Eating after recovery

[Courtney]

I have had house rabbits for the past 9 years and have never run into the problem I am facing now.  We have a young rabbit, around 10 months old, who stopped eating and had tiny/very few poops.  We noticed right away and ran off to the vet.  He had some gurgles and was not dehydrated, so after they ruled out dental issues, we were given motility drugs and critical care.  He never stopped pooping completely and his poops have started to get bigger, although they are still smaller than normal.  At first, we had to force feed him with the big syringe, but now he will eat off of a spoon with just a little encouragement.  I’ve even caught him nibbling hay and pellets, but he’s not eating enough on his own.  It’s been over a week that we have been hand feeding him, but he is still underweight.  He eats very little on his own and will not drink on his own.  He does not seem to be dehydrated and I CAN get him to drink from a bowl.  Am I too concerned…should I just keep hand feeding him while he gains back his strength?  Is he just spoiled and enjoying the attention?  Or, should I be concerned?  He’s running and playing like normal.  I just can’t tell what my next move should be.

I would take him back to the vet, but we just had our state garnish my bank account for past due taxes that I apparently wasn’t paying back fast enough.  I will take him if I need to, but I’m hoping to avoid it.  We can probably get care credit, but I’d rather seek solutions at home first (I feel comfortable with this since I can get him to eat and he’s still pooping, even though they are small.)

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/advice!

[Courtney]

Shoot! I forgot to add that his tummy was very soft and they could not feel any blockages. His tummy is still soft.

[mocha200]

i would call the vet and see what they think you should do.

[Sarita]

Yes, call your vet and let him know how he is doing and see what the vet wants you to do.

[Courtney]

The vet said to keep watching him. Thanks for sharing your experiences, and all that helpful stuff.

[Lintini]

Have you tried introducing some different types of hay to spice things up a bit? When I had my buns spayed/neutered nothing got them eating right away more than some super strong smelling alfalfa hay!

I don’t think you are being too concerned at all. If your rabbit stops pooping completely that is a very bad thing so you did the right then when you brought him in. Has your vet not recommended a checkup? Or at least called you back to see how your bun is doing? I would def call and let him know his poops are small and you are still having trouble feeding him and go from there.

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