Flop and squeal?

[Mimosa]

I’ve had Mimosa for a month now, and he’s been doing great. Yesterday, though, I heard a high pitched squeak and a soft thud. I went to check on Mimosa, and he had flopped onto his side. I didn’t think anything of it because he looked so relaxed. Now just a few minutes ago he let out a very loud high pitched squeal that lasted 1-2 seconds. I almost couldn’t tell if it was one of the cats, but they were downstairs in another room so I assumed it wasn’t them. What surprised me most was that Mimosa already flopped on his side and was out cold for at least ten minutes.

I’m not sure what to think. From what I’ve read, squeals mean bunnies are hurt or frightened. I don’t think Mimosa is sick because he’s been running around normally, eating and pooping as usual. Could it be that he is extra tired? He has gotten more out of cage time the past few days since I’ve been home studying for an upcoming exam.

Right now he seems ok, he just finished grooming himself and is now passed out by my feet.

I was wondering if anyone else’s bunny has made this noise while sleeping, or should I be worried?

[jerseygirl]

I think I’d get him checked out. It sounds odd. He might be throwing himself into a flop to deal with sudden sharp pain.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I ditto, Jersey. That is very abnormal. I would def mention it to a vet.

[Mimosa]

Mimosa is doing fine, hasn’t done this since the second time it happened. I called the vet a few days ago and left a message. She still hasn’t gotten back to me. I’m thinking I should look for a new vet

[Deleted User]

I would probably look for a new vet. Have you checked the HRS recommended vet list for your area?

[Mimosa]

I emailed the HRS educator/contact of my city for her recommendations and she gave me a list. I’ll bring Mimosa to one of them and keep you all updated.

[Valkyrie]

I’m hoping he is just a vocal bunny, please keep us updated. The flop does have me worried now too and I haven’t even met him!

I had a rabbit named Pal when I was about 13 that was abnormally vocal. I would have him running around the yard and he would do a little binky and a squeal and then run over for a kiss. Then he would zoom off, stop dead in front of the puppy, squeal and lick him, run off again. He always did it when he was happy. He also made a grumbling sound a lot…he was so weird! His sister was also very vocal and would sing. I don’t know how else to describe it. She would munch on some dandilions and hum away.

[Mimosa]

Thanks so much for your concern, everyone. I’m hoping Mimosa is just very vocal and will show more of this side as time goes on.

I just got off the phone with the vet and other possibilities include seizures or a bad nightmare. She told me to try waking him up when he flops in that position again. If he doesn’t wake up then it might be a seizure. If he does wake up then it was probably a nightmare. Either way, I’ll keep an eye on him and if it keeps happening, the vet said we can try anti-seizure meds.

[Valkyrie]

I am sending healing vibes!

[Author]

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