Hi everyone.
I have an older (8-10 yrs) Netherland dwarf rabbit. About a week ago he started having balance problems. Any time I would let him out he would act normal, except for the fact that he kept falling over (no head tilt). I took him to the emergency vet in the middle of the night and the vet said he had GI stasis. So because he was eating normally still seemed alert, I opted to wait until the morning when he had an appointment with his normal vet.
The next morning his normal vet took some x-rays and said he didn’t see any obstruction, but it was probably some GI stasis. He also said that Oliver had some “bad” bacteria in his gut that he’s like to clear up. He me to give him 3 cc’s of pineapple juice 3 times a day an also gave Oliver Orbax, which I was to give him twice a day, and I set up a follow-up appointment in a week. Finally, the vet told me to completely remove pellets from his diet.
Oliver hated the pineapple juice but was pretty ok with the Orbax. However, Oliver stopped pooping the next day (although he was eating normally). So now it’s Christmas Eve and I have an elderly rabbit who is eating fine, acting fine, has his balance back, but hasn’t pooped in 36 hours.
Back to the emergency vet we go. This time I got a rabbit specialist, who told me that Oliver had some “gunk” in his ear and had GI stasis, probably brought on my the Orbax. So I was told to stop the pineapple juice and start ear drops and Cisapride.
I gave Oliver the Cisapride and by Christmas morning there were poops in his litter box. I felt we were in the clear.
However, now Oliver is being lethargic (he’s been sitting behind a chair all day) and doesn’t seem to be drinking much water, but he’s eating his greens normally. He’s picking at his hay, but not much. Also, Oliver will drink water, but only if I syringe it to him. He also hasn’t pooped or peed since last night.
I’ve tried massaging his stomach, and I did hear some loud gurgling, so I’m thinking perhaps he has some gas. Although he doesn’t seem to be in pain. After I finish writing this I’m going back to the vet to pick up some more Cisapride for him.
I don’t feel like taking him back to the vet will do much, since he is still eating. Their attitude seems to be that unless a rabbit hasn’t pooped and eaten in the last 24 hours keeping him at home is the best thing to do. If I bring him back I feel like I’ll get the same thing, or I can ask them to keep him in which case they’ll do IV fluids and heavy duty meds for 24-48 hours. I don’t want to stress my bun in that way if it’s not necessary.
I’m at a total loss of what’s going on. Is this GI stasis that he’s just not over yet? Did I get over-excited when he pooped Christmas day? Or is this an older rabbit who’s body is tired, and should I be preparing for him to pass on?
I’m also wondering if his decrease in water intake is due to an increase in greens/decrease in pellets? Or is he just stressed from all the vet visits?
I’m a total wreck. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.