House Rabbit Community and Store
What are we about? Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules.
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 › HOUSE RABBIT Q & A › Help, bunny in shock
Today my bunny escaped his cage while my dogs were loose. I found him in the kitchen on his side , limp, I’m assuming he was in shock or playing possum. I immediately picked him up and wrapped him in a blanket and I’ve spent the last couple hours laying in bed with him. His body temp has gone back up so he’s not super cold anymore but he still is refusing to eat. This happened at 4pm so it’s been 6 hrs. He won’t eat or drink.
Is there anything I can do to help him get his appetite back? I tried smearing just a smidge of peanut butter on his teeth to get him licking and interested but no real luck. He doesn’t want his pellets, water, zucchini, peanut butter, I even tried a dried cranberry. Should I be worried? How long will it take for him to start eating again? Since it’s been 6 hours is he in the clear or do I still need to worry about his dying? I havnt left his side all day.
Idk what else to do.
Go straight to the vet! If you have oxbow critical care feed that and water through a syringe on the way.
Yes, take him to be seen asap. They may need to put him on IV fluids to get his blood glucose levels up.
So sorry to hear that, it must be terrifying to find your bunny in this state.
I found a thread that talks about rabbits in shock and what to do: https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/145385/Default.aspx
Hope your bunny recovers soon!
Thank you. I will see if I have a vet near us that knows about rabbits tomorrow.. but to be honest I just lost my job and we’re are extremely broke.
He’s looking much better, he at the very least took a couple nibbles of zucchini and finally had pooped since the ordeal.
kurrotabun thanks! I looked at that article earlier. I think I’ve done everything on there. Thanks!
If he’s sitting up and responsive enough, offer some pedialyte if you have it. In a small bowl or see if he’ll take via syringe.
You could use diluted juice or some sugar dissolved in water if don’t have anything like pedialyte.
Thank you. He’s doing much better. He is responsive and hopping around a little. Not much. More so just to move closer to me or reposition himself if he’s been siting still long. But he’s not limp anymore and seems to have gotten strength back. I just gotta boost his appetite for food and water.
It’s great he’s eating! How are his poops? (It sounds a little weird, but it’s important.)
Posted By Vickie182 on 6/28/2018 9:27 PM
Thank you. He’s doing much better. He is responsive and hopping around a little. Not much. More so just to move closer to me or reposition himself if he’s been siting still long. But he’s not limp anymore and seems to have gotten strength back. I just gotta boost his appetite for food and water.
Im relieved to read that! Do you think he received any injuries?
Im sorry you hear about your job. It difficult to prepare for that.
Call a few clinics to see if they offer some sort of payment plans. Even if you don’t think he needs to be seen tomorrow, it would be worth knowing in advance. They may be happy to give you some advice over phone also. It’s tricky, as taking him in could be counter-productive if there are dogs there, especially when the rabbit is a bit more with it. Ideally, you be successful in turning him around at home. Sending the little guy some {{{vibes}}}.
Thanks! His poops are normal thank god. He hasn’t really eaten anything but he Atleast showed interest in it so that’s a plus! Hopefully he will be back to normal tomorrow. I don’t think he has any injury’s. He doesn’t seem like he’s in pain at all and he isn’t avoiding any body parts or anything that I can tell
Posted By jerseygirl on 6/28/2018 9:49 PM
Posted By Vickie182 on 6/28/2018 9:27 PM
Thank you. He’s doing much better. He is responsive and hopping around a little. Not much. More so just to move closer to me or reposition himself if he’s been siting still long. But he’s not limp anymore and seems to have gotten strength back. I just gotta boost his appetite for food and water.Im relieved to read that! Do you think he received any injuries?
Im sorry you hear about your job. It difficult to prepare for that.
Call a few clinics to see if they offer some sort of payment plans. Even if you don’t think he needs to be seen tomorrow, it would be worth knowing in advance. They may be happy to give you some advice over phone also. It’s tricky, as taking him in could be counter-productive if there are dogs there, especially when the rabbit is a bit more with it. Ideally, you be successful in turning him around at home. Sending the little guy some {{{vibes}}}.
Sending you and your furry friend my best wishes as well Vickie182!
Posted By Vickie182 on 6/28/2018 10:10 PM
Thanks! His poops are normal thank god. He hasn’t really eaten anything but he Atleast showed interest in it so that’s a plus! Hopefully he will be back to normal tomorrow. I don’t think he has any injury’s. He doesn’t seem like he’s in pain at all and he isn’t avoiding any body parts or anything that I can tell
You may see some effects a day later. Smaller poops or even a bit mushy.
When I have a rabbit that is not showing appetite for what ever reason, my normal go-to options are willow (fresh or dry) and rose leaves and petals. Or some fresh grass, well washed. They seem to go for more natural forage in these times, rather then the usual favourite treats. Apple, pear or raspberry leaves would be good too but I usually don’t have that on hand.
Awesome! Thanks for the heads up on the favorite food options! It’s seeming like he’s definitely gonna need something to peak his appetite again.
I’m just glad that’s hes still alive. I know when they go into shock they can just die randomly several hours later so I’ve just been paranoid all day
Just wanted to update the thread and let everyone know that my little guy made it and he’s doing much better. <3
Yay! That’s such a relief
They can be so fragile so it’s good to know that he’s bounced back strong!
My bunny was mauled by a dog that got into my yard. No broken bones or bite wounds, thank godness. She had been outside in her crate enjoying some fresh air and the dog ripped the crate apart! When i found her hiding in a corner in the garage the poor girl was in total shock. But we pulled her through. Its so scary! I’m glad your rabbit is ok!
Omg Charlierae! I’m sorry to hear that! It’s definitely terrible but I am just sooo happy we were both lucky enough to have our little ones bounce back.
I know I was paranoid for Atleast 24 hrs that he wouldn’t make it!
› FORUM › HOUSE RABBIT Q & A › Help, bunny in shock
