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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. 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.
› Forum › DIET & CARE › Need help ASAP Cant afford vet jumped in gas
Ziggy jumped in a 5 gallon bucket of gas last night but did get out somehow. of coarse my first resonse was to wash him with dawn about 4 times. he is a little responsive.
cant afford a vet as I just left my job last week and dont start a new one for a few weeks. I did give him a little vitamin E. any advice besides why did I have gas in a bucket? I will have that resolved quickly. he is sitting up right at this point in time compared to just laying on his side when I found him this morning. hate for him to die as he is quite socialable.
Thanks
Paul
Arlington Texas
Do you think he drank some? That would be a huge concern and would require vet treatment as I imagine that would eat up his insides.
I also am concerned about his inhaling fumes. I think you need to have him checked out by a vet – but you can ask the vet if you can be billed and/or make payments in installments. If you explain you expect to be able to start paying in 30 days, you may be able to take him right away. It really is a planned expense to be budgeted for. Also, consider getting pet insurance for $12 a month (VPI) that will cover costs that would be prohibitive otherwise. (I am job hunting, and have it for that reason.) It’s just that if any harm came to your bunny, it may show up later and be too late.
I really couldnt say. have no idea how long he was in there.I would think they could easily absorb it through their skin.
Paul
I do have pet insurance that gives I think it gives me 25 percent off. I will call a few vets and follow your advice. I have other animals and have had them to the vet a pretty often. or had the vet here depending on the animal. ie horse.
I assume my insurance is still in effect as I just left my job last week.
Thanks
Paul
OK, When you say gas I assume you are referring to petrol. (Rhmmmm, Showing remarkable restraint at the moment) When you say he jumped in, were you there at the time or did you find him soaked in petrol ? Are his eyes affected ? Is it possible he swallowed any ?
Firstly, make some pellet mash and try to get Ziggy to eat it. Lining his stomach will help protect the stomach and move any ingested gasoline through his system. Start giving regular doses of simethicone (baby gas formula) as swallowing gasoline can cause severe bloating.
In the interim, phone your vet. Advice is generally free and if you are a regular they may be able to defer the charges until you start your new job.
[Edited by Rabbitpam: Roberta, he already stated he has dealt with the gas situation. No need to comment this way. Your suggestion above is helpful. Thanks.]
I would call your vet immediately!!! and explain the situation, most vets are more concerned with the animal’s health first and then payment. This is another reason why I think pet insurance is necessary!!!!! I have 9 bunnies and have all of mine insured an it only costs me about $100 a month, but it is SOOOO worth it especially if an emergency comes along!!
Well you could call a poison control hotline (even though for animals there is a fee). I would call a vet’s office and see if they can help you with this situation. It really can be life threatening.
I agree with calling one of your vets that know you. Many vets will give you advise over the phone if it’s a poison control situation and not necessary to bring him in. Or, you may follow their immediate advice and make an appointment for a few days to be sure he is OK. But make the calls and see where it gets you first.
Also check his eyes. The petrol may blind him if it has gotten into his eyes. If you have some plain saline based eye drops available empty out half and fill with water so it is diluted further and try washing his eyes.
Yes it as petrol. I wasnt there when it happeded. I found him in the yard this morning almost dead. and certainly I understand about getting rid of the gas. it is no good but I didnt want to dispose of it improperly. I am sure he got it in his eyes also. I really have no idea how long he was in the petrol.
I will make a pellet mash and try to give him some. I will also run to the drug store and get the formula. and I am trying to get a hold of one of the three different vets I use.
Thanks so much
Paul
I have saline for contacts. do you think I can dilute it and use that?
Thanks
Paul
Do you have a first aid kit with eye wash in it ? I would use that highly diluted with a dropper. mean while get the pellet mash into him first and have lots of hay and water on hand. Get the simethicone and they may also have baby eye drops. Keep flushing his eyes and get the mash into him with the simethicone.
No, I wouldn’t do that. You would be safest to just use plain water and rinse with that. Until you hear back from your vet.
If he’s got gas in his eyes, he’s ingested the gas as well and you need to address this. I really think before you do anything talk to the vet.
he is eating the mash on his own so i hope thats a good sign. Im not sure how well I got his eyes rinsed out when I washed him. he was so weak and un resopnsive I didnt want to drown him while I was washing him. After he eats should I wash him a few more times? I talked to one of my vets but however she is a horse vet. she said she agrees with my actions but to follow with another vet. going to call them now.
Thanks so much
Paul
That’s good he’s eating – I would talk to the other vet first before you do anymore washing, it may be totally unnecessary at this point and might add more to his stress.
Great, make that call ASAP. Everything I have suggested is standard protocol for petrol ingestion and exposure. That he is eating the mash is excellent, get the simethicone or better get someone to get it for you whilst you make the calls and get onto an eye rinse. Plain water would be good but as petrol is oily it will coat the eye, a mild saline solution will help move it. Worst case a 1×10 solution of the contact wash as long as it is ONLY saline with no additives. One drop of wash to 10 drops of water. Eye drops would be better. Same dilution.
I agree with Sarita, No more baths…. Just check his eyes and nose for inflammation. The baby gas formula is very important though. Petrol ingestion causes bloat and gas, Major bloat and gas which for a bunny is a VERY BAD THING.
He is moving around better. I have a vet calling me back that deals with rabbits. one of my regular vets that does rabbits is on vacation and they referred me to another one. I will have to go myself for the other stuff. leaving to do that now. will be nack in a few minutes.
Thanks
Paul
Sarita… I can’t remember the dosage for the simethicone. It will need to be given 3 hrs apart was it 1ml or .5ml not sure of the imperial conversion.
OK, It’s past 11pm here in Australia and I need sleep. Have a very sick cat of my own in the vets and 6 house bunnies that will be wanting breakfast at 6am.
Hoping all goes well. I would recommend 1ml of the baby gas formula every 3 hours for 9 hrs (3 doses) but confirm with your vet. If you see evidence of bloat later give a further dose. Keep a watch on his eyes and get them rinsed. once with the saline should be sufficient. Keep giving him the mash and make sure there is plenty of hay and fresh water available. Also if you have some fresh parsley and mint. Mint settles the stomach and parsley is an antioxidant and detox herb.
Roberta, I appreciate your assistance here, but Paul is doing the right thing by calling his vets and getting their instructions. Please remember our policy as stated above:
“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.”
Once Paul stated his bunny was in such bad shape when he discovered him, I believe it was an emergency and we need to get him advice from a vet asap. He can confirm your suggestions with one (so far so good), but I don’t want him delayed in speaking to the vet by going out on errands to follow instructions he read here. We are all concerned and hope his actions so far have been providing the first aide needed. Keeping our paws crossed.
Healing {{{{{vibes}}}}} !
Keep us posted on how you get on.
FIrst off I would like to thnak everyone so much for the advice. I am very good about reading forum rules but have not had time to read the ones on this forum seeing what the circumstances were. I don understand the liability of coarse in all the advice and would never hold anyone person or website accountable for any advice given. The vet said it was most important that he ate. I have administered the saline in his eyes and the simethicone. I will follow the advice in the follow up dosages that I have received.I am currnetly very concerned about his vision. I would like to bathe him again but not sure how much stress I will be puting on him, but I think that as long as he still has a gas/petrol smell to him I should be concerned. anyone have any ideas on when I should bathe him again? As you can tell I am ignorant about rabbits and only know what reseach I had done concerning care and diet when we got him.
Also what about the membranes in his ears and should I try to treat his ears with something? I really dont want to put dawn inside of his ears as I would think I would have a hardtime rinsing them out.
Thanks so very much again
Paul
With all due respect Pam, I did advise Paul to call his vet. Any information I have given is based on Poisons Information for petrol ingestion First Aid for humans and animals.
I am going to bed.
Posted By Roberta on 05/15/2013 09:57 AM
I agree with Sarita, No more baths…. Just check his eyes and nose for inflammation. The baby gas formula is very important though. Petrol ingestion causes bloat and gas, Major bloat and gas which for a bunny is a VERY BAD THING.
Just re-reading the post. and read the no more baths. thats why I am re-reading. dont want to miss anything.
Thanks
Paul
It’s very good that you have gotten him to eat since the vet said that was the most important thing.
My concern isn’t really about liability as much as it is about delay, so you have been doing the right thing for your bunny. Many of us give good advice based on experience, but that is never a substitute for in-person professional knowledge.
I agree that your concern for his ears and eyes is valid. Maybe the vet who called you last wouldn’t mind a call with one more question about how to treat those. Did this vet say you were OK at home without bringing him in?
One way to clean a bunny dry is to use a sprinkling of plain corn starch, like you may have in the kitchen. It is often used to absorb odor and wetness off a bunny bum, so it might be able to be brushed through, helping to dry him and absorb odor. If it’s just a smell and not remaining gas, it might help. If you call the vet back for eyes and ears, you can ask about it.
I expect the smell is as stressful to him as bathing, so as long as you dry him off well, I don’t think it would be too much. But I’m more concerned about it being useless if the odor is in his skin. Now that he’s eaten, report that back to the vet (it’s a good sign) and see if you can get some answers.
The vets biggest concern was the food intake. (of coarse after bathing him.) I must have washed him about 5 times. he was just so weak I didnt want to stress him or get water in his airway. They didnt seem to concerned about his ears. and I rinsed them with wter while I was washing him.
He seems to be doing a lot better but nothing close to normal. just 50% better than the condition I found him in. hopefully thats a good sign. The kids will be home from school in about 4 hours and I am sure I am in much trouble with my daughter as she has a hard time taking a hook out of a fish’ mouth without hurting the fish. I guess at this point it is a waiting game. I have not seen him drink on his own. I am sure he is stressed and exhausted as this has taken a huge toll on him. I will monitor and keep updates posted.
Again I cant extend enough Thanks for the the fast responses. And if anyone would like to beat me and verbally abuse me that is fine. I realize I deserve it and can and will take all types of critisism.
Sincerley
Paul
Arlington Texas
I hope he is fine. You mention he is outside is there a way you will be able to keep him inside now?
Posted By Sarita on 05/15/2013 11:27 AM
I hope he is fine. You mention he is outside is there a way you will be able to keep him inside now?
He is in his cage outside right now. I can bring him in but was thinking the fresh air and lite wind would be good for him.
The temperture here is 75f 24c outside. If you think I should bring him in I can. of coarse I am constantly checking up on him.
Thanks again so much
Paul
We strictly prohibit verbal abuse here, as we all know that bunny owners are harder on themselves than anyone else could possibly be.
I’m glad he’s showing improvement, and if you have done all you can so far under the vet’s instructions, then we’ll just have to see if rest will help.
Agreed that you don’t want to get water in his airway. Keep a cool dish of water near where he is resting so he can take some if he is able.
Appreciate your keeping us posted. Agree with Sarita – definitely keep him inside right now.
It’s easier to keep an eye on any changes if he’s inside, you can open a window so he has fresh air.
Alright will bring him inside then. no problem.
Thanks so much again
Paul
Yes, please bring him in – I agree we are having lovely weather but I think it will be easier to keep an eye on him right now especially since you don’t know if he’s “out of the woods” yet. Fresh air is good but you don’t want him to go in shock and you want to keep him warm as well. I imagine there is enough air circulation inside as well.
Just read you are bringing him in – so glad!
Thought I would go ahead and post a picture of said rabbit. because of my ignorance I dont even know what breed of rabbit he is.
He sure is cute – I hope he’s okay and honestly many rabbit owners don’t know their rabbits breeds – I couldn’t definitively tell you mine. I would say that Ziggy is a mix – he looks very much like my Bogie rabbit.
Please keep us updated on his condition.
Just a quick update. So far so good. Ziggy seems to be remaining stable. he has had some bowel movements so I am hoping thats a good sign.
I can not say for sure anything about his water intake. I will make him some more pellet mash in a little bit.
At least he is able to move around verses the condition found him in.
Thanks once again for all the help and I will continue to keep updates posted.
Paul
I think you have suffered enough Paul and you have done a fantastic job getting onto the vet ASAP and making sure the petrol was removed. The cornstarch bath is a great idea..So glad you are bringing him in… Life is so much better for a bun inside and you can make some great rabbitats with NIC cubes. They bring such joy when they are part of the family and able to interct with you indoors.
Thank You so much Roberta. he is starting to clean himself and has been drinking water on his own. I feel so bad for this but I know its my own fault.
we have horses, chickens, one english bulldog and one cat. on top of all this we had severe weather here tonight but dodged the bullet tonight. not so lucky for people south of me. I am really praying and hoping that he will have a full recovery. as I hate to see an animal suffering. our horse was a rescue that we bought from a neighbor that was starving and has made a complete turn around in the last year, only took the rabbit in because someone else only bought it for their kids for Easter. just found out there has been at least two fatalities just south of me from the earlier tornadoes.
I cant express enough the Thanks again for all the help. especially since this was a preventable accident that I take full responsibility for.
Paul
but still worried.
Hi Paul, I’m just glad we could all be of help.
OK, we all do dumb things now and then and I have had my share, time to move on and congratulate yourself for acting quickly and calmly and saving little Ziggy’s life.
Hope you are all safe in the weather and will be keeping your whole family two footed and four footed in my thoughts.
Hi, Paul,
Just checked your post 1st thing this morning and am delighted to see he is doing so well. Drinking and pooping = excellent!
Please stay safe in those bad storms. I know there’s not much you can do except have a provisions box ready and hunker down (I live in hurricane country and the season starts soon). Having animals to care for in those circumstances is doubly hard. Sounds like you care a lot about all of them and do your best. Maybe by now they have passed and you, Ziggy, your other animals and your neighbors are out of the woods. Stressful!!!
Hi Paul…
Just checking to make sure everything is still going OK and that little Ziggy is still on the med and his eyes are OK. Did the vet suggest anything else in that regard ?
Also hope those storms have cleared and left you safe. I heard it on the news here last night and it sounded absolutely terrifying.
Just found this thread. Been a day since everyone’s gotten an gotten an update – please let us know how everything is going!
Would also love an update.
Deeply concerned for Paul and his family… The reports initially said only 10 tornadoes then an update said 14 had touched down. I hope they are safe and their home is intact.
Just getting in on this thread but wanted to send some Ziggy and family vibes as I just read Robertas post above.
Would love to hear an update also. You definitely don’t need any verbal abuse – you did great coming on here and getting advice and following through with making sure you were giving him care. He’s lucky he has you.
Hi all. just wanted to post an update. Ziggy is still alive but very far from the same bunny. this hurts me bacause i am the one whom was responsible for all this. he wont exit his cage like before and if he does he just goes to a corner and sits. I Think he may have some nerve damage. he is cleaning himself so I am hopeful. he is eating and drinking fine. has been drinking a lot more than usual which is good I assume. I really need to bathe him again but that will be a task as he has energy now unlike when I found him. he is very wild when holding him as comparred to before.
I am really worried about him because he was a totally different bunny before. I will continue to work with him of coarse. I just wish I was expierenced as much as everyone on this forum.
any advice or help again will always be greatly apreciated. of coarse some people just dont need animals and I am starting to feel this way about myself now. I am very succesfuk with all my other animals but I let Ziggy down big time.
Thanks again for all the help. its meant the world to me and I was so happy to get the help that I have gotten.
I will continiue to update. I am just worried that they will not be positive.
again any help would be great…
Paul
Hi Paul, Given the weather conditions you have recently endured (so glad to know you and your family are alive and safe) I tend to think that it is not entirely the gas dunking that is causing his moods. My ceiling imploded in severe storms last year and my bunnies get extremely upset when it gets windy or noisy. The can feel the changes in pressure and their natural instinct is to hide. Also given that he had to have fairly intensive hands on treatment for the drenching he might be a little bit over being handled.
Is Ziggy still inside with you ? Also how are his eyes looking ? If his eye’s are good I would say that things are definitely heading in the right direction and his head may not have been under for more than a few seconds. Hopefully you can get him to the vets so they can do a hands on exam very soon.
I would try the corn starch bath for him rather than the water. You use pure cornstarch and rub it into the fur then fluff and brush it out, a bit like dry shampoo (if you were from my generation) its better than water as it will absorb ay oily residue that is left where as water and even detergent will often leave behind the greazy matter. Hopefully someone has a suggestion for the least stressful method.
I have a bun that has regular but baths (though things are improving) and it is a nightmare getting her in the sink. The water is only a few centimeters deep and once she is in its fine but getting her there is a nightmare.
Glad to see you checking in and that the storms haven’t hit you badly.
I think the suggestion of using cornstarch is good. It’s completely safe to use on rabbits.
You mentioned initially that he was washed 4 times. I would have thought that was enough. Does it still feel like there is gas in his coat?
It’s great he is eating and drinking. Is he toileting well also? His poos look healthy?
he wont exit his cage like before and if he does he just goes to a corner and sits
I do think having him indoors is important to monitor him but also wonder if its this that his mood has changed.
Are you seeing any times where his activity level improves? Rabbits do sleep a lot in the day but have bursts of increased energy.
You’re dealing with an unfortunate and distressing situation. I can imagine you feel so bad about it but it was an accident.
I hope you see him improving. {{{Ziggy}}}.
I am very sad to say that Ziggy took a turn for the worse today and I had to put him down. He started sqeeling and was having convulsions. it was obvious he was suffering and I regret that I had to do it but did not want him to suffer anymore.
my wife only took him in from a co-worker because we thought we could give him a better home. I hate that people buy rabbits and chicks for their kids at Easter.
Thank you all again for all the help.
Sincerley
Paul
I’m so very sorry about the loss of your sweet bun.
((((Binky Free Little Ziggy)))))
Paul, I am so sorry that all your efforts were unsuccessful. You cared enough to take him in in the first place, and to try to help when he needed you. I know that doesn’t make it better but in time that will help.
I couldn’t agree with you more about the horrible Easter animal traditions! There are a lot of members on this forum who work hard to promote awareness and so that maybe (with time) there will be fewer people buying the “Easter Bunny”, and that would make businesses less likely to sell them. (Or give them, I’ll never forget the fit I had when a local radio station did a month long daily bunny give away!) Anyway, I thought maybe you and your wife might want to search the site, there are posters and pamphlets to download, and I’m sure other members could give you tips on helping to try to prevent other rabbits needing to be taken in when the novelty has warn off.
It is obvious your heart is in the right place, thought this might be a productive way to help you to cope.
((( Binky Free Ziggy )))
I was following this thread but not commenting (Had nothing to add, everyone was giving great advice). I’m very sorry for your loss.
Paul, I am so sorry Ziggy passed. You did more for him by rescuing him than we even knew from your post, and tried your best to help him after this unforeseeable accident.
Please accept my condolences to you and your family. He knew you tried to help, and loved him.
{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}
Paul, I just read your post on the previous page, and I want to add that you sound like an animal lover who should definitely have them. Please let yourself accept that. Many of us have been very awkward with our first bunnies, and we had to learn about these special little pets with limited knowledge. They love us back, and I think you now know where to find information and support from now on. It was great of you to rescue Ziggy and in time you may be needed again to help another special little guy.
Binky Free little Ziggy..
Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. Honestly it is entirely possible that the petrol incident was not to blame he may have had other issues that did not come to light earlier. I truly believe you did the best you could for little Ziggy.
Binky Free, Ziggy! <3
I am sorry for your families loss, Binky free Ziggy. My Heart has joined the thousands for my friend stopped running today…
I’m sorry to hear he worsened Paul. My condolences to you and the family.
***Binky Free Ziggy!***
› Forum › DIET & CARE › Need help ASAP Cant afford vet jumped in gas