Bunny is not pooping!

[Smokeyandthebandit]

Hello!
I can simply not catch a break with Mr. Bandit!!!
Both bunnies were neutered on Friday, Smokey has been wonderful since but Bandit has had some troubles. Both came home eating and drinking, also using the litter box. However since last night around 3 AM Bandit has only had maybe 3 tiny poo’s. Last night him and his brother got in a fight, but after the fight they seemed ok, later in the evening Bandit started to thump his feet, he’s never done this before and when I went to the pen he looked frightened. I opened the door and he practically broke his neck trying to get to behind the couch and kept thumping at me for a bit. Finally I was able to lure him out. At 3am his ears and fur were quite cool, I warmed up the magic bag and let him out for a few, he showed no interest in the magic bag but did like the towel I had it wrapped in. Now this morning he is eating and I think drinking (I haven’t seen him drink) and he’s running around when out and doing the fall over flop, he even did a binky, however no poops all day! I called his vet and she thought he might have some diarrhea later. But said as long as he was eating and drinking.  I was rubbing his belly and you can hear very loud gut sounds so I thought maybe gas? I’ve given him 1cc of Ovol twice (about to do his 3rd) but still no poops. He doesnt appear stressed out just constipated. Any advice?! Im growing more and more concerned! 

[12345ABCDE]

How many hours has it been since he pooped? Eating and drinking are good signs but of course poop needs to happen too. I’m a bit confused that your vet would say he might have diarrhoea later and be so blasé about it. Diarrhoea can be fatal.

[Smokeyandthebandit]

We are probably pushing the 12 hour mark. The vet did say if he has diarrhea he will need to come in for sub-q fluids. I am about to give the 3rd dose of Ovol and give him a little belly rub again. I’m so stressed out by this! I just don’t know what else to do for him! 

[12345ABCDE]

Honestly I wouldn’t wait any longer. I’d get him to the vets asap.

[Bam]

Because he’s so newly neutered, I think you should contact your vet. He might need a gut stimulant (metclopramide, cisapride, ranitidine) to get things going. Eating and drinking are great signs, but since he so recently was under full anesthesia, and it’s been 12 hours since he pooped, it’s best to contact his vet.

[Deleted User]

This actually happened to Bombur too. It turned out his neuter had gotten infected and he stopped eating because of it. The vet sent us home with Critical Care and Sulfatrim. It’s been about a week and a half and his poops are returning to normal and he has a full apetite. Just so he is getting something into him, you could probably start on syringe feeding the CC or even leaving in a dish to see if he’ll eat it up. Hope it works out!  

[Smokeyandthebandit]

Just beforeI was ready to pack him up and head for the vet Mr. Bandiboobunny landed in his litter box and left a large pile of regular looking poo’s! He’s had a few more since! So happy the ovol worked at getting rid of his gas!!

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Glad to hear that! I’d still contact the vet if you can, just to be on the safe side. 12 hours without bowel movement is a long time.

[Smokeyandthebandit]

I was speaking to our vet and she said to continue to monitor him at home, make sure he continues eating drinking and poohing. She said as long as it isn’t runny, she feels it was a gas block. Thank you all for the advice!!

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

BTW: here’s a very helpful video for a belly massage to help a rabbit get rid of painful gas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbyC6CWbm5M

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