FORUM

What are we about?  Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

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.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

FORUM HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Hazel diasgnosed with liver lobe torsion

Viewing 4 reply threads
  • Author
    Messages

    • Hazelbuny
      Participant
      15 posts Send Private Message

        My bunny Hazel was not eating her pellets in the morning which was the strangest thing. She is usually a little piglet running around trying to steal some extra breakfast. She was also sitting in her litter box hunched over and looked like she was pressing one side of her body more against the floor. I had to go to class in the morning for 2 hours so I force fed her critical care and said I would take her to the vet if she is not better after class. I came back and she was still the same so for her to the emergency vet. He felt her belly and said it feels like she has a lot of gas so they mostly likely needed her on fluids and medication for gas but they recommended blood tests just in case it was something else. I am so glad we got the blood tests because it showed that some of the liver and kidney values were way too high and she was also severely anemic. This vet is experienced with rabbits so he said there’s a chance it was liver lobe torsion with just the blood tests. He recommended x rays but the x rays didn’t clearly show the torsion but he did say it looked strange but unsure whether it was just the angle of the x ray or torsion. The only way to confirm the torsion was with an ultra sound but they did not have an ultra sound technician until tomorrow. Hazel was really not looking well and he wasn’t sure she would make it through the night so I said just go with the surgery since it was likely a liver lobe torsion given her blood test values and x rays. When they were done they confirmed one of her liver lobes was twisted and not getting blood to it and poisoning her body. Her stomach was also filled with blood which was causing her to be anemic. It has been 2 days since surgery and she is acting completely normal but she is not allowed to jump around which is making her restless. I just wanted to share my story if anyone else’s bunny has had these symptoms please opt for blood tests even if it is assumed it’s just gas. This saved her life and I am so happy I still have her with me even if we are left with a hefty vet bill it was all worth it. I know liver lobe torsion is quite uncommon but if anyone else has had any experience with their bunnies I would like to hear your story as well.


      • LBJ10
        Moderator
        17244 posts Send Private Message

          Wow, I’m so glad everything turned out OK. A liver torsion is something that can go undiagnosed because the outward symptoms resemble other, more common things. There was an episode of Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER though where Dr. T’s bunny had a liver torsion. They were confused at first too, until they did bloodwork.


        • LittlePuffyTail
          Moderator
          18092 posts Send Private Message

            So sorry to hear this. How awful but I’m so glad to hear she is doing well now. Thank you for sharing. May really help somebun down the road.


          • jerseygirl
            Moderator
            22356 posts Send Private Message

              It has been 2 days since surgery and she is acting completely normal but she is not allowed to jump around which is making her restless.

              Amazing! That is great she is doing so well! What a scary experience.
              I have to say, I admire how you pushed ahead and opted for surgery. That decision surely saved her life.
              We hear more and more cases of liver lobe torsion. I think its due to awareness & education about the condition both with rabbit owners and vets.


            • Q8bunny
              Participant
              6345 posts Send Private Message

                That’s so frightening. We have a member who lost her darling bun to this, so it’s very edifying to read a happy outcome. Thank you, Hazelbuny, and best continued recovery vibes to your little warrior.

            Viewing 4 reply threads
            • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

            FORUM HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Hazel diasgnosed with liver lobe torsion