Bindi lost weight

[LittlePuffyTail]

So any of you who were talking to me when I was concerned about Bindi having a UTI, I’m pretty sure he is fine, his potty habits seem pretty normal again.

However, nw I have a bigger problem. Over the last, maybe 2 weeks, he has lost a noticeable amount of weight. He was never a “heavy” bunny but I always considered him a good weight but now when I pet him he feels very bony. I’m very worried. He is still the same old Bindi otherwise, big appetite and happy and lovable. The only thing that has changed in his diet is that the last few bags of Sunseed Timothy I bought weren’t very nice so I ended up getting some hay from my horse barn and feeding mostly that the last few weeks. It’s a lot coarser, thicker stems and they seem to eat it a lot slower and therefore probably aren’t getting as much of it as the Sunseed (which is mostly thin and leafy).

Now I know most of you are going to suggest bringing him to the vet and I agree. I want to bring him to the vet, here’s my dilemma: I really don’ t think my vet will do anything making the trip worthwile. I hate to question my vet’s rabbit knowledge but I can’t help it because the last 2 times I brought in a GI Statis Stormy she just checked his stomach for blockage and said give him  pineapple juice/mineral oil every 4 hours. I know there is much more that can be done than that. She has neutered/spayed all my buns but I question the sick bunny knowledge.

It feels terrible feeling like I’m all alone with my bunnie’s health. What do you think I should do? I’m trying not to freak out but I’m very worried and upset.

[Sarita]

Does she weigh him every time you take him? What about taking his temperature?

I agree that pineapple juice/mineral oil is not adequate or even recommended.

[charlie82]

Oh dear, how old is Bindi?? I wonder the same as Sarita…has his temp ever been taken? regular weighing?
drastic weight loss while still eating can be caused by many things but is definitely something that needs looking into. It would help if you start monitoring his weight if you aren’t already doing so and check his water intake also.

[kimberleyanddarren]

have you weighed your bun?
weigh him and check if it matches guidelines for his breed

[Sarita]

Also how old is Bindi again?

[kimberleyanddarren]

and how long ago was the neuter?

[KatnipCrzy]

If you think it might be the hay- switch to another commercial hay (other than Sunseed- unless you can find a good bag of it)- even if you have to order over the internet.  If he puts the weight back on- then you can have a reasonably good assumption it was the hay.

 

[Beka27]

Meadow had a big weight loss (1/2 pound for bun who isn’t even 4 lbs total) about a month ago.  my vet does not think there is anything wrong.  i think you should do what makes you not worry.  is that the only vet in your area?  it would not hurt to see another vet for an exam and see if you like their style better.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Bindi has never been weighed by my vet as he has never been there unless it was for his neuter (maybe they weighed him then I don’t know but I will look into it). What sort of scale do you use to weigh a bun? I’m pretty sure he weighs under 4 lbs. All I have is a human scale but It would probably be a good idea to buy whatever type is good for weighing a bun.

Bindi will be a year this spring/summer. He was neutered in early January.

I want to get some other hay so bad!!!I’ve ranted about this many times! The sunseed is the best in my area (I’ve literally tried EVERYTHING) I’ve also checked into many sites to order hay but only found one in Canada (they don’t sell to individuals even though I said I would order a case) and all the US sites don’t ship to Canada. It’s VERY frustrating. If you know of any sites Please let me know.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Anyone use Oxbow? I think they ship to Canada, I’m gonna investigate. I want to make sure it’s excellent quality cuz I will be paying big bucks for it.

[RabbitPam]

I’ve used Oxbow, and so did my vet. I think it’s good.

You can step onto your own scale holding Bindi, then put him down and step on it again right away. Subtract your weight from your weight together and it’s an approximately how much Bindi weighs.

[Beka27]

Bindi is a mini rex right?  you’d need a scale that measured in ounces most likely to be able to get a small enough reading.  that concerns me that they have never weighed him.  my vet tech weighs Meadow at every single visit, even if it is just for a nail trim.  it’s a good thing too because she knew right away that Meadow had lost weight, i hadn’t even noticed.

[KatnipCrzy]

They should have weighed the rabbit when he was neutered- anesthesia and medications are based on weight.

I use Oxbow hay and have been happy with it- no complaints.

[osprey]

Oxbow hay is good, so is American Pet Diner.  I’ve used both.

Generally you weigh a bunny on a scale that is used for infants.  They give a pounds and ounces reading.  If this is the vet that did the neuter, I agree, they had to take the weight to figure out the proper dosages of medications.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I will call the vet next week regarding his weight in January. I doubt they will be open until Tuesday. I will mention the weight loss and see what she says over the phone. I will also get a scale tomorrow. I know he’s lost a half decent amount of weight though because it’s very noticeable. I just don’t understand because he’s perfectly fine otherwise, eating the same as always.

Bindi is a Mini-Lop

Do you think the hay situation could be responsible? I’m hoping and praying it is. I’m so worried about my little guy. If Oxbow will ship to me I’m gonna order some asap. I sent them an e-mail and am waiting for a reply.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Is Bindi exercising more than usual?

[LittlePuffyTail]

I weighed Bindi last night after purchasing a scale and he weighs about the same as he did in early January. He still feels pretty bony to me though, I don’t know if he grew a bit or what. But I’m glad to know he hasn’t lost as much weight as he I thought he did. Thanks for all the advice guys.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Hey Puffy

Kokanee just lost weight very quickly and scarily when she had poopy bum. I got weight back on her fairly quickly and she’s almost back to normal. I’d say weight stormy only once a week and track it, if you do it every day you’ll make yourself crazy.

I put Kokanee on alfalfa based kibbled food, gave her alfalfa hay with her regular hay and gave her all the fattening carrots and apples her little heart desired. Like I said, she’s pretty much back to her normal weight.

Oxbow does not ship to Canada on their website but if you email them (on the contact us part) they will reply (within a few days) and you just place your order via email and they will ship to Canada for you. It’s pricey but not uncalled for.

Keep us posted!!

[Author]

Messages