BunBun is shivering! :(

[Dee]

I’m really worried about my BunBun. Last night he seemed quiet, and when I served the evening greens/fruit he didn’t come charging in with Nelli like he usually does. Yesterday I was out at a car show all day, then crashed on the couch when I came home, so I didn’t see him much. I was feeling his belly before bed, cuz he just seemed off to me, and he was sitting in an odd position. 

  Well my alarm went off at 5:oo AM today (for got to shut it off) and after I crashed around trying to shut it off, I went to the kitchen and BunBun wax sitting in the hallway. I got down to pet him and cuddle him, and he seemed quiet- usually BunBun greets me. I noticed my son had somehow dripped some strawberry milk on his back, near his butt, so I got a damp paper towel and cleaned that up. He was unusually docile through that, as normally BunBun does not enjoy damp paper towels. After I did that, I went back to cuddling him, and I noticed that his shoulder were shivering slightly. I kept patting him, trying to warm him, but he continued to shiver. I woke up my husband and by the time he came out, BunBun was sitting on his kitchen chair. The trembling had stopped, and qwhen hubby (Rick) offered him a piece of banana, he took a nibble. I offered him some parsley- again, a small bit but nothing enthusiastic. After that, I noticed that he was shivering again. I got his favorite treat, granola (bad I know but only small bits) and he did hop quickly to the outside chair for that. He ate it al but not with the greed that he usually displays. I went to pet him again, and touched his front paws to see if maybe it was that, and he hopped away.  He nibbled a little hay when I brought it to him. He has a few poops in the litter box, but no new ones. I checked him again now and he is doing a little chattering thing with his teeth. I don’t think it’s his happy purring, doesn’t feel the same. Him and Nell have been shedding lately- I’m wondering if it’s his belly.

  What should I do? Call the vet immediately when they open? Does anyone have any idea what it could be? He has never shivered that I noticed before, and he’s quiet. I’m so afraid that he’s sick.

[Dee]

Update on BunBun! He just gobbled up a bunch of dandelion greens and is grooming. After he ate his greens, I petted him for a while and he wasn’t chattering or shivering. I’m still concerned, but I’m thinking that a rabbit in severe pain or distress would refuse to eat or groom themselves… am I right?

Also, this could be completely off base but I figured I’d mention it. I had 3 scented candles burning last night, cuz I cooked haddock the other night and the house still stinks  … could he smell of candles stress BunBun and make him feel ill?

I’m still wondering what my course of action should be- assume it’s getting better and get a few hours sleep, then observe him later? Wait for the vet to open and take him in? I hate to stress him if I don’t have to. Or should I treat it like’s it’s definitely tummy trouble and get simethycone (?spellig?)

[Sarita]

I guess if it were me, I might wait and see how he does the rest of the day. If he’s eating that’s good. I don’t know what the shivering could be. I do know rabbits can be sensitive to smell so it’s possible the candles stressed him out.

[peepi&warri]

Shivering can be a sign of pain. It sounds like he might have had gas or tummy pain. My bunny always shivers/trembles when he has gas.

[Dee]

Hi Sarita and peepi&warri,
Thanks for your replies! I feel so badly that I haven’t updated til now- it’s been a busy day… but I’m happy to report that BunBun is fine now . I think you might have identified the problem, peepi&warri- it makes sense that he was so quiet and trembling, then recovered and began eating again… he probably farted and felt better lol.
That really freaked me out though… he was so cold too, which really scared me. That happened to my hamsters before they died, but I know it can also be a sign of shock. It just made me realize more than ever how much I love my bunnies, and how even on a busy day I must always be observant and alert for signs of illness.

[Author]

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