I’m so sorry for you and poor Binkles! I’m new and have never gone through that, so I’m no help, but you sound like an excellent attentive bunny-mom, and I’m sure you’ll get her through just fine…

Positive thoughts to you…!!!!

omg, I can’t offer anything but prayers, but you have all of those, please let us know how it goes.

I’m so sorry your bun is having a difficult time – it sounds like yur second vet was much more familiar with bunnies, and hopefully the information she provided you will work for your little bunny. Don’t be scared, stasis happens a lot with bunnies, and similar tummy problems since bunnies have such senstive digestive processes. The best you can do is follow your vets advice, and try your best to keep your bunny comfortable as she gets her digestive system back in order. Try tempting her periodically with a couple treats here and there.

I don’t really know that the pineapple juice will provide you with a lot of extra benefit, and its quite sugary, so if there is another treat your bunny prefers, try using that instead. My bunnies really like some banana, so I would give them medicine in that. Also, in lieu of feeding gerber peas, you can soak pellets in water (1 part pellets, and 3 parts water) and that will give your bunny something she is more familiar with.

Awww poor bunny! I have a bunny who goes through stasis every now and then and actually have just come out of 3 out of my 4 bunneis having mild to severe stasis. This is my experience…

Pineapple juice is known to help dissolve hairballs, however regular pinapple juice will not do. It has been processed and the processing removes the enzyme that is most important. Only fresh pinapple juice will do. Go to the grocery store and get some fresh pineapple – usually in the section where you get fresh cut fruit salads and stuff – they usually have containers of fresh cut pineapple – that’s what you need. Use a syringe to suck up the juice and feed it to Binkles.

If you can, get to a vet and get critical care. Yes, mushed up pellets are the next best thing, but if you an get the best thing, I suggest that.

Simethicone is good but only one cc is way too little. With simethicone, you cannot overdose so don’t be affraid. Not knowing how much Binkles weighs, I have included a conversion chart for you to use…please keep in mind this is for simethicone in a 40mg dose….

OVAL DOSE CHART
Weight in pounds Dose of 40 mg Ovol in cc’s

1 lb 1.1
2 lbs 2.3
2.5 lbs 2.8
3 lbs 3.4
3.5 lbs 4
4 lbs 4.5
4.5 lbs 5.1
5 lbs 5. 7
5.5 lbs 6.25
6 lbs 6.8
6.5 lbs 7.5
7 lbs 8
7.5 lbs 8.5
8 lbs 9
8.5 lbs 9.7
9 lbs 10.2
9.5 lbs 10.8
10 lbs 11.4
10.5 lbs 12
11 lbs 12.5

You can give this does once every three hours and then once every 3 – 4 hours after if you want.

My vet usually gives me a regime of metaclopromide and cisipride for motility drugs. Both do the same thing, get the gut moving, but affect different areas of the tummy and are very effective when used together. Perhaps mention this to your vet.

And yes, I have heard that feeding your bunn cecal pellets from a healthy bunn will help. But I have never used laxatone.

Keep up with the tummy rubs and always have fresh hay and wet veggies on-hand to feed. Use unflavoured pedialyte to mush up the pellets or mix with critical care – it is great for keeping your bunny hydrated.

FYI, I am NOT a vet, just someone who has gone thorugh this many times beofre and is offering tips that have worked for my bunns. Nothing replaces the advice of a rabbit-savvy vet.

Kisses to Binkles – I hope she is feeling better soon! Please do keep us updated…

Binkles, I’m so sorry that bun is not feeling well, and I send my most heartfelt healing vibes to you! (((((((((Binkles))))))))

I like the sound of vet#2, much more knowledgeable. The only thing that kind of gave me a ‘huh?’ moment was the peas. I think peas can cause gas in bunnies so I wouldn’t use those, but I see you’ve already received advice on this.

And of course, all the extra attention is going to mean so much to your bun. I know it’s hard, but try to smile for her and give her lots of encouragement. I suffer from many stomach disorders and discomforts and sometimes, the loving hug of a family member does all the good in the world.

Simethicone in humans is usually only the two tablets per dose and that’s it for the day. Not sure about the difference between that and the liquid, but I’d be careful with any medication due to the possibility of drug interaction.

Keep an eye on your bun, please let us know how her eliminations go. And by all means, when good news hits, let us have it with both barrels!

Sorry! ;_; Not trying to confuse…I would just say, what your vet told you is your best advice, but please try to stay calm. It will not do your bunny any good to panic. (says the woman who’s suffered from anxiety all her life)
Would another Binky member who’s more knowledgeable about this subject please chime in? My buns have come close to stasis, but never succumbed. And Binkles needs our help!
Does anyone know how to reach an online forum leader? Perhaps emailing one of them from their profile would help?

EDIT: I Googled GI Stasis and simethicone in rabbits and this was the first hit. Maybe this will help? It’s a Dana Kremples Q & A session from Allexperts.com.

Dear Dana,

I have read the articles carefully. I thnik the rabbit definitely has the GI stasis.

Ok, my question is, in the article, it says 1-3 cc of pediatric simethicone. For how long will that dose be enough? Do I give him all of that immediately or? What do I do later, some other day when this happens? Because it happens too often!

How many days should there be between one dose and the other?

And this is very important: why did this condition obviously get worse after taking the Ivermec?

Thanks so much.

Ana

[script removed]

Answer
Dear Ana,

The simethicone should be given until the stasis is resolved, but it won’t do so on its own.  Simethicone can be given every 4-6 hours, without harm, but don’t use it long term, as it can affect the intestinal villi (temporariliy) and interfere with proper digestion.  

You’ll need intestinal motility drugs and all the protocols outlined in the article, and it might help to give that veterinary version to your vet:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.pdf

Why is the problem chronic?  My first guess is incorrect diet:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html  (please read!)

followed closely by undiagnosed dental problems, which are very common in rabbits:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html

Either of these can cause chronic ileus and gas and pain, as you describe.  

I’m not sure why the condition got worse after the ivermectin, but it’s possible that because the shot stings like crazy, the bunny was stressed even further, and the visit to the vet didn’t help, either.  Reducing stress and keeping bunny comfortable and pain free are *critical* to reversing the ileus.

I hope this helps get her back in gear!

Dana 

I have had a bit of experience with stasis, I nursed two bunnies through it.  I know how scary it can be, but MM is right, please don’t panic.  The most important things you can do for you bunny are hydration, pain relief and maintaining food in the system.  The Dana Krempels article is really, really good.  Try to read it when you get a moment http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html

The pellet soak + water is a very good idea.  This provides 2 of the 3 things you need to give, hydration and calories.  Is your bunny hunched, grinding teeth, changing positions a lot?  If so, these are indications of pain, and a few doses of metacam might be called for.  Vets will sometimes give one or more gut motility drugs (as mentioned by rabbitsmba) to encourage pooping.  If your bunny seems to be in pain tomorrow, please ask the vet for pain meds.  You can also syringe feed her a little (10 – 20 cc) of water to keep her hydrated.

Peas + pineapple is more sugar than I think bunny needs right now, I am not sure why the vet suggested this.  The pellet mush, plus some organic, unsweetened pumpkin if you want, should be all the nutrition she needs.  A trick that sometimes works is to offer a special treat food to tempt them into eating a little bit.  Some bunnies like herbs that are fragrant for example, or maybe a little bit of alfalfa.

I really hope this works out OK for you.  It is very very stressful, I know how difficult the assist feedings can be.  Please keep us posted.  I will be thinking of you and your bun tonight.

first of all… (((hugs to you & bun bun)))  i know how stressful it is when your buns is sick.

it really can be confusing to get contradictory advice and with buns there seems to be a lot of it.  i would recommend to follow the vets instructions med-wise for sure.  like everyone else has said… you cannot beat vet advice.

regarding ovol (simethicone)… i followed the dosages that rabbitsmba posted without incident.  my understanding of simethicone is that it is not a med and so it would not have drug contraindications although i have not heard this from my vet.  has anyone else heard this from a reliable source?

i agree with osprey about the peas & pineapple juice… they’re pretty sugary for your bun.

i mentioned this in your other thread too… i do not think the romaine gave your bun stasis.  i believe that stasis happens when bun’s gut is imbalanced with too many sugary foods and/or not enough fibre.  getting bun to eat right now is key and so offering some greens like parsley is a really a good thing.  of course hay would be great but i think buns who don’t want to eat much tend to be more tempted byt more fragrant greens. 

good luck & keep us updated on how you & binkles are doing.

won’t add a word of advice, they’ve covered it; Hugs to you and VIBES for binkles. Keep us posted hun

Oh YAY! It’s always great when the poop fairy visits! Hopefully Binkles will be back to normal in the morning.

As far as the simethicone doses I posted, I do stand by them – often bigger doses of simethicone take care of the problem faster. And simethicone is not a drug or medicine so you don’t need to worry about it interacting with other drugs – it is completely safe.

But you did the right thing – you took all the info we gave you and followed your gut and your vet’s advice! I am glad it seems to have all worked out for Binkles!

Binkles,
I just saw this now (in the morning) and am so sorry you’ve had such a bad scare.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Healing vibes for you both}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I wanted to say right off the bat that the only place I’ve read that Laxatone was questionable was here, and that was because they’ve found some other things work better on a regular basis, like the papaya tablets.
My personal experience was that 1.) It definitely worked like crazy within just a few hours and 2) he never suffered one iota of harm from it.
My guess is that it is no longer recommended for regular use as a preventative, plus you need to be careful which one you get due to strength. The dog tube was too much, but the cat tube was fine, maybe a bit less for a small bunny in dosage.

I happen to believe that advice from a vet for a medical crisis is different from daily maintenance procedures. If you believe you have a rabbit-savvy vet, she has seen your animal in crisis and is the best judge of what to use for immediate relief and cure in her particular case. While sugary foods may be bad in the long run, it may be that her advice to use it right now is helpful to your situation. A nutritionist once told me that sugar in my own system actually tended to speed up my metabolism, so perhaps the sugary pineapple gets the meds through her system faster. Just a guess.

No medication is going to be for more than several days, and if not improving steadily, you’ll be back to the vet and changing the protocol. So if you’ve already seen improvement, stick with the game plan. Everyone here always gives really great advice, but I’m a little wary of substitutions without checking with your vet by phone first to ask if that will produce the desired outcome.

You’re doing a great job and this has been going on, up and down mysteriously, all week. Hang in there and keep gently holding your Baby Binkles. I think it’s doing you both good.

yahOO!!!  thank goodness you had a visit from the poop fairy!!!  you’re a very good bun mum to have reached out for advice & cared so much about what you were doing.  whatever you’re doing… it works!  keep it up & report back about how binkles is coming along k?

I am so happy to read this.  I know the feeling of seeing those first few poops is such a relief!  Sending vibes for lots of nice round poops your way.

YEAH FOR POOP!    What a crazy 24 hours!  I am sorry you have received conflicting information.  Not sure how to solve that problem, unless everyone has a pre-binkles posting meeting.      Just sort of how forums work with everyone’s own opinions and experiences, but i know it can be frustrating during an urgent time.

My input is:

First – none of us our vets, so what we say is from our own experiences and/or from what we have researched.  That alone can be conflicting and you should always talk to you vet about the things that are being suggested.   I know many  times when I research and discuss what I’ve found with my vet, she may research it herself to double check and give me an answer, or she’ll know already, and  say, it won’t harm, so give it a try”, but there will be other times, that she will explain things to me as to why “this time..this incident”  something most likely won’t work or is not suggested.   So I really suggest that whenever you are dealing with a ton of information, list all the suggestions, and discuss with your vet.   If anything, she may be able to say, “that is a good suggestion, but not for this incident”  or  “it’s worth trying” or  “let me research that” 

Here are my own opinions about some of this stuff:

Agreement with the suggestions to use a water pellet soak to make sort of watery soup of pellets.  If you can get hold of critical care somewhere that would be even better – your vet didn’t sell it? 

I also am not fond of the the peas and pineapple mixtures because of the high sugar content, and I just have never ever had this recommended as a solution from any of my rabbit savvy vets.     I know that pineapple is still up for debate by leading rabbit savvy vets, so if it doesn’t hurt then it would be worth a try.

Regarding feeding healthy cecals to an ill bunny.  I have asked several rabbit-savvy vets about this and they feel that it’s not a good idea to do that.  One of the reasons being that there are illnesses that other bunnies may have, but not display.   Also, the bacteria level may be fine for one bunny, but not for another. 

Regarding the pumpkin amount if you are giving it alone:   I will email Scarlet, and also,  maybe another member will know this for sure, as I have never given the unsweetened pumpkin before, but I have it ready just in case for a mixture -  I have this recipe below sitting in my emergency kit IF I ever run out of Critical Care. 

“Soak about 2 – 3 tablespoons of pellets in about 1/2 cup of warm water or chamomile tea until they are soft and fluffy. The pellets will fluff more quickly in slightly warmed solution, but overheating may destroy some of the nutrient content of the pellets. Mix the pellet fluff with additional water or tea, vegetable baby food or even with canned pumpkin until it forms a somewhat liquid paste with the consistency of pudding. Allow to cool before using a large-bore feeding syringe (available at most pharmacies) to deliver the goods.

Insert the tip of the syringe into the space behind the incisors and squeeze gently sideways to avoid squirting food down the trachea (windpipe). Give only 1-2 cc at a time, allowing the bunny time to chew and swallow. Aspiration of food can be life threatening, so do this with great care!”

SOURCE: http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html

Regarding the feet in the bowl:  Sorry, but on that I just do not know.  There was a member here whose bunny did that all the time.  There is a picture of  it in the gallery. but  since your bunny just started doing that, take a look at the front paws and see if there is a broken nail, or if they seem sensitive at all.  

Regarding soreness:  Since your doctor checked everything, and seemed fine, then it could be a sprain, or bone bruise, but since he whimpers, I would let your vet know about this and hopefully they will prescribe pain meds, they also may want to double check that there isn’t a hairline fracture.  They may end up doing x-rays if this continues.

Regarding laxotone:  That, I think, will just continue to be another thing that will have conflicting information.   I have heard good and bad.  I used to use it and it didn’t cause problems, but I stopped because of the warnings and switched to other things like simethecone and metoclopram (from vet).  

I am so happy to hear that your bunny seems to be on the way to recovery!  I’m sending out healing and poop vibes!

Keep us updated.

Awesome!! poop!!

How terrible you have to deal with stasis and ouchies in one HUGS for you and NOSE RUBS for binkles.

I’m trying to find out right now about the pumpkin.

I think it’s okay if the slurry doesn’t poof! I remember my a vet tech actually trying to show me how to mix critical care and he said, it’s great if it looks like the texture of pea soup, but if it’s watery, that’s okay, just means more hydration. Plus, the pellets or critical care will continue to soak up water and continue to thicken, so it’s sometimes even better to lean towards the watery side too.

I’ll be back as fast as i can – hope I can get a definite answer before your snooze time.

Well…one word….UGH! So online I have a had horrible time finding specifics. I can safely say I have found that “nibbles” of pumpkin seem to be fine.  Sorry I can’t find specifics before your bedtime.  I will find out though from experts tomorrow during the day. .

oh Binkles, I’m so sorry, I wish I knew what to say, I know how hard you worked to save her. It just makes me cry

(((soft bunny hugs)))

Kathy

Oh, Binkles, I just read this after your post early last night and my heart just fell to my stomach.
This is so hard for you – you love her so much and did so much to save her. You did everything right and avoided anything that might have possibly made it worse, so do not start beating yourself up.

You are a wonderful bunny mom, and I know how much you will miss her. Binkles is such a dear, sweet bunny and I will miss hearing about her too. But she is not suffering now – she is just watching over her mother’s broken heart and telling you what a loving, comfortable home and life you provided for her.

Ohh, I am so sorry!  (((((Hugs)))))  Binkles was so beautiful.  Her pain has ended and you went to great lengths for her comfort.  I guess this bun was destined for a short life but it was a joyful one because of you.  You have been on such a roller coaster with this and just reading it has knotted my stomach.  I hardly know what to say, such a shock.  How is gorgeous Little Bit going?  One positive is now you have a better vet for her I guess.  My heartfelt condolences going out to you. Binky forever Binkles!!

Binky free, Binkles.

You did so much to try to save this baby, I know this must be terrible for you. She had you caring for her right up to the end, you did all you could. You and she are in my thoughts.

i’m so, so sorry. you did everything you could. she was very loved.

OMG! This is such a shock! I am so sad I just don’t know what to say……

I hope you are able to find comfort in your many happy memories of Binkles. Right now, she is across the Rainbow Bridge binkying through the fields of clover to the strawberry patch that is always in season. She is your special Guardian Angel Bunny now. Binky free, Sweet Binkles…

OMG, I am SO, SO SORRY this has happened! *cries* Binky free Binkles!
Hogeeze, I am in such shock at this news…I can’t type properly….

Again, I’m so sorry this happened, but yes, you were so attentive and loving to this bunny. Please try to let that comfort you in some way. ;_;
Please take care and post again as soon as you feel up to it, we all want to be here for you if you need us. (((((hugs)))))))

I am so sorry. She had a wonderful loving life with you. I know this has just been such a stressful and painful time. I am glad she is out of pain, but I know your heart hurts. What a horrible stressful time you’ve been through. Make sure to try and get some rest.

HUGS!!! We are here for you to help comfort you during this time.

I am so very sorry

Binky free Binkles.

Binky free little guy, I guess it was your time.

That sounds lovely.
Be sure to put a picture of Binkles in BB’s Photo Gallery to remember her by.

Oh, I’m so sorry! That is very sad. She did have a good life with you.

I will light a candle for Binkles.

I’m sooo sorry for this. *HUGS* She had a good, if too short, life with you and she knew she was loved. It’s so hard to lose them. Binky free Binkles.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while and leave footprints on our heart. And we are never ever the same.

I just read your post. So sorry to hear about sweet Binkles. What a wonderful bunny mommy you were. You did everything you could and you were able to stay calm which is important.  (((( binky free binkles)))

That is a very touching tribute.

OH, what a precious picture. You can tell she is completely comfortable and happy. She had a wonderful life with you. I know how painful this time is. It still hurts so much to think of Bailey

It will get easier in time. The waves of pain will lessen and the good memories will outshine the last heartbreaking ones.

Right now it’s just hard. Mourning is normal and the pain you are feeling is just part of the normal feeling of loss. Crying it out is also healing, so just let the tears come and time will begin to heal.

It won’t always feel like this, but I know it’s hard now, and so just make sure you get rest, and take care of yourself during this mourning period.

Healing and hugs to you!

((((Hugs!))))

is Lil Bit able to provide you any comfort, or is she making it harder on you? i think sometimes it can go either way…

i’m no rabbit psychiatrist… lol… but i wonder if avoiding her might be more upsetting than seeing you sad. she might not be able to recognize “negativity” like a person can, but i’m sure she does notice the lack of contact. but you have to do what you can for now.

I’d also like to say that Lil’ Bit is probably grieving herself right now. I’m glad to see you don’t approach her if you feel upset, but at the same time, perhaps she needs a little more comfort right now?
Have you posted any pictures of Lil’ Bit? I’d love to see one of her if you feel up to it.

Um…who is Grandbunny? (Sorry I’m really out of the loop here.)

As always, you have my deep sympathies and I’m sending big ‘feel better’ hugs for you. ((((((((((huggles))))))) I’m sure Binkles would like you to feel better soon too.

Ohhhh! So precious! *melts*
It’s a little siamese bunneh! *squee!*

I remember her now, gosh I must have you confused with another BinkyBunner, Binkles, I thought your bunnies were bonded. I am so sorry!

Well, I can’t tell you how many times my daughter wants to snuggle up her bunny and give her a squeeze, of course she knows this is not correct. But the urge is still there. She doesn’t spend a whole lot of time with her, but when she does Pip remembers her and will crawl into her lap and demand head pets. ^_^

How cool that your mum helps out with Lil’ Bit. She sure is adorable!

I think you’re doing just fine…I honestly don’t know what I’d do without Mimzy but I’d probably fall apart. So please don’t feel that I’m trying to make you feel bad about Lil’ Bit, just be sure to snuggle her whenever you feel up to it. I am sure she will bring you some joy and comfort and that always goes both ways when you give love to a bun!

I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my first bun (Bob- my screen name is in memory of him) 6 months ago and it was horrible.

I have a thought on Little Bit- not sure if you’ll agree or if it makes sense, but just in case it helps…. I find that animals are very empathetic, and while I agree that she will certainly pick up your sadness, what if it actually comforts her/makes her happy to help you feel better? I tend to feel that both my parents’ dog at home and my new bun when I’m especially upset seem like they go out of their way for extra snuggle time. So my thought would be that if you WANT to spend more time with Little Bit, that you shouldn’t stop yourself out of worry that you’ll affect her negatively. I think if anything she’ll enjoy being able to offer you comfort. I know that my second bun helped me a lot to get over the sadness of losing Bob- not that I was replacing him or not thinking of him- just helped comfort me and help me focus on the happy memories I had with him.

hugs.

I was thinking the same thing as Bob the Bunny mentioned. It seems whenever I have been sad, or had friends sad or sick, our animals stayed quite close offering their comfort. I know Little Bit can sense your negativity – but she may not be able to “catch” it. She loves you, she adapts. And I second MM’s “squee!” She is adorable.

Are you feeling any better today? You described your physical reaction the other day and I just wanted to add that it is part of grief and usually lasts a week or two. It literally is a physical discomfort, but that part usually subsides one day and it’s more the emotional distress for a while. Give yourself time. It was very hard losing Spockie, but I moved on to sharing stories about him along with pictures and movies, (months later) and eventually it was fun to relay memories with people who shared my enthusiasm.

You have been through so much, my heart goes out to you. I hope you feel better, but it will take time.
I too have found great comfort in my pets, they seem to know when your hurting. ((((((HUGS & PRAYERS)))))

Oh how sweet, what a character, Binkles looks just like our Precious. (((((BINKY FREE BINKLES)))))

Little Bit is sooo cute!!! Give an extra head pet for me.

((Little Bit, you help your mommy get through this. Give her lots & lots of snuggles. OK?))

What great photos that really show off Binkles personality. I am so sorry the website had been down during a time you may have needed some extra support after Binkles passing.  

HUGS!!!!

Great pics hun…how u holding up?

I LOVE the video idea!!!

Sorry I’ve been out for the week folks, my mum-in-law was here and she had us hopping.

Binkles, I admire all these things you are doing in honour of your dear bun. There is nothing like activity to stimulate the mind and bring it to terms with something sad. I love the idea of the mugs and keychains, you sound like me! ^_^ Sadly, I’m not into making videos, nor can I animate, but my daughter can draw well and loves to play with her movie-maker. I should suggest to her also that she make a short vid of her bunny, she loves taking pictures of her and I have no doubt she could enjoy the process of making a short clip, like what they do at the rescues. It is a beautiful idea!

I hope you are doing better. I see the last post here was from K&K on the 21st. Please let us know how you’re getting on when you can.

EDIT: Oh, and I almost forgot to add how great those piccies are of your bun! She liked to telescope, eh? Pip is like that…I really think she’s testing the heigth of the xpen to see if she can make ‘the big break’!

And I think the idea of telling Binkles’ story is a sound one. Yes, any information given can certainly assist the rest of us in caring better for our own bunnies. Thank you for sharing it with us!