Memorable Rabbits Part 9 Cheeky

When first found, Cheeky was all alone

She was very slow in eating

Her cheek was getting day by day like a baloon

They had to drain pus from her cheek

She endured tough treatment for over 3 weeks

8/27/26

We named the rabbit with the swollen left cheek "Cheeky." Often chased by others, Cheeky struggled to eat enough; perhaps due to dental issues, the rabbit ate too slowly to keep up with the rest of the group. To ensure Cheeky got enough food, it took two people to feed Cheeky separately from the other rabbits. Eating was a slow, painful process, and Cheeky would sometimes stop out of sheer exhaustion. Over the course of several days, the cheek swelled up like a balloon, prompting a rescue operation.

Cheeky’s condition was extremely grave. He suffered from severe pneumonia—with areas of lung collapse (atelectasis)—malnutrition, malocclusion of the incisors and molars, a fractured lower jaw, and an apical abscess.

She remained hospitalized for over 3 weeks, but her pneumonia gradually worsened, and she eventually passed away, her strength completely spent.

Just how long had Cheeky been suffering before her condition reached this critical state?

It is already known that the sick rabbits on Ohkunoshima are in far more serious condition than they appear. Even rabbits that look healthy may well be far from actually being in good condition.