Bunny Health Scare

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

Last night, I found our bunny Baxter lying in his cage in the man cave.  We have free reign bunnies – so neither bun spends much time in their cage, other than to roam around, or use the 2nd litter box.  So I thought it strange….and then I pet him, and noticed that he seemed off.  My husband asked me to shoo him out of the cage to examine him – but he wasn’t moving, so he was just sliding along 🙁   My husband tried to pick him up – which made him jump out of the cage….but in a couple minutes, he went right back in and just lied there.

We were so worried we were going to lose him over night, because he’s never lethargic.  In the middle of the night, I got him a bowl of water and placed it by him..as the water bottle is on the outside of the cage.  I’ve never seen him drink so much!  And I could hear his little stomach gurgle as he drank.  We placed his blanket around him in the cage to make him comfortable and prayed.

This morning – my husband found him cuddling with baby Boo by his computer, and he seems perfectly normal!  He was doing his bunny 500, and chasing baby Boo.  PTL!

I was ready to take him to the vet – but now I don’t think it’s necessary.  

I didn’t feed him anything different – so not sure why he was so off kilter last night.  Would you still take him to the vet?  Or just observe him for a couple days, now that he seems like himself?

[Sarita]

I would watch him for certain. As for taking him to the vet, if it’s been awhile then it might be a good idea to just plan an exam if he continues to seem better.

[Beka27]

I would just keep an eye on him. Some rabbits can get gassy and then get better. If it’s prolonged (12-24 hours), then I’d definitely be going to the vet.

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

Thank you so much Sarita and Beka27 for your advice!

[Emmie]

Sounds like gas to me. Had something very similar happen to me with Thane.

[Bam]

I experienced much the same thing with my bun a couple of weeks ago. I kept massaging his tummy for two days and gave him simethicone. He’s been fine since.

[jerseygirl]

Every now and then one of mine will have an off day and then back to normal. I don’t know why.
Good thinking with the water bowl!
Might even be an idea to have a bowl permanently or a second bottle in case one malfunctions.

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

I’m so relieved it’s nothing serious. He’s never had gas issues before – but I guess there’s always a first.

How much simethicone is safe for a bunny? I’ll have to get some to have on hand.

Thank you all so much!

[jerseygirl]

For 20mg infant solution:
Give 1ml once per hour for the 1st three hours. Then just the one dose every 3-8 hours after if required. Often just one dose can make a difference and a tummy massage. If you suspect tummy discomfort, try the massage first. They usually allow it because it gives them relieve. At normal times, most won’t allow their abdomen being touched.

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

Thank you so much Jerseygirl!

[Author]

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