low respiratory rate

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This topic has 8sd replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 3 months ago by jerseygirl.

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- 01/20/2009 at 9:53 AM
  DallasDelight
  Participant
  187 posts
  I’m noticing Duncan has a low respiratory rate. When he’s hopping around or sitting up it’s normal, but when he lays down on his belly with his legs out behind him, it is low. I counted 28 breaths/minute. Is that okay for a resting rabbit? Everything I’ve seen says 32-60 breaths per minute, lowest one said was 30. Could this be from what went on yesterday(binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/forumid/2/postid/93953/view/topic/Default.aspx) and he’s just very, very tired today?
  He’s not drinking much anymore, maybe that’s why?..should I syringe feed water to him?
- 01/20/2009 at 9:56 AM
  hooty22
  Participant
  606 posts
  If he isn’t drinking much water, you could mix some apple juice in it, or perhaps some Pedalite or continue with the water soaked celery… As for the breathing rate, I have no suggestions.
- 01/20/2009 at 10:01 AM
  xParadise
  Participant
  182 posts
  Are any of the rabbit-savvy vets back yet? Maybe they could give you some suggestions over the phone as far as respiratory rates and whether or not you should be concerned.
- 01/20/2009 at 10:09 AM
  peepi&warri
  Participant
  238 posts
  around 30/minute seems about what Peepi does when sleeping, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him breathe that slowly while awake.
- 01/20/2009 at 10:20 AM
  DallasDelight
  Participant
  187 posts
  I’ll try the applesauce thing, thanks! If that doesn’t work I’ll syringe some into his mouth(water..not applesauce). Paradise; no, the rabbit savvy vet is not back yet
  He was asleep when his RR was that low, I was just worried because I’ve never seen it so slow
- 01/20/2009 at 10:25 AM
  xParadise
  Participant
  182 posts
  Just like people, bunnies respiratory rates will drop when they are sleeping/relaxed. Are the ones you looked up on the internet resting rates? There will be a huge difference.
  I’m sure everything is fine, as long as he is eating/drinking and seems comfortable. But it’s good you’re looking out for him, especially after what happened yesterday
- 01/20/2009 at 12:43 PM
  Kokaneeandkahlua
  Participant
  12067 posts
  Yes, to be honest although you counted 28 and its low at 30, for sleeping and relaxed that does sound OK to me. I’ll email the other FL to see what they think as well
  
  I bet he’s very tired from yesterday The idea for adding apple juice or pedialyte is great! You can add any kind of juice so long as it’s 100% juice (so NO sunny D ) and that could entice him.
- 01/20/2009 at 1:48 PM
  KatnipCrzy
  Participant
  2981 posts
  My references say 30-60 breaths per minute. It would be very common for respirations to be slower when sleeping or relaxing. How is he acting otherwise- any activity, eating normal foods? using the litterbox? I guess low side of normal on respirations is not concerning unless he is lethargic or cold. It is possible that the pain meds can be making him a little tired too. Even though it sounds like he might have had some trauma to the throat/sore throat from having something stuck, it is probably not as painful as an abdominal surgery like a spay- so maybe the pain meds are mellowing him out and making him sleepy.
- 01/20/2009 at 2:57 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  As Katnip said about the throat trauma, I would suggest you get him in for a check up after he settles a bit. To check for injuries in the throat or even the possibility that he still has a partial blockage. I wouldn’t think he does as I’m sure he’d continue gagingg if so….just get him looked at to prevent infections incase he did sustain an injury. I’m glad he’s acting more normally now, and agree, the meds are what are keeping him tired. You are very vigilant. Duncan is in great hands!
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