I’m new to bunny ownership, but my rabbit was neutered yesterday and was given pain Meds and strict instructions to give every 24 hours for 5 days. He also had to eat something before they allowed him to leave.

So far my rabbit has eaten the most a couple of hours after each time I gave him Meds (and nibbled favorites throughout the day). My vet also said if he didn’t eat anything for 5 hours to get him seen or start feeding with a syringe.

I’m sorry your bunny is having a hard recovery and I would be frustrated with lack of instructions and support for post care. Have you tried offering favorite treats by Just setting them next to him and moving away? Mine isn’t digging us hanging around a lot right now. I think I would at least call a vet if it’s been over 6 hours with no intake.

How is he doing now?

He could have over-reacted to the buprenorphine. All animals incl humans react a bit differently to meds, so even if the dose was correct, he could be an extra-sensitive bun. At least some buns are known to react to buprenorphine with drowsiness. How is his breathing? Short, shallow breathing is a sign of respiratory depression. There is an antidote, but if his breathing is fine, your vet may think it’s best if he “sleeps it off”. I can’t say though, we are not vets here.

It’s important that he’s kept warm, low body temp post surgery is common and very detrimental. We’d be grateful for updates.

I’m sorry to hear about this. First, I would call the vet office to update them on the situation. If the vet is not available but you reach someone else, maybe ask for the vet’s cell phone number because it is an emergency for a rabbit not to have eaten or pooped after it’s neuter. Every rabbit recovers differently, but you should start seeing some bowel movement within the first few hours.

Does Chao Guay take any treats when you offer it? Maybe his favorite fruit or a treat you usually give him? Is he showing signs of pain, like being hunched in discomfort or grinding his teeth?

I’m unsure of the recovery rate difference between meloxicam (pain medication Wick got) and buprenorphine, but Wick was very sleepy and tired for a few hours after his neuter. He just wanted to sleep because the medication made him sleepy. 5 hours seems a bit drastic to me, but maybe that’s normal for buprenorphine? Hopefully another member may have experience.

You want to restrict where Chao guy can free roam for a bit so he doesn’t over exert and hurt his incision site. Too much running and especially jumping can accidentally tear his incision site, so monitor where he’s going.

For his bolting, he is most likely scared because he went through something pretty traumatic and is probably sore. Give him some space if he keeps running, but monitor him from afaalr to ensure he’s showing some positive signs.

Offer him wet veggies to keep him hydrated and to get food in him.

Do you have critical care? It may be good to force feed him at least a syringe if he doesn’t eat.

He could be sore in his mouth from the teeth fix the vet did. But he must eat now and as soon as you can, contact your vet clinic. Do you think he can swallow if you try to syringe feed him?

You can soak pellets in water and make a mash of it and feed in a syringe. It can be mixed with a little bit of something sweet, like baby fruit purée or banana, because a small amount of simple sugars can help perk up a poorly bun.

If you don’t think he’s responsive enough to swallow, don’t try to syringe feed him (risk of choking).

Thank you for updating. I’m very sorry you have to go through this.

You must ask a vet about this. You don’t need a fancy warm up pad, you can use a hot water bottle or hand warmers or your own body heat. How long is it since he came home now? I’m probably in a different time zone than you.

He was probably given fluids in conjunction with the surgery, most buns don’t drink the first day post op because of this. You can’t force feed anything to a bun that isn’t awake, the risk of choking would be too big. When do you think you can get hold of your vet/clinic?

I would go so you’re there right at 8AM. Bring fresh hay and veggies and treats and try to tempt him best to offer it as you wait.

Keep us posted. Sending you so many healijg and positive vibes!!!

If he has a favorite pillow, cushoin, or blanket, bring that with for comfort.

That’s lovely, pee and poop! I hope tou’ve heard back from the vets now!

Keep us updated! Hopefully with lots more poop stories.

(((((Healing Vibes)))))

Going to be thinking of you! Most rabbits won’t act their best on the first day. My bun didn’t eat anything either, the pooping and drinking is a great sign! Keep us posted!

It’s an odd thing, but a lot of male rabbits don’t drink water for a day or two after a neuter. I don’t think Wick drank water from his bowl for two days. To make sure Chao stays hydrated, keep giving him some veggies, and make them extra wet so he gets that water.

Keep up what you’re doing! Keep pushing hay so he eats more and more. He’s in recovery right now, so it’s important he gets strength from eating. If this means he eats a lot more veggies than usual, then do it. As he gets better, you can shift back to less veggies and letting him eat mainly hay.

The surgery was longer than expected and it deals with where his pee pee comes out, so some soreness down there when trying to pee is to be expected. As long as it exits eventually, I think that’s a positive point. If it continues to be strained though, I would let the vet know.

In terms of checking the site, this is how I do it:

I check Wick’s area-down-there every day since his neuter actually, even though it’s long after because sometimes I’ll find a poop stuck in fur haha. I lean down next to Wick so I’m side to side, my head touching his. I use one hand and slide it under his front paws, then hinge my body up (with my body remaining in contact with his) to stand him up. Then I’ll use my other hand to lift up his butt up just enough so I can position at angle to see the site. He is practically still standing vertical, but is only 1in off the ground and my upper body is still against him the entire time for support.

Let me know if that sounds confusing! It doesn’t work for all rabbits, but maybe Chao will be ok with it.

I’m glad to hear he’s pooping and nibbling pellets! As Wick says, if he keeps straining to pee, contact his vet.

If you are two humans one of you could perhaps sit him in their lap, his back against the person’s tummy. The other person could then check the area. If there is some swelling/bruising it’s normal, but there shouldn’t be excessive swelling (ping pong ball size scrotal sacks) or bleeding or any kind of foul smell.

Thats amazing!