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Forum DIET & CARE I think Comet is really sick :(

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    • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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        Well I’m trying hard not to panic right now. Comet didn’t want to eat his greens tonight….which is SO unusual for him. He normally steals his and as much of Chubs’ portion as he can! Then he didn’t even want a craisin which again….not normal for him in the slightest. So I picked him up to check him over and his breathing is really rattly. I called my friend (who works for our vet clinic) and asked her what to do. She gave me the on-call vet number. I called them and they basically said, well we don’t know much about rabbits, which was my fear. I’m pretty rural out here and there is really only one vet that knows ANYTHING about rabbits and that’s mine. So my friend called her at home and she suggested that I sit in the steam with him to try and loosen his breathing up. She’s meeting me at the clinic early to give him some anti-biotics and check him out. I know that’s not even good enough but I’m also so greatful she’ll do that since she is not on call. The closest rabbit expert vet is 2 hours away which is so stressful for him that I’d be scared to try it on top of whatever is wrong. Not to mention, I’m on call for work and can’t leave the county myself. I’ve got the shower as hot as it goes so the bathroom is all steamy and I put both boys in there with an ice pack to lay next to….ugh. I’m so scared!


      • MimzMum
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          Steaming was suggested to me as well for Mimzy’s chronic nasal troubles. Can you tell if the rattling is in his sinuses or in his chest? How long has he been like this?
          Buns don’t want to eat much when they can’t smell their food, just like us. Be sure not to let Comet or Chubs get overheated in the shower room, as that could cause other troubles.

          My vet also prescribed 0.6 ml of benadryl for Mimzy when he gets sniffly, but I wouldn’t medicate Comet without your vet’s okay.

          Vibes for Comet that he feels better soon! When he starts antibiotics he should improve rather quickly depending on what it is he has.
          Hang in there! I empathize with how scary it is…they never get ill during normal hours, do they? ((((((((Hugs))))))))


        • MimzMum
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            Whoops…and that was a children’s liquid benadryl I mentioned…but yeah don’t give him anything unless you check it with your vet first.
            Do you have anything like Critical Care to syringe feed him if he’s still refusing food? And that needs to be done carefully too so he doesn’t aspirate it.
            Poor little guy, I hope the steaming works for him.


          • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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              Comet has always been a noisier breather and he occasionally sneezes but it’s never affected his apetite or made him sound anything like this. The steaming didn’t seem to help and now the hot water is out….I can’t tell where the rattling is coming from as far as chest or sinuses. He ate like his normal piggy self this morning and afternoon. Then they had their veggies later than normal because I was out on a call for work around normal dinner time. He had no interest in the veggies or in craisins or carrot. I wish I had some banana to try but nothing is open and I don’t. Everything I read online makes it sound like this is pnemonia and that it’s really really serious and even if it isn’t, if he doesn’t eat, I’m worried he’ll get stasis. Ugh, less than 6 hours till we see the vet…Thank you for the vibes and hugs!


            • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                I do have a syringe from when he was on Baytril like a year and a half ago. Should I force feed him something or wait?…


              • MimzMum
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                  Could he have snorked some hay dust or other objects up his nose and his nasal passages are clogged or reacting to a foreign object? Sounds like it came on rather quickly and I don’t think pneumonia progresses that fast?
                  Is he blowing any snot and does he feel overly warm or cold? Can you see if his gums look like a healthy pink? Are his eyes runny at all?

                  6 hours sure feel like forever but it shouldn’t be too bad. It’s good your vet is making a special trip to help.


                • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                    He’s not blowing any snot and his eyes aren’t runny. His gums look slightly pale to me but they are still pink. He feels like a normal temperature to me but I don’t have a thermometer or anything. It did come on fast because he was completely fine earlier today. At least, I didn’t notice any breathin isssues and he was eating like his normal piggy self…I guess that is what is scaring me the most. His lack of eating…it’s just not my Comet to not eat. He eats everything in sight and always acts like he has room for more.


                  • MimzMum
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                      If syringe feeding is going to further stress him, I’d wait, but keep offering his favorites to see if he takes an interest. When was the last time he pooped or peed? Is he moving around at all or sitting hunched?
                      Any chance he has gas? How typical is it for him to go into stasis?

                      And of course if he looks at all worse, it still helps to seek out the ER vet if you have to. They can at least watch him and stabilise him with fluids if necessary.


                    • MimzMum
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                        I went ahead and sent an alert to the FL’s in case someone is awake and can give more advice. I’m really not sure what else we can do but watch him and wait at this point. You’re in my prayers that all will work out well.


                      • RabbitPam
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                          Hi, JC&C, I guess I’m the first one up. Sorry I didn’t get online earlier – been up since 6AM.
                          I am so glad you’ve made the arrangement you have already, so hopefully by now the steam has either helped or prevented him from getting worse. Please do NOT give any medication before he is seen by the vet tech or vet, as you can’t risk a medication interaction or delay of what he does need with something that wasn’t going to help.
                          Also, syringe feeding him isn’t going to help yet, nor treats or fruits. He needs water to start and possibly hay to get his gut moving. If he isn’t eating very wet greens, you can syringe feed him water gently, but I wouldn’t force either this early yet. The vet may want you to drive him there to leave him for treatment. So instead, I’d get his carrier ready, and be ready to take notes for instructions of how to proceed and what to use. I’m thinking that after he sees your friend, you may want to continue to drive to the vet to check him in there overnight for treatment. If you’re on call, it may be the best way to have him watched all day while you are available for your own duties. Otherwise, if he is readily diagnosed, just follow the instructions and take him home for treatment yourself.

                          Samantha just gave me a scare two mornings ago, and a call to my vet reminded me that I still had a particular med she’d prescribed in my house from the last time she stopped eating. I gave that to her asap, and then the vet wanted me to drive over bumpy roads to get her gut jostled into movement. I never had to do that because Sammy was well enough to fight me, and ran around the room which did the trick. It cleared up fast because the vet knew what it was. In your case, there is the respiratory problem, so that needs observation and the non-eating might be a very different cause.
                          I also gave her gentle tummy massages in case it was gas. If your bunny will tolerate it, you can soothe and massage his tummy from front to back. Even if it doesn’t effect what’s wrong, it may comfort him.
                          So I hope that you’re already on your way by now and all my suggestions will be moot because he’s been looked at. Hang in there!


                        • RabbitPam
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                            MM, thanks for sending the alert. Btw, the reason we do not have a Medical Emergency section is because we need members to do just what JC&C did: call for immediate medical help from their own local resources. We cannot prescribe, we can’t even diagnose because only a hands-on practitioner who is trained can make that kind of a call. All we can do is advise based on experience, and even that can be conflicting as you know. The following statement is at the top of each Forum page in red:

                            “The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.”

                            It’s the best advice we give here. But we are always around for support. and of course,
                            {{{{{{{{{{{Healing Vibes}}}}}}}}}


                          • jerseygirl
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                              {{{{{Comet!}}}}} Hang in there Jenna and keep us posted. It sounds like you have a great friend whos willing to help you out with him. Its a pity that vet clinic weren’t more helpful.


                            • LittlePuffyTail
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                                ((((((((Comet)))))))


                              • Elrohwen
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                                  Vibes to Comet! Hopefully he just has a little tummy trouble and nothing requiring antibiotics.


                                • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                    Thanks everyone, we’re about to head over there. He hasn’t eaten now in at at least 8 hours because he didn’t want his greens right around midnight. This is my boy who grabs the pellet scoop and runs if I’m not fast enough dumping it out…I know something is really wrong for him to not show any interest in any food. I’m hoping the vet can help me. Thank you for all your support. I will keep you guys posted.


                                  • Sarita
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                                      Please keep us updated. I hope it’s not a heart condition either – that could be a concern as well.

                                      Healing vibes for Comet.


                                    • bunnyfriend
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                                        Vibes for Comet!! I hope he gets better soon.


                                      • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                          Well we just got home from the vet. She said his lungs don’t sound so bad and his heart sounds good, temperatue is normal. He doesn’t have any masses in his tummy that indicate he’s got something stuck either. She put him on Baytril but said the not eating thing is obviously our biggest concern at this point. She suggested I get some sweet hay to mix in with his regular hay to encourage him to eat it. She also gave me a nutrional paste stuff to dab in his mouth. It’s good for him but she’s hoping it will spark his apetite. Now I just wait and hope…thanks for all the good vibes and thoughts!


                                        • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                            I just called a rabbit vet in Portland to see if they have any other suggestions…they are open but were busy. I left a message. I will start calling others if they don’t call me back soon. I’m wondering if I should force feed him a little water which is what I want to ask them….ugh.


                                          • Monkeybun
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                                              Any response yet? I can call a couple for you as well if needed.


                                            • Monkeybun
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                                                And if needed, the Bunderground Railroad is standing by ready for you


                                              • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                  Yeah, I got a hold of someone. They told me to call around and see if any of the pet stores had Oxbow Critical Care and if not, to dissolve some pellets in water and feed him with the syringe. None of the pet stores have any…I did feed him some pellets in water. I don’t know how much to make him eat. We did like 8 syringes full. He’s grooming himself now because he got all messy and I wiped him down…I think that’s good. I guess I will just do this like once an hour and see if he eats anything on his own…


                                                • Monkeybun
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                                                    keep us updated!

                                                    It may also help if you can get him moving around. Movement will help break up anything in his little tummy that is causing issues.


                                                  • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                      Does that mean I should herd him around? I don’t want to stress him out too much but I see what you’re saying.


                                                    • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                        He is sitting in the litter box grooming right now. He’s been hiding in his box tunnel otherwise since we got back from the vet, before I picked him up to feed him.


                                                      • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                          He just took a nibble of hay!


                                                        • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                            Just a nibble though and it’s back to sitting, next to the litter box now. And I just saw that Monkey, lol, what is the bunderground railroad? And thanks for offering to help.


                                                          • Monkeybun
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                                                              It’s a thing I volunteer for, transporting bunnies cross country to rescues/new forever homes etc. SI’m not called to do it often, but its great for the bunnies Figured the term applied nicely here too


                                                            • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                Thanks Monkey. I just did our second round of feeding with the syringe as he’s not eating yet.


                                                              • littlemissflip
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                                                                  Did your vet prescribe or talk to you about motility meds, like Reglan? If Comet is developing GI statis, a motility med can help get his digestive tract moving and encourage him to eat.


                                                                • MimzMum
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                                                                    I didn’t know you lived in Oregon. One of our good vets from here just opened a practice near Monkeybun (well Portland area). She specializes in dental stuff but I’ve seen her for Mimzy’s nasal issues also.
                                                                    Did the vet you saw look at his teeth? Has he ever had/needed a molar trim?
                                                                    I’m glad to hear his lungs and heart seem to be alright. I hope they can fnd out what’s wrong quickly.
                                                                    Healthy eating vibes for ((((((((((Comet))))))!


                                                                  • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                      No the vet didn’t mention those, she just said to keep an eye on him and to let her know if he is not improving so she can refer me to a rabbit specialist…in Portland. That is the big issue right now. It’s 2 hours away and I’m scared the stress of that long of a car ride is going to make him worse not better. I will ask her about Reglan though or see if she can consult with a rabbit specialist there who can help us without me having to drag him to Portland….ugh so worried!


                                                                    • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                        Oh and she did check his teeth and said that they looked good too…


                                                                      • Monkeybun
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                                                                          From what I have seen transporting bunnies is that yeah, they don’t like the car rides usually, but they are fine once they get home and settled. It won’t stress him out much more than being sick will.


                                                                        • MimzMum
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                                                                            Do you have any Rescue Remedy to give Comet to help calm him if you wind up having to drve that far? Would Chubs be able to come along to make him feel less stressed?
                                                                            Did she check his molars with an otoscope or just his incisors? To find spurs she has to use that special scope.
                                                                            I’m sorry, I know this must be terribly worrisome but try to remain calm so he doesn’t pick up your stress. (Easier said, I know.)
                                                                            He won’t even take freshly washed veggies? That would help get fluids in.

                                                                            I just saw that you were able to syringe feed 8 helpings. That’s good.

                                                                            What kind of hay eater is he normally? You mentioned pellets but how is he at hay consumption?
                                                                            And I didn’t see if you answered…did he have any normal eliminations since this started?


                                                                          • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                              She didn’t use any tool to check his teeth, nope. Spurs don’t have any other symptoms too? He is also not acting like he’s in pain other than just sitting around…no teeth grinding.
                                                                              I am so worried but I am trying to keep calm and mellow for him. He half likes my attention and half doesn’t because I’ve tried to feed him twice today. He had some more helpings of the mushy pellet watter. He won’t eat veggies either. He normally eats quie a bit of hay, not today though…I can’t tell if he has had any poops since this morning. There are two of them and I don’t want to separate because I think that would be stressful too. Ugh my poor boy, he has never turned his nose up at food ever… I just want him better.

                                                                              Far as the car ride, my worry is that it’s not just 2 hours…it’s there, the visit, and back which is a guaranteed 4-5 hours of neither of them eating anything because they won’t in the car.


                                                                            • Sarita
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                                                                                Sometimes you have to put a rabbit under anesthesia to see the back molars for molar spurs. Having had alot of experience with dental problems, a change in behavior is not always obvious for dental problems.


                                                                              • MimzMum
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                                                                                  Jenna, is there anything he could’ve gotten into that he shouldn’t have? And is his tummy gurgling at all or is it quiet? Did the vet say if she could feel if he had gas?
                                                                                  And I’m guessing since he’s not tooth grinding she found nothing to indicate pain so no pain meds either? Sometimes bunnies in stasis have pain in the gut so usually besides Reglan you’d get pain meds.
                                                                                  Jeez, I’m stumped quite frankly. But even if he gets cranky about it you want to keep whatever he is eating going in. An empty bunny tummy is a very unhappy bunny tummy.


                                                                                • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                    She just felt his tummy and said she’d didn’t feel any blockages or anything. I was just rubbing it real gently when I picked him up to feed him some more dissolved pellet stuff. I also gave him his second dose of Baytril. I can hear little gurgline noises when I rub his belly but it’s fairly quiet otherwise. He is still doing the noisy breathing thing. I took Monkey’s advice and tried to get him moving for a little bit, he runs away from me because I’ve picked him up so often today, so I think it’ good he still feels good enough to scamper around. And no, not pain meds either…He was nibbling his hay a little bit and he did take a sip of water so I think that’s good. It’s nothing like he normally eats but it’s a small improvement. I hate feeling helpless!


                                                                                  • MimzMum
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                                                                                      Ah, when bunny has spunk that’s a good thing.
                                                                                      So his tummy doesn’t feel tight or distended as if there’s air in there? Some gurgling is good, usually when my bunnies’ tummies are upset they are either pretty loud or very quiet. For Mimzy there’s nothing like that full body bunny massage…not only makes him feel snuggly but actually can stimulate the gut to move.
                                                                                      Oddly enough Mimzy’s stomach is also usually helped by Baytril. It’s the only antibiotic that doesn’t adversly affect him like most others do.
                                                                                      That reminds me, do you keep plain canned pumpkin on hand? (Just pumpkin, not pie filling.) In case there should be any diarrhea caused by the antibiotics, pumpkin is good for binding the bowels as well as loosening them. It also makes a good mix for the pellet slurry to change it up once in awhile. Plain applesauce can be tempting too, but we don’t want too much sugar in the gut while it’s empty so bad bacteria don’t multiply.
                                                                                      It’s good that he seems to be nibbling some hay on his own and sipping water. Does he drink from a bottle or a crock? It might help to offer both for a time.


                                                                                    • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                        I don’t have any pumpkin but I can certainly get some if you think it would help him. I have never given that to him before. He drinks water out of a bowl, I’ve never used a bottle so I don’t think he would know what to do with it and I don’t have one. He’s got spunk but I wouldn’t say it’s his normal spunk either. I left a message with a clinic in Portland that House Rabbit Society lists as bunny knowledgable so I’m hoping they call me back first thing in the morning. I don’t think he’s pooping much…but he wouldn’t be because he isn’t eating much, just that nibble of hay and what I’ve made him eat out of the syringe. Oh so stressful…my poor boy living with me way out here in the sticks so far away from any real rabbit expert. I have no idea what brought this on either, it’s just me and the boys at home. We moved to a new place in the last few weeks but they love it here because it’s bigger and carpeted. They have been flopped out every night and blissful until last night. They’ve only had their normal diet too. I don’t know what brought this on for him

                                                                                        Oh and he was on Baytril once before and I didn’t notice any diahrea then. At this point, that seems preferrable to nothing.


                                                                                      • Monkeybun
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                                                                                          eating and pooping vibes being sent to Comet!

                                                                                          Silly butt, eat and poop will ya!

                                                                                          Which clinic did you call?


                                                                                        • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                            Oh and I just compared feeling his belly to Chubs’ belly and they feel the same as far as how firm and stuff.


                                                                                          • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                              I called the Beaverton Pet Clinic/Northwest Exotic Pet Vet


                                                                                            • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                They are pretty good there

                                                                                                My vet is at SW animal hospital. He’s awesome


                                                                                              • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                  Maybe I should call there too, what’s your vet’s name and number? Looking at it, I actually called there first but the number that’s listed doesn’t work!


                                                                                                • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                    503-643-2137 is their number. My vet is Dr. Burgess, the bunny whisperer I swear. He can handle Monkey like no one else can!


                                                                                                  • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                      Thanks Monkey, I will leave a message with them too!


                                                                                                    • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                        No problem


                                                                                                      • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                          Going on 10 PM…nothing is really different. I’ve been feeding him the pellet sludge every couple of hours and I will continue that through out the night and hope that one of the other vets can tell me something different and/or that my vet can maybe give me Reglan. My poor guy


                                                                                                        • MimzMum
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                                                                                                            He hasn’t been eating carpet has he? Even little bits?
                                                                                                            Only feed the pumpkin if the vet agrees. It’s best if he get some hay in.
                                                                                                            If he doesn’t use a bottle that’s fine…I was actually thinkbg if he was used to a bottle then a crock would be easier to drink from.
                                                                                                            Poor wee bun, I hope he does better soon. ((((((((((((Comet)))))))))))))

                                                                                                            I live thirty miles from my vet but it may as well be a hundred in wintertime, the road is so bad. I’ll be keeping you and the buns in my prayers.
                                                                                                            (((((((((((Big hugs)))))))))))))


                                                                                                          • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                              I don’t think he’s been eating carpet…I haven’t noticed anything like that. Thanks for all the hugs and vibes, we need em!


                                                                                                            • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                                                                (((((eating and pooping vibes to Comet)))))

                                                                                                                Sorry if someone already mentioned it but have you tried Simethicone?


                                                                                                              • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                  I haven’t tried that but either you or someone else mentioned it and I’m going to ask the vet this morning. Nothing seems to be different this morning…


                                                                                                                • RabbitPam
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                                                                                                                    My vet prescribed Metoclopramide sol. 1mg, which she had me give Sammy again last Friday and it worked quickly and well. Might ask your vet about it, too.

                                                                                                                    Critical Care is sold on the BB store so if you still need or want it for the future you could order it now and either request a fast shipment or know it’s on its way. Many vets sell it in their practice too, but not always available in pet shops.

                                                                                                                    The running around is very good for him. It’s the movement that gets the gut moving, and my vet suggested a bumpy car ride for the same reason. So the 2 hour drive if it comes to that will actually be part of the therapy.
                                                                                                                    I’d also clean out the litter pan and put in fresh so if you have any poos, they will be clearly visible as new today. I did that with Sammy and was greatly relieved when I had proof of recent poop. Same with watching for drinking water and watching the bowl level to see if goes down. Sign of drinking.


                                                                                                                  • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                      Thank you. I will ask about that as well. I will be getting some of the Critical Care for the future and the store here in town said they usually carry it but were out. I’ve been watching him really closely to see if he poops or drinks or eats and I did clean out the litter box yesterday. It’s just that with Chubs running around too, it’s hard to know if any actually came from Comet because he did sit in it off and on yesterday. I’m hoping either of the clinics I called will call me back right away this morning.


                                                                                                                    • Sarita
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                                                                                                                        So did the vet do x-rays?


                                                                                                                      • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                          The vet didn’t do any x-rays. I’ve got him appointment at one of the clinics down there at 1 today, which is the soonest they could see him so we’ll leave here in about an hour. I’m just going to bring him in, I’m too worried not to. Good news, I know for sure that Comet just pooped at least once It was stinkier than normal, skunky almost, but it was poo so I’m taking that as a good sign….trying to think positive


                                                                                                                        • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                            He’s also being a tiny bit more active!


                                                                                                                          • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                              Also, he just took a big poop…big group of it together and there is some white coating on it…??


                                                                                                                            • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                                                Yay for comet poops!

                                                                                                                                Which vet did you get him in with?


                                                                                                                              • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                                  The Northwest Exotic Pet Vet place. Your vet had no appointments and said they could do it as emergency but that it’d be more…which I still would have done if the other place couldn’t see him but since they could…


                                                                                                                                • bunnnnnnie!
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                                                                                                                                    I don’t have any advice, but sending good thoughts your way.  Sending hungry and pooping bunny vibes!


                                                                                                                                  • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                                                      Makes sense. Just be careful driving. Some roads are still flooded and such.


                                                                                                                                    • Silly Sungura
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                                                                                                                                        I’m just sending some good, (((healing vibes))) to Comet. Good luck.


                                                                                                                                      • MimzMum
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                                                                                                                                          Possibly the white coating is mucous which could indicate some kind of intestinal imflammation. Are you sure that wasn’t a cecotrophe he passed? They look like grape clusters of poop and they reek.
                                                                                                                                          Vibes that today they get to the bottom of this. I’d definitely keep the simethicone and critical care on hand, they are lifesavers.
                                                                                                                                          Please watch your labels on the simethicone and get the one for babies which is a liquid. Sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol are toxic. Maltitol is okay.
                                                                                                                                          Pam’s spot on about car rides breaking up gas bubbles. I have a heck of a bumpy road into town that has cured more than one round of tummy trouble in my bunnies. I think Comet’s already been given Reglan, right?
                                                                                                                                          Might see about pain relief for him too. Remember that rabbits hide symptoms as a survival mechanism. Xrays wouldn’t hurt to take a peek in that tummy.
                                                                                                                                          Good luck at the vets. You’re still in our prayers!


                                                                                                                                        • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                                            Update:

                                                                                                                                            Firstly, I really loved the veterinarian I saw today. She was wonderful and knowledgable and I felt SO much better after seeing her. I’m very glad I took him in. She said that it sounded like he had some gas bubbles and that his gut sounds were soft but still moving, which is good. He had pooped some more on the way there and she said that was a very good sign as well. His temp was still good, although he’s lost a couple of ounces in weight, just from Saturday so I need to keep an eye on that. She gave him some Metoclopramide, some Metacam, and some acidophilus to help him with taking the Baytril. She also gave me the Oxbow Critical Care to keep giving him until he’s eating really well on his own. She also wants me to be giving him the Simethecon drops. Then she had me pick up some saline spray for his little nose, since it’s still stuffy. His lungs and heart sounded good though. Already he seems to be doing much better! He ran straight for the water bowl when we got home which was so so good to see! He has also nibbled a little hay since we have been back and I’ve seen a few more poops. We aren’t out of the woods but we have a whole pharmacy here to get him through it.

                                                                                                                                            She also gave me her home number which I thought was so thoughtful so that I can call her with any questions even after hours. Feeling much better over here and I think my boy is somewhat too! Thanks for all the support and good vibes, keep em coming


                                                                                                                                          • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                                                              Awesome!


                                                                                                                                            • MimzMum
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                                                                                                                                                Fantastic news! More recovery vibes for Comet and hope-you-can-get-some-rest vibes for you!
                                                                                                                                                (((((((((((((((Vibes)))))))))))))))))


                                                                                                                                              • lashkay
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                                                                                                                                                  Sending Comet and you good health vibes!


                                                                                                                                                • jerseygirl
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                                                                                                                                                    Hooray for Comet and for finding a vet you liked!

                                                                                                                                                    I agree with MM that the white stubstance on his poos could well have been mucous. Especially since he was having a gut slow down. Mucous is produce in the gut to protect the gut walls. An inflammatory response. Did it appear like mucous?

                                                                                                                                                    After your confident Comet is eating and pooing regularly again, you may have to do some more investigating as to why he stopped eating.

                                                                                                                                                    Gut slowdowns can often be the result of something else. ie, Pain from unknown source >> rabbit does not want to eat >> gut slows down because food/fibre not coming into it >> stops pooping >> then further discomfort as result of the slow down. Original pain could be related to gut i.e an ulcer or gas if eaten something that causes gas but also could be from somewhere else entirely. Like an injury, dental pain, bladder pain, spinal…. etc. Or it could be related to something respiratory. A rabbit that can’t breath well may not be able to eat easily.

                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                    ETA: Stress is another trigger for stasis I think.


                                                                                                                                                  • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                                                      Here is where I am at a bit of a loss. What caused this? The vet did look at his teeth, even the molars and said that they looked really good. She didn’t feel anything around his bladder or tummy. She also said that his lungs sounded good and that even though he’s sniffly, he seems to be getting good air. We moved to a new place in the last few weeks but they have been flopped out blissfully every night since we got here. It’s bigger with carpet so they seem to love it. There’s not much furniture in here (my last place was furnished) so there’s nothing to get into really. Cords are up. They have a giant tunnel of moving boxes taking over the living room. It’s just me and them so I can’t think of anything really stressful…my only idea is that his hay consumption might be lower than it should be? The brand we were buying was discontinued and I can tell they are not as fond of this new kind. I think I’m going to order a different kind and see if they eat more of it. (This is not just like this week, a few months but maybe he’s just been choosing to eat less?) The vet thinks it could be a veggie he’s reacting badly to maybe too. I think I’m going to pull back on those a bit and offer one at a time again like I did when I first got him to make sure they are sitting okay. Any other ideas??

                                                                                                                                                      Update: When I came home for lunch today, Comet ran immediately over to his food bowl and begged for pellets! Then he chowed down on the ones I gave him. There was quite a bit of hay gone from earlier too and I’ve seen lots of regular looking poops! Yay for poops and food!


                                                                                                                                                    • MimzMum
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                                                                                                                                                        I think you’re on the right track. Mine loved a certain hay and when it suddenly ran out and we had to use a different one, bang…no more good hay eating. They used to love romaine lettuce til last year…now it gives them gas. Bunny tummies are very touchy.

                                                                                                                                                        But he sounds much better today! I’m so glad to hear it! ((((((((Hugs))))))))


                                                                                                                                                      • BinkyBunny
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                                                                                                                                                          well…whew!! I know trying to figure out the reason can really be a mystery. And sometimes, if everything goes back to normal and another episode doesn’t happen, then we are just left scratching our heads. Rabbits!! Not unusual for that to happen. This may have been covered in this thread so sorry if this has already been asked, but do they have a crock or a water bottle? If it’s a water bottle, I would just make sure that enough water is able to come out –that it’s not stuck or ?? as that can cause digestive issues if a water bottle is clogged or has problems (make sure its clean etc). 


                                                                                                                                                        • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                                                            Thanks for the hugs! I almost started crying today when he was begging for pellets at lunch because I was so happy to see him acting like Comet again! Then after I gave him his medicine tonight, he stomped at me and I was so tickled that he has his rabitude back I felt so helpless and worried this weekend, it’s like having a child! Feels awfully good to see him currently all lounged out next to his buddy Chubs and just a few minutes ago, he was munching on hay. Now to maybe solve this mystery…any recommendation on a certain brand of hay? We have the Kaytee Timothy right now because that’s all they sell in my area but I’m willing to order some offline or go to a certain store, even in Portland area Monkey?


                                                                                                                                                          • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                                                                              Well, in Portland I would recommend the RA mix we do. It’s timothy, orchard, oat, and a rye/fescue mix that the buns adore. it’s all fresh local hay. 10lbs for $12. I can hook you up


                                                                                                                                                            • Nova
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                                                                                                                                                                The white or clearish coating around poops, or just the clear/white or jelly coating at all and no poops….is a build up of bacteria when the food wasn’t moving through the gut and just laying in the tummy, building up. When my boon had GI Stasis, he was only passing the jelly mucus, and before that, big sausage..looking…turds…instead of pellets. Very wet looking. Not normal or good for a bun! This is what my rabbit savvy vet told me about the jelly poos. It means something is slowed down or not moving at all. Best to get it moving. Vets usually prescribe a motility agent like Cisapride. Or if bunny passes the stubborn poops and things go back to normal, that’s good too. And if there is a bad overgrowth of bacteria, an antibiotic necessary, you will know if he is passing strange stools, ulike the normal pellet poos buns usually have.

                                                                                                                                                                Hope he continues to feel better!! Hopefully, he passed the stubborn food and his gut is moving again!


                                                                                                                                                              • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                                                                  That sounds great Monkey! Where do I get it? I will either be in Portland again over the next 2 weeks or a friend of mine from there will be coming up here so he could pick it up for me.

                                                                                                                                                                  I think Comet is continuing to improve. He gave me major attitude tonight after I gave him his meds, and seems to be acting more like his old self He gobbled up the little bit of parsely I allowed him tonight and his little bit of pellets, and was munching hay AND was drinking water! Happy Happy happy bunny mom to see it!


                                                                                                                                                                • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                                                                                    http://www.adoptarabbit.org/BBB/BBBAvailability.html

                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                    That link shows the places it is sold at. Check and make sure they have any before going to get it.

                                                                                                                                                                    If they are out, I might be able to get my paws on some for you. Let me know

                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                    Edit: the next hay packing date is Feb 4th. I can get some put aside for you as well if you like.


                                                                                                                                                                  • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                                                                                                                      Glad to hear Comet is feeling better!

                                                                                                                                                                      I know how frustrating it is not knowing the cause. I’ve dealt with many serious GI situations that were just mysteries. They sometimes come out of nowhere and recover just as fast leaving a Bunny Mommy glad but frustrated.


                                                                                                                                                                    • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                                                                                                                                        WOW Phew!! That vet you saw sounds fantastic and very knowledgeable and I`m so glad Comet is feeling better *hugs* and ((continued motility vibes))

                                                                                                                                                                        Nova that is super interesting about the jelly poops-I am so going to remember that!


                                                                                                                                                                      • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
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                                                                                                                                                                          Little bit of an update. Comet continues to do very well. He is off almost all his medicines now and is eating/pooping great. The vet did inform me that his blood work came back and he is positive for E. Cuniculi which makes me really sad She said he is not showing symptoms right now so we wouldn’t treat it but I read about it and it’s scary! Anyone have info/knowledge about this?


                                                                                                                                                                        • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                                                                                            Yay for him getting better, but sad face for E. Cuniculi

                                                                                                                                                                            As far as I know, there is no cure for it, you can pretty much just treat symptoms. So it would make sense to not treat it if he isn’t showing any. I could be wrong though.


                                                                                                                                                                          • BinkyBunny
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                                                                                                                                                                              Many rabbits can test positive and live symptom free their whole life. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 rabbits will test positive (many of which will never show symptoms – though some can be carriers)    Testing positive means they were exposed, but it may not mean that it is currently infecting and causing havoc. (it can be dormant forever).   It’s good that you have the test because then later, IF something happens, symptoms show up, you can compare it with another blood test and compare the titer levels— and if the numbers have risen, it could help reveal what’s really going on and that will help with treatment.

                                                                                                                                                                              Again, don’t let the “positive” test result scare you. Rucy tested positive and never showed any symptoms even when she got older. She passed away from an unrelated issue. Bailey was also positive, but only showed symptoms as she got older.

                                                                                                                                                                              It’s not something to worry too much about — but just good to know about.


                                                                                                                                                                            • littlemissflip
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                                                                                                                                                                                Ditto BB. The EC titers just indicate whether the rabbit has been exposed to EC at some point (and thus have developed antibodies in response)… it doesn’t necessarily mean that the EC is causing the current symptoms or is problematic at all. Many rabbits will have a positive EC titer and never be symptomatic, so try not to worry too much about it!

                                                                                                                                                                                That said, it’s worth knowing that he has the positive titer and reading up on the common symptoms so that you can be on the look-out–if he ever DOES develop EC symptoms, you’ll be able to detect and treat it more quickly because you’re aware. EC commonly infects the eyes, nervous system, or kidneys, so common symptoms include cataract formation or corneal ulcers/inflammation, head tilt, paralysis, seizures, or rapid increase in water consumption.

                                                                                                                                                                                I’m glad to hear Comet is doing better!

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                                                                                                                                                                            Forum DIET & CARE I think Comet is really sick :(