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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A EMERGENCY HELP NEEDED (Update: things back to normal, page 3)

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    • equalsign
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         So when I woke up this morning and gave my rabbits pellets my male rabbit did not eat them. This was at 11-noon. He just hid in his tunnel haven and wouldn’t touch them. He was acting super lethargic. There was poop in his cage. We let our female (spayed) rabbit go over to see if he’d react. He’s uneutered, so he’s really usually excitable. He just sat there. Then started scootingback away from her. I borrowed a car from my neighbor upstairs and took him to the vet for a 3:30 PM appointment.

         

        The vet we went to is one I think is really good, but when we got there we were met by a different doctor. She didn’t really seem to know what she was doing, and I think this may have been her first experience with a rabbit. She said this was “the first time she had seen a rabbit……. in Utah.” It seemed like she had just gotten out of school. She said in school “all they saw of rabbits was how to do a basic health check, something else, and an old rabbit with bad teeth.” When I told her I was looking to get my rabbit neutered I asked her if she’d be the one to do it. She said that she’d have to watch the doctor do one first, and then do one with him watching her, ect and strongly implied she’d never done one before.

         

        She felt his tummy and said it seemed fine. She said his heartrate was “really high,” but said it was probably just because he was scared. She didn’t want to take his temperature because of the risk of him kicking out and breaking his back. I mean, I know it’s possible, but it doesn’t happen all the time or anything. She mentioned the whole kicking their legs out and breaking their backs thing like 5 times during the visit, as if it was the most important thing to consider at all times. She grabbed him and our other rabbit by the tuft a couple times during the visit.

         

        When we got him a couple of his toenails had been broken, so I had her check them for any problems, but she said they were fine.

         

        Her suggestion was to grab some of our other rabbit’s cecals and feed them to him in order to restore his flora because they didn’t have any rabbit probiotics. I told her that wasn’t really possible, because our rabbit eats them directly from her anus. She just said that we shoud do it anyways……?

         

        She suggested that we give him some sort of shot of B-vitamins (yellow fluid into tuft), which we did, and then sent him on his way. 

         

        When I got home I immediately ordered some Bene-bac gel and some Critter Be Better probiotic pellets from Amazon. One day shipping, they’ll be here tomorrow.

         

        Recent changes to diet:

        I fed him some collard greens for the first time Friday-Sunday night.

        I fed him some dry willow leaves for the first time Friday-Sunday night. Got them on a wreath from a rabbit rescue in California.

        I fed him some organic arugala for the first time Friday-Sunday night.

        I fed him a blackberry and a raspberry for the first time Wednesday or Thursday. I fed him a little strawberry then too, but I’m pretty sure I have before.

        Switched him from timothy hay to orchard grass Friday night. He had been on orchard grass a few weeks prior.

        The italian parsley at the market was really bad, so I got normal parsley instead. He’s had it maybe a dozen times before.

         

        I know it was stupid to give him that many new things at once. I got overexcited. Besides the hay everything was given in small portions.

         

        Last time he was confirmed eating was last night at midnight. Eating veggies: romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsely, little bit of carrot, few willow leaves, a little collard greens, a little arugala. Besides a willow leaf on top of his tunnel haven there were no leftovers this morning.

         

        He’s been in my room for the last 7 hours since the appointment. I went and took a test for 3, but had my girlfriend check up on him. Thus far he hasn’t touched any of his food and I don’t think he’s pooped. He’s been behind my dresser almost all of the time. I moved the dresser away from the wall and there is some poop back there, but I cannot confirm that they are new. It’s one of his favorite hang out spots. There were some very small, hard poops. One of the softer ones broke apart with a bunch of hair it. He doesn’t shed 1/50th as much as our other bunny though. It’s been maybe two weeks since we groomed him. We don’t do it too often because we think he has sensitive skin (ears always very pink). We cleaned the poop so we could tell if he makes any new ones.

         

        He won’t eat pellets, cilantro, fruit, anything.

         

        I saw him do a pee motion at some point. My girlfriend got him to drink something by touching his nose with some water. He licked it off and then went over to his bowl and drank a little.

         

        4 hours ago we held him and syringe fed him some infant simethicone (.3 mL) and he ate it fine. 

         

        I just got off the phone with the vet. I called the emergency number. I was hoping to get the regular doctor (though he’s never seen our rabbits before), but got the new one again. She seemed pretty unconvinced there was an issue and didn’t seem to want me to come in. She said that 12-15 hours wasn’t really long enough for his GI tract to be in any trouble. I said I thought it was. She said we could X-ray and if necessary perform a surgery to remove the block. Surprised, I said that I thought those kinds of surgery were dangerous and usually a last resort. She said there wasn’t really anything else they could do. I asked about fluids and she said we could give him some and it might help. She said that I could come in, but seemed to be saying she didn’t think it’d do any good. I told her I’d call her back.

         

        Do not know what to do! I have yet to find a rabbit savy vet here in Utah. Tried 3 thus far. What can I do to help? Should I run to the store, get some baby food, and force feed? Should I massage his stomach? He’s acting REALLY lethargic and reclusive. Not his normal self. Obviously ill. Should I take him to this vet again tonight?

         

        Please help.

         


      • lashkay
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          What town or city in Utah are you in or close to?


        • equalsign
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             I’m in Provo, UT. I called a hospital in Payson that has a doctor listed on the HRS website. Didn’t talk to the same one, but  talked to an on call. Seemed very knowledgeable. Told him about stuff. He was surprised they didn’t take his temp and said it’s not dangerous if you know what you’re doing. He was a bit surprised they didn’t look more around his mouth with a scope or anything. The other doctor just peeled back his lips to do a check of his front teeth. He said he doesn’t think it’s dire at this point, but that I may want to bring him in tomorrow. Absolutely no later than Wednesday if things don’t change, but I’d never let things get that far. They would do a more complete check up, bloodwork, and then x-rays if necessary. He was stunned to hear her suggest surgery so quickly, especially since we do not know what the problem is.

             

            I’m still freaking out. He’s let me pet him a bit, but a couple times he pushed me away. Won’t come out from underneath dresser unless forced. I’m going to try and get closer to him to check for any respitory problems.


          • Monkeybun
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              Oh my She is not knowledgeable about bunnies at all

              Keep rubbing his tummy, and giving simethicone. Try to encourage him to drink water, it will help. If he hasn’t pooped or eaten in the next few hours, I would call the vet again, hope you get the other doc and not the new one. I wouldn’t force feed just yet, as if there is a blockage, force feeding could make it worse.

              Crossing fingers and ears here for you!


            • lashkay
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                Any of these near you? One is in Payson.

                Rabbit Veterinarians in Utah
                This web site contains a listing of Utah veterinarians who are experienced in rabbit medicine. This listing is based on recommendations received by the House Rabbit Society from experienced rabbit rescuers and caregivers in the state.
                The House Rabbit Society makes NO CLAIMS regarding these recommendations.

                Before placing your rabbit’s life under any veterinarian’s care, be sure to ask the appropriate questions to ensure that your rabbit is in good hands. For more information on how to do this properly, please check out our FAQ on How to Find a Good Rabbit Vet.

                Don’t assume that because one veterinarian at a particular animal hospital is experienced with rabbits, that all of the associates are. If you call for an appointment, and are offered an appointment with an associate who is not known to you, insist on seeing the vet you asked for. When calling, please indicate you got the vet’s name from the House Rabbit Society.

                ——————————————————————————–
                The following veterinarians in Utah will treat rabbits.

                Central Valley Veterinary Hospital
                55 East Miller Avenue
                Salt Lake City, UT 84115
                (801) 487-1321
                Jay Ipsen, DVM
                Payson Family Pet Hospital
                43 North 1000 East
                Payson, UT 84651
                (801) 465-1800
                (45 miles south of Salt Lake City)

                Lindsey Maloof, DVM
                VCA All Pet Animal Hospital
                2530 West 4700 South, Suite B-1
                Taylorsville, UT 84118
                (801) 966-4700


              • equalsign
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                  Called the one in Taylorsville. The others are really far. Probably going to go in tomorrow if things haven’t changed. Don’t know how I’ll get there, but I’ll stop people on the freaking street if I need to. We’ll feed him more simethicone. Any advice on the dosage?


                • peppypoo
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                    I’d definitely keep going with the hydration and tummy massages…never used simethicone myself, so I don’t know about the dosage.

                    Crossing my fingers for you…I’ve dealt with issues like this before in the middle of the night as well (and Saturday night too…argh) and I know how desperate and stressful things can get when you’re worried out of your mind . Wishing the best for you and your bun.


                  • lashkay
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                      Here’s another one:

                      http://www.ogdenanimalhospital.com/


                    • Monkeybun
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                        You can’t overdose on simethicone, so don’t worry about that


                      • lashkay
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                          I found these also:

                          Redwood Veterinary Hospital – Let Us Care For Your Pet In Their Time Of Need
                          (801) 966-3974, 4958 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, UT Get directions
                          http://www.redwoodvet.net
                          Coldwater Animal Hospital – North Ogden’s Premier Animal Hospital!
                          (801) 528-9741, 2671 N 400 E, Ogden, UT Get directions
                          http://www.coldwateranimalhospital.com/
                          Amor Animal Hospital & Pet Resort & Training Center – Medicine, surgery, dentistry, boarding & grooming in Salt Lake City.
                          (801) 438-6461, 8576 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT


                        • lashkay
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                            Have you tried this one:

                            Riverwoods Pet Hospital
                            specializes in small animals
                            http://www.riverwoodspethospital.com
                            801-224-2233
                            3820 N. University Ave.
                            Provo, UT 84604
                            email: askdrdobson@riverwoodsvet.com
                            Dr. Yoeny Dobson


                          • lashkay
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                              Here’s another in Provo that specializes in small and large animals

                              Park Animal Hospital
                              1615 South State
                              Provo, Utah 84606

                              Located between Provo
                              and Springville, on the east side
                              of State Street (US 89),
                              just north of 1860 South (East Bay connecter with the Provo Towne Center Freeway Exit)
                              View Map

                              Phone: 801-374-0622

                              Hours:
                              Monday – Friday:
                              7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
                              Saturday:
                              8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
                              24 Hour Emergencies


                            • lashkay
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                                I got the listings of vets by typing in Google:

                                Emergency rabbit vet hospital clinic near Provo Utah

                                You might want to check to see if there’s any I missed. Good luck!


                              • lashkay
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                                  These near or in Provo came up also:

                                  All About Pets Inc
                                  4.6 miles
                                  2255 N University Pkwy # 51

                                  Provo, UT 84604
                                  View Profile
                                  Call: 801-375-5300
                                  3Alpine Animal Hospital
                                  4.9 miles
                                  1615 S State St

                                  Provo, UT 84606
                                  View Profile
                                  Call: 801-374-0622
                                  4Coleman Veterinary Hospital
                                  5.9 miles
                                  3145 N Canyon Rd

                                  Provo, UT 84604
                                  View Profile
                                  Call: 801-812-2077
                                  5Riverwoods Pet Hospital, Corp
                                  6.1 miles
                                  3820 N University Ave

                                  Provo, UT 84604
                                  View Profile
                                  Call: 801-224-2233


                                • equalsign
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                                     Thanks for the help everyone. I’ve been to the Riverwoods pet hospital before, though not for a checkup. They seem alright. Another pet hospital told me as they were referring me to them that “[the Doctor there] knows alot about rabbits. She breeds them!” Not sure if it’s true, but that has kept me pretty far away.

                                     

                                    The Park Animal Hospital was actually the one I went to earlier. Dr. Park was pretty good when I went there with a friend a few times before, but this new doctor………………….. well.

                                     

                                    I tried the Pet Urgent Care with a friend’s cat before and they were awful.

                                     

                                    Tried another one in Orem and they knew nothing about rabbits, even though they said they did. I swear, that doctor acted like they’d never seen one before. Don’t remember the name of it.

                                     

                                    My girlfriend once interviewed at Ribbonwood Pet Hospital and said it was really awful, and that the people were rude/rough with the animals.

                                     

                                    I’ve been able to get him more active by having our other rabbit in the room. No humps or anything, but he’s running around the room a bit more since she got in. Should I have him sleep in my bedroom with me? I used to every night back when I was taking care of him and he wasn’t mine. It’s probably better if I put him in his pen though, since I’ll be able to keep better track of his poops. I’m just freaking out and feeling really clingy. Someone tell me it’s better to have him in the pen.

                                     

                                    So tired. Stayed up most of the night to study for a test and now this. Worst day in a while.


                                  • equalsign
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                                       Just saw him drop a single poop. I have never been so happy to see feces in my life. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come. I’m going to go clean his pen, give him food, and put him there for the night. Thank you so much for the help everyone. I’ll update this thread in the morning.


                                    • equalsign
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                                         And now I just found diarrhea next to his litter box. Freakout restarting. What do I need to know about this? I’m going to google it, but any first hand experience would mean the world to me right now.

                                         

                                        It’s unformed, in a large streak maybe 1/2 inch long. Smells awful, so it might be unformed cecals. Not liquid. Soft. Maybe 1/8 inch wide. I’m preserving a sample of it.

                                         

                                        Found more as I dumped his litter into the garbage.

                                         

                                        Edit: I have him back in his pen now. After reading this - http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-7/gi.html , I have decided to remove his pellets at this time. He has some romaine and cilantro in his pen, as well as enough orchard grass hay to fill about 1/2 his pen. It’s a little brittle, but I decided to add some timothy hay too. Any more advice would be appreciated.

                                         

                                        Should I begin syringe feeding him water?


                                      • MimzMum
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                                          Is he drinking at all? If not, you can either try syringing small amounts if he’ll tolerate you holding him, or encourage him to eat the lettuce (which you can leave water from washing it on for extra fluid). If you decide to syringe fluid, be sure to set the syringe in the crook of his mouth and administer slowly, a few 0.2 ml at a time so as not to send it down his windpipe. You don’t want him to aspirate it if he panics.
                                          The smear you saw was most likely a mushy cecal. I would guess he may have gotten gas from the collard greens and the sugary fruit may have unbalanced his cecum. If he continues to refuse food, you can make a pellet slurry by adding water to them and puree enough that it will go thru a syringe a little at a time.
                                          I’m not a vet, so I can’t tell you if he’s got a blockage, but if you can get him to a vet you feel is capable enough with rabbits who could administer some subcutaneous fliuds, plus determine if he could use some gut stimulating meds and perhaps some pain relief (stasis can be very uncomfortable for them-I always keep metacam on hand for mine and instructions on how to use it) you could see him really turn around. I’ve seen my mini rex go through stasis a few times and fluids and pain meds make a lot of difference.
                                          Also, are you still giving simethicone?
                                          Rabbits actually rarely get diarrhea in a true sense. Has he passed any more of the drier fecal pellets since you found the one? How is his posture…is he still hiding away?
                                          Sorry my post is spotty, using cell phone. Hard to reread or spellcheck.
                                          I hope your bun is doing better.


                                        • MimzMum
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                                            A few sites regarding bunnies GI troubles:
                                            http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html
                                            http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html
                                            Sending healing vibes for your bun. Please keep us updated.


                                          • peppypoo
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                                              Yes, keep going with the water – diarrhea (if that’s what it was) is very dehydrating.


                                            • Sarita
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                                                I imagine that is just some unformed cecals not diarrhea. I hope you can find a suitable vet soon. Also get some critical care on hand to syringe feed.


                                              • equalsign
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                                                   Morning now. i’ve been searching his pen and cannot find any poop. His food seems untouched. He seems very weak.

                                                   

                                                  I didn’t administer the simethicone during the night. Should I restart?


                                                • Sarita
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                                                    You need to get him to a vet at this point. He needs sub-q fluids and critical care. Simethicone is not going to help at this point.


                                                  • equalsign
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                                                      Posted By Sarita on 10/11/2011 09:22 AM
                                                      You need to get him to a vet at this point. He needs sub-q fluids and critical care. Simethicone is not going to help at this point.

                                                      I should rephrase. I’m planning on taking him to the vet ASAP. I need to round up a ride though. In the intermin do you think I should feed him simthicone? I talked the the pet hospital in Payson again and the vet listed on the HRS website is in. At least something seems to be going right.


                                                    • Sarita
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                                                        I don’t think it’s going to help him at this point to be honest. I would try to syringe feed him though…he needs something in his stomach more than he needs simethicone.


                                                      • equalsign
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                                                           Called the vet back to make an appointment and the vet on the HRS website isn’t working today. I swear someone is going to die and it’s not going to be my rabbit.


                                                        • LBJ10
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                                                            Where is the vet? Is it just his day off? Maybe they could call him and ask for his advice over the phone? If he doesn’t think that they can handle it, then maybe he will come in to see you.


                                                          • equalsign
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                                                              It’s 11:45 AM right now. I was able to find a car starting at 1:30 PM. I made an appointment at that place with the doctor I spoke to on the phone last night. The soonest he had available was 2:50 PM. He seemed fairly knowledgeable on the phone last night. He’s apparently their number 2 rabbit doctor. All the reviews I’ve seen online are shining for Dr. Ipsen (the unavailable HRS doctor). One even mentions rabbits. I wish I was seeing him. There’s a review saying mine is good too, but still. Dr. Ipsen seems to be their main doctor there.

                                                               

                                                              At this point is there anything I should do while I wait? Is there a second vote that I should syringe feed him?


                                                            • equalsign
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                                                                Posted By LBJ10 on 10/11/2011 10:38 AM
                                                                Where is the vet? Is it just his day off? Maybe they could call him and ask for his advice over the phone? If he doesn’t think that they can handle it, then maybe he will come in to see you.

                                                                I think it might be his day off. I’m going to arrive early and try and push them to at least give him a call.


                                                              • TriBun
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                                                                  Oh, Equalsign that is very stressful. Definitely bug them. A lot of vets that aren’t rabbit trained think, “oh, it’s just a rabbit,” like they are a dime-a-dozen and don’t really matter. Let them know you are VERY concerned and you’re not going to just let this go. You will have to be persistent. I’m in Utah also and had trouble finding a qualified vet. I have one now, but he’s in Kaysville (over an hour drive for you). Good Luck! I hope things turn out alright. *hugs*


                                                                • Elrohwen
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                                                                    Good luck! Like Sarita said, I would try getting something into his stomach if you can syringe feed some ground up pellets mixed with water (or critical care would be even better)


                                                                  • equalsign
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                                                                       I’ve called the hospital a few times and they’ve asured me the vet knows what he’s doing. I’m afraid to go out towards Salt Lake. I don’t have a ton of experience driving. I’m fairly familiar with the Payson area, but not at all with Salt Lake. I know the coordinate system is really easy, I’m just very afraid I’d get lost. Also, my upstairs neighbor isn’t here yet. I was afraid he might be late, and that’s part of why I wanted somewhere relatively close. I cannot afford to not bring him in today. It’s only 1:40PM, but I’m still freaking out.

                                                                       

                                                                      I’m still waiting for my Critter Be Better, which I think is supposed to be like Critical Care. One day shipping still “out for delivery.” There’s construction going on and there’s a sign 30 feet from my door saying “Road Closed Except for Local Traffic.” I had some problems with UPS delivering my packages because of it last week. Fed Ex and Ontrac were fine. I eventually had to call them and say “You CAN get to my house the contruction is 300 feet down the street!” The next day they got it, but I can’t wait today.


                                                                    • equalsign
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                                                                         Got a package. Thought it would be the goods, turned out to be coconut bars. Ontrac delivered. Was so disappointed.

                                                                         

                                                                        Heading out now. Wish me luck.


                                                                      • Sarita
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                                                                          Keep us updated!


                                                                        • MimzMum
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                                                                            Vibes for your bunny. We’ll be thinking of you both. Good luck!


                                                                          • bunnyfriend
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                                                                              How is your bunny? I hope he gets better soon!


                                                                            • equalsign
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                                                                                 Thank you all for the continuing help and support. Got back from the vet a bit ago, but I’ve been really busy.

                                                                                 

                                                                                He did drink a couple times just before we left, which was good. He hated the car ride and kept burying himself in his litterbox. I did see him eat two very small pieces of hay on the way.

                                                                                 

                                                                                At first our rabbit was freaking out. The vet tech didn’t seem to know too much about rabbits and that gave me a really good scare. He did not want to be on that counter. He lept higher than I’d ever seen straight onto my girlfriend’s face and then off of that straight into the air. Scared the life out of me, but I managed to catch him. When the vet came in he brought a towel for my rabbit and he was much calmer on that.

                                                                                 

                                                                                This vet seemed to know much more about rabbits. He was still very young. He got out of vet medical school 6-12 months ago and is training under the HRS doctor, but he was much better with him than the other vet. He did an oral exam with a scope, checked all the normal things, and checked his temp. Our boy didn’t freak out at all, so I’m guessing checking the temp really isn’t a big deal as long as you know what you’re doing. The restraining was much lighter. We talked and I told him everything I could think of. 

                                                                                 

                                                                                He thinks the slowdown is stress induced from our recent move across town (1.5 months ago) and his recent cage expansion. We talked about bloodwork. He said we could, but that he really didn’t think our rabbit was sick with anything. We talked about x-rays and he said we could, but that he didn’t feel a blockage and didn’t think that was it either. I told him I’d do whatever he thought was best. Don’t know if I should have pushed for those other things.

                                                                                 

                                                                                He asked me again what the vet had done for him and when I told him she just gave him a shot of b-vitamins he looked down and surpressed a laugh.

                                                                                 

                                                                                He gave him some sub$*&!aneous fluids (100 mL I think). He gave me some antibiotics (just in case) and some metoclopramide (aka Reglan). We are to syringe feed him a 10-12 mL of a pellet mixture with 1/4 of a 5 mg metoclopramide dissolved in 3 times a day. After he begins pooping again we are to reduce the dosage to 1/4 a 5 mg pill twice a day. We are to administer .5 mL of the antibiotics (Baytril) twice a day for 7 days. After giving him the antibiotics we are to give him 1g of the Bene-Bac Plus (which arrived, but I had to go pick up from the truck a few blocks away -_-). After a few days I can begin mixing an increasing amount of the probiotic pellets (American Pet Diner Critter Be Better) into his diet.

                                                                                 

                                                                                We picked up some baby food on the way home; applesauce, banana, carrot, and squash. He really disliked the car ride. He was a little more active when on the ride home. He was licking my shoulder and stuff. I didn’t see him eat any more hay. By the end of the car ride he was really unhappy though. First thing he wanted when we got home was a drink. He was sticking his face into the bars of our other rabbit’s pen trying to get some water. He slurped up a little right away when we brought some over (we had emptied his water bowl and taken it with us just in case).

                                                                                 

                                                                                He was EXTREMELY unhappy when it came time for the syringe feeding. I had a lot of trouble with the pellet mush. It kept getting stuck and exploding. Didn’t get much in at all. Still working on getting that consistancy down. We eventually tried just getting him to take the pill piece and were able to get him to eat most of it. He looked so miserable that I put the remainder of it in 3 mL of baby applesauce and fed him that. He actually took that really well. Licked up up without fighting.

                                                                                 

                                                                                We really didn’t get him to eat enough. It’s been maybe 1.5 hours since then. He’s still looking like a painful bunny mess. I’d like to try the syringe thing again. I think I have a better pellet consistancy. Obviously I’d just feed him a bit. Should I? Should I heat it up? Should I not have given him the applesauce? Should I give him more applesauce if he absolutely won’t eat the pellets?


                                                                              • equalsign
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                                                                                   Alright. Fed him little more. Most of what got in was pellety water.  I could use a little help with that consistancy. Should it be pellety water, or should it be more sloshy? I had something more sloshy, but somehow all the water got squeezed out as I pushed it through. I ended up with this big hard pellety clump that I COULD NOT get through. I top loaded rather than mouthpiece loaded because the latter wasn’t working well. Mistake? This is with a 60 mL syringe with a wide opening. We have a variety of syringes that could be used for something more liquidy. A few dry chunks got through and he’d eat some of those. He fought being restrained but didn’t fight too much with the pellet mix.

                                                                                   

                                                                                  Next up was the antibiotics. He didn’t really fight them. He didn’t like the Bene-Bac probiotics. In regards to the Bene-Bac- should I push it out onto the tube and try and have him lick it off, or should I push it out into his mouth? I did the former and it didn’t work all too well. He got a good bit of it though. As a reward for being good I gave him a mL of applesauce. Mistake?

                                                                                   

                                                                                  He’s been laying down from time to time, instead of sitting in a bunny ball of pain. Good sign or not a sign? Bunny ball of pain at the moment.


                                                                                • Monkeybun
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                                                                                    give him a bit more, he needs to get the food in him


                                                                                  • equalsign
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                                                                                       Saw him nibble a small piece of hay. As I was walking by I saw him lift his head up from a piece of romaine stalk. It had bites out of it, but it was in our other bunny’s cage. I’ve been letting them mingle because he’s behaving, seems to like having her around, and she’s been licking and comforting him. I thought maybe he wanted some greens. I tried some cilantro first. No go. Nose up. Other bunny nommed. Tried some romaine and he took a few bites! He didn’t want me watching while he ate so I left after throwing in another piece of romaine so our other bunny wouldn’t steal his. I think he may have eaten 1/4 of a leaf!

                                                                                       

                                                                                      So you think I should feed him a bit more? Pellet sludge or applesauce? Like I said, most of the pellety sludge ended up in a big dry clump. I ended up red in the face trying to push it out.

                                                                                       

                                                                                      My girlfriend just told me he’s eaten a bit more lettuce. What is the limit on how much of that I should give him? So far it’s the only thing I’ve seen him eat by his own will.


                                                                                    • peppypoo
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                                                                                        I would wet down some lettuce leaves and give him as many as he wants – great way to get water in him if he’s willing to eat it.

                                                                                        Continued vibes!


                                                                                      • MimzMum
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                                                                                          If that’s what he’s eating for now I’d say go for it. My bunnies often won’t eat much other than veggies when they’ve got tummy upset. Just no cruciferous (gas producing) veggies. Of course, keep offering hay as well.
                                                                                          I’d make the pellet slurry as moist as possible, allow the pellets to soak and then fluff, and add enough water so it will go through the syringe. Try to completely smooth any lumps if you can. Or mix it with just a wee bit of applesauce (not too much fruit sugar if possible) and see if he’ll lap it up himself.
                                                                                          Do you have any plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling-that has spices) because he might eat that as well? It might be good to mix with the pellets.


                                                                                        • Nova
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                                                                                             Does he feel bloated? sometimes GI slowdown can be like a mild case of bloat. True bloat is a lot worse. GI Stasis is all about motility.

                                                                                            if you Google GI Stasis you will find lots of good literature on it. Also, if his tummy is growling, that can sometimes means it’s painful if it’s due to some kind of slow motility. Someone said here, you cannot overdose on simethicone, they’re right. That should help with the gas and when the pain slows down usually the appetite comes back. It’s all about the bunny’s comfort level in my experience. They won’t eat if they are uncomfy in some way. Of course your bun may not be in pain and he may not have gas as a result of tummy growling but generally if his tummy is gurgling, he has gas. and that’s not comfy.

                                                                                            Also might want to roll him over onto his left side and massage his abdomen in a downward, circular motion, with gentle pressure. This is near the opening of his intestines where foods can pass through. That might help encourage his food to pass through his GI tract and subsequently get it moving at optimum speed again

                                                                                            Sometimes the hydration from the subcutaneous fluids is enough to get their GI system “lubricated” again too but it sounds like this newer vet actually knows what he is doing.

                                                                                            In true “bloat”…. the bun is very obviously in pain and will not eat, is very bloated, (think a puppy or kitten with roundworm) and force-feeding at that stage could make the pain worse….. but I don’t believe your bun sounds like he is having GI stasis, so keep up the good work!!!


                                                                                          • Nova
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                                                                                              Oh p.s….. anytime my buns eats something undigestible such as… remote control buttons or plastic he chewed up…. they usually had some mushy stools the next day with low appetite. Sometimes the stool is covered in a mucous-y membrane-y type stuff. As long as he stays hydrated, does not develop true diarrhea (very rare in buns!) and that foreign object is the culprit (it should pass in his stools then they should return to normal), he should be a-ok! (I saw you mentioned he pooped out some hairball, I think)


                                                                                            • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                                                                Late joiner-wow what a saga!!

                                                                                                WAs the benebac recommended by the vet or ? I didn’t see it in the vet post. Sounds like the vet you saw most recently was very good-the reglan antibiotic and fluid is exactly what they need in this case

                                                                                                In regards to the lettuce, I’d let him eat as much of anything he is willing to eat. I also have huge issues mixing the critical care correctly and get those frustrating lumps. I swirl with the syringe before every dose and that seems to help.

                                                                                                I was just thinking-though I’ve never tried-perhaps if you mix the critical care with hot water and allow to cool, if it would mix better that way. Might be worth a try?

                                                                                                Continued {{Healing Vibes}} and please keep us posted!


                                                                                              • MimzMum
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                                                                                                  I agree with K&K, this vet was a vast improvement. The meds he gave your bun should begin helping him feel better soon.
                                                                                                  Stasis can take some time to resolve itself. Be persistent in offering food, but cautious about stressing your bun any further. You’re doing a good job and I hope tomorrow morning he will be much improved.
                                                                                                  Get some rest too, you both deserve it.
                                                                                                  Many more healing vibes! Here’s looking forward to news of poop!


                                                                                                • equalsign
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                                                                                                      Thanks again guys. I don’t have the time to respond to the above posts…… for the most part. I ordered the bene-bac and Critter Be Better ASAP after I got home from the first vet so I could get it to me with one day shipping. I told Vet #2 I had bene-bac coming, he looked up its bacteria content, and told me it would be a good idea to give it to him and when to give it to him.

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                    Really quick though, I need advice for poopy butt. Cecal smear everywhere. We clean him and then a little while later he’s covered. Advice? Concerns?


                                                                                                  • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                      He’s finally getting stuff moving through, so I am not surprised it isnt nicely formed. Just keep cleaning him up, and tryign to get him to eat his tasty greens and hay. Things will normalize as he gets things working again.


                                                                                                    • equalsign
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                                                                                                         Final update before bed. Spent another hour cleaning him up. When we put him in his pen he ran straight for his food. Ate some pellets, ate some lettuce, drank some water. Really glad. At this point I’m not planning on deviating from my vet’s instructions, except that I may stop force feeding him pellets depending on how his bowl looks tomorrow. The vet and I discussed that happening when he started eating for himself. I’ll give him a call soon to update him. Will probably do a morning update here. Don’t know when I’ll be able to do another after that. As soon as I can though. Thanks everyone.


                                                                                                      • peppypoo
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                                                                                                          Yay, I’m glad to hear that it seems like he’s doing better . Hope you get some rest too!


                                                                                                        • lashkay
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                                                                                                            Glad to hear all my strenuous – and frantic – work, produced at least one good option for you, out of all that. Vibes to your bunny.


                                                                                                          • equalsign
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                                                                                                               Sorry for not udating. Miserably busy day. He’s eating more on his own. We force fed him pellet water twice today, but not tonight as I feel he’s eating enough on his own. He’ll nom most any lettuce we give him and some pellets here and there. He has begun producing hard poops, though they’re tiny and mishapen. Improvement! He’s begining to act more like his old self. Still a bit lethargic, but I really think he’s getting better. Seperated the two today, as he went back to his standard “hump her in the face” routine. None of that happens to my little girl. Probably a good sign too though. I’ll probably call the vet too so I can let him know what’s going on and confirm our recovery plan. Thanks for the help again everyone. I’ll be busy tomorrow to, but I’ll post another update. 

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                              Question though: How long should I wait after this sort of thing before I get him neutered? Just estimates. I’ll be asking my vet of course, but I’d like to hear from people here too.

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                              I’m really happy. I’m just so tired. Too busy today and with only 3 hours of sleep. Night all.


                                                                                                            • MimzMum
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                                                                                                                Ah, that’s good news! I can imagine you are very relieved.
                                                                                                                Yeah I’d say the ‘amorous’ behavior is a good sign. Your vet will know best how to proceed from here. But I imagine he’ll recommend waiting till your bun is fully back to normal before going ahead with the neuter.
                                                                                                                Hope you can get some rest now. A lot of us here are well acquainted with long nights up with ill bunnies.


                                                                                                              • littlemissflip
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                                                                                                                  I am late to this post but just wanted to say how happy I am that he’s doing better. GI stasis is scary enough even for those of us who have trusted vets nearby… I can only imagine the panic of going through something like that without someone you trust to turn to for your rabbit’s care. That first vet–the one who just administered vitamins… wow… Glad you were able to find a more rabbit-savvy vet!!


                                                                                                                • BinkyBunny
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                                                                                                                     Wow….how stressful. You have really gone through alot to make sure your bunny gets the right care.  So wonderful.  I am glad to hear that he seems to be improving.  In an earlier post, you had asked what texture the critical care consistency should be. I remember a vet telling me that it’s better to err on the side of being more liquid as hydration is extremely important.  The consistency that the vet mixed for me as an example reminded me of tomato soup.  (Obviously, mixing well so that larger parts don’t get stuck in the syringe — needs to be smooth)

                                                                                                                    Sending continued healing vibes. 

                                                                                                                    Keep us updated!

                                                                                                                     


                                                                                                                  • equalsign
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                                                                                                                       Just wanted to update and say thank you to everyone that helped me and gave support! Thank you! Our bunny seems to be doing much better. He’s still not eating 100% of his pellets, but most get nommed. He’s running around and acting like himself again. We’ve begun working a small portion of the probiotic pellets into both of their diets, as there’s quite a bit in the bag and rabbit food doesn’t last terribly long. Only a few more days of the meds!

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                      And just because I feel the need to explain myself, the rabbits were not being kept together while he was sick. They had supervised comfort time. So when I said I “seperated them,” I meant that I had put them together and he got a little excited so I put him in my room (his normal play room). I think the whole experience has helped their relationship though. He used to only very rarely groom her, but now he’s always putting his face up to the bars and licking her face. That’s what she’s wanted all along, so it’s really cool to see her so happy. I think they’ll be a really easy bond. She’s been super friendly since day one and never gets mad at his shenanigans. He’s really sweet too! I think as soon as we take those undeniable horomnes out of the equation.

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                      Also BB, I think pellety water is the way to go too. Whenever I tried to make it chunky it got really stuck. And Koka, I didn’t end up trying the hot water thing, but I think that would work well. Those Critical Care/CBB pellets are super tough. Maybe I’ll make a test batch some time soon.


                                                                                                                    • BinkyBunny
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                                                                                                                        Encouraging news! I hope that whatever the culprit was that was causing such digestive issues is behind him.

                                                                                                                        Continued healing vibes!

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                                                                                                                    Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A EMERGENCY HELP NEEDED (Update: things back to normal, page 3)