescue community comes together around an animal in need.
Through the partnership between Little Pet Vet and the PAWS Rescue Clinic, more than $11,000 worth of veterinary services were donated to support Tux’s treatment journey.
Thank you for being part of Tux’s journey and for supporting animals in need.