trembling after eating

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 5sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 2 months ago by jerseygirl.

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- 01/02/2019 at 9:53 PM
  Greenbani
  Participant
  3 posts
  My 3 year old Flemish giant started trembling uncontrollably for about a minute after she ate some of her salad tonight. She hopped to the carpet and laid down and was snuggly and normal after a minute or so. After ten-ish minutes she went back to her salad and the same thing happened again after a few bites. The salad was just spinach, red lettuce, and green lettuce. I took it away after the second incident. The first time I though she might just be scared (we have bears and coyotes in the yard), but it seemed like it might be related to the salad. So I replaced the salad with Oxbow pellets (she has these every day) and it happened again after a few bites! Her head is hanging lower than normal in front. Her posture seems off and she is a little upset and unsteady when hopping. It’s late and I don’t know where to take her at this hour. Has anyone had experience with this?
- 01/02/2019 at 10:30 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5834 posts
  Perhaps there’s tooth pain or discomfort coming elsewhere. There’s also a possibility that it’s close to her choking.
  
  I would recommend seeing a rabbit-experienced vet to examine her teeth and ears, since coordination (hopping) seems off as well? You’re being observant in noticing this eating change, as well as the change in posture, and these are signs that a rabbit is discomforted, whether it’s minor pain or severe pain.
  
  Continue to monitor and make sure she eats, poops, and pees as she usually would at these times. I would educate yourself on where the closest emergency vet is to you, just in case something progresses in a worrisome way.
  
  The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 01/02/2019 at 10:32 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Hi Greenbani
  
  Her head is hanging lower than normal in front. Her posture seems off and she is a little upset and unsteady when hopping.
  
  It sounds like she might have a bit of a neurological problem brewing, possibly to do with the inner ear. When she lowers her head, it may be affecting the vestibular system.
  
  Another thing that can occur is some involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). That can cause some disorientation also. It can be constant or occur after the head has moved positions. ie. Positional nystagmus, positional vertigo.
  
  It’s best to get her checked out. It would probably be alright to take her to your regular rabbit vet in the morning unless you see further deterioration tonight. You’d possible have to take her to an emergency (out-of-hours) clinic if that’s the case. If you have some meloxicam at home that you’ve given to her in the past, a dose of that could help with any inflammation. If she is keen to eat, try hanging her greens up in something on a cage or pen wall, so she will not have to lower her head to access them. This would be good for hay & water also, for overnight.
- 01/02/2019 at 10:34 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Apologies Wick, I was constructing my reply when you must have posted, so I hadn’t read it when I submitted mine.
  
  Teeth is always a concern with rabbits , as you know with Wick!
- 01/02/2019 at 11:29 PM
  Greenbani
  Participant
  3 posts
  Thank you for the replies. She doesn’t have any involuntary eye movements. She is now trembling constantly (but not as badly as before) and is slow and uncoordinated when she hops around. I have spoken to the ER clinic that takes rabbits which is unfortunately hours away and they aren’t sure what to suggest over the phone. I’ll take her in to see a vet in the morning. I am really worried in the meantime, though.
- 01/02/2019 at 11:45 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Could she have gotten a spider bite? Or eaten something she shouldn’t have?
  
  Does she seem like she having a change in temperature?
  
  It is sounding like she would need to be seen now. Is there a closer clinic, even if not rabbit experienced? They can check her temp, give fluids if required. Put her in oxygen chamber or warm her up if needed. Or give her meds if she has a high temp. They can always ring another clinic for advice over the phone.
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