Emeraid Herbivore – Sick Bun

[Parsnip's Mom]

My rabbit, Parsnip, is a 2 year old Alaskan Rabbit. He was just diagnosed with gastrointestinal motility stasis and a possible pasteurella infection. I took him to an emergency vet last night and then to a regular vet today. I have recieved Meloxicam, Ranitidine, and Panacur Liquid, as well as the Emeraid Herbivore (aka critical care). I’m super concerned for my rabbit because 1) he is so stressed from the travel and being sick 2) he is scared when I syringe feed him. He never was used to being picked up or held (past people I rescued him from a year ago barely took care of him), so I try to syringe feed him when he is just laying on the ground. This is difficult and just goes everywhere. Is there a better way to do this? Also anyone with experience in these illnesses, how long until I see him get better/eat normal food?

[jerseygirl]

Here is a video of feeding a rabbit with Critical Care:

I think putting them up on a table probably helps. 

 
Do keep offering other foods to see if he will eat something by himself. Parsely, dill, carrot tops, roses or some willow etc.

Has your rabbit completely stopped toileting at all? 

  

Will he take water by a syringe or at least drink from a bowl? 

Also anyone with experience in these illnesses, how long until I see him get better/eat normal food?

There is not a definite timeframe with this as it varies case by case. Did the vet feel for food already in the digestive track?  Usually once a rabbit starts to poop again, they will come around to wanting to eat. Often though, they will not want what is the usual favourites (ie, like pellets). They will be wanting more fibre so will go for hay, grasses and leaves. 

{{{Vibes}}} for Parsnip!

p.s. I don’t really understand why panacur was prescibed.

[Parsnip's Mom]

Thank you! I do have some spinach and parsley in some water so that is available. I’m nervous to pick him up because he hates being held/handled. He also is 9 lbs so he’s a bigger bun! He hasn’t stopped toileting completely. He is drinking very small amounts of water. I’ve seen a little poop too. 

The emergency vet took X-Rays and we saw some gas (not super alarming) in his intestines and also some poops, which is good. I’m hoping the meds to start his gut up again help him poop so he wants to eat. It is just so sad seeing him miserable….

and thanks for the good vibes! Much appreciated. 

I read Panacur can prevent ulcers maybe?

[tobyluv]

Usually, rabbits are given sub-q fluids if they have GI stasis. Did either of the vets do that? If not, it might be helpful in his treatment. Baytril is the medicine normally prescribed for pasteurella. I also wonder why panacur was prescribed. That is a deworming medicine.

Sometimes, a rabbit will eat a Critical Care mixture from a dish, or may lick it off of your fingers. You can add a little plain canned pumpkin or baby food (whatever flavor you think he might like best) to the mixture to make it more enticing to him.

I hope that he will feel better soon and start eating well again.

[Parsnip's Mom]

He was going to be hospitalized overnight initially and they inserted an IV for fluids, but he is stubborn and took it out! So they gave him Metooclzopramide (pain med?) and a fluid injection, but I’m not positive what the name of that was.

[jerseygirl]

Metaclopramide is a motility med, so it is given in the hopes it will get his digestive tract moving. That is a standard med vets give for rabbits with GI stasis.
Ranitidine helps with possible ulcers and may help with motility also.

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