Is Daisy Poorly?

[kAtHrYnLoVeSdAiSy]

 I might be over reacting but I’d appreciate a second opinion here. 

My dwarf lop Daisy is acting a little strangely. I’ve noticed she has been sleeping a lot more than she usually does and today I noticed that her breathing is somewhat faster than normal. Here in the UK, the weather has been pretty warm, but she has been in  a cool place so I do not think she is over heating. In herself, she seems fine. Perhaps a little docile, but she reacts to treats and snuggles well and is active when she is awake (if that makes sense).

I guess what I am asking is… is it normal for rabbits to breathe quite rapidly for long periods of time? I have been watching my other bunny, Barnaby and he breathes pretty fast too, so perhaps I am worrying over nothing? Maybe they she has always breathed fast and I just haven’t noticed it?? It’s just that coupled with the sleepiness, I wondered if these are signs of a problem. I will take her to the vet, but she hates car rides at the best of times, and I don’t want to distress her unecessarily if I am just being a worrier.  I wanted to hear what you all thought before I take her to the vet. In my gut, I feel that there is nothing wrong with her but I’d feel awful if I neglected to see the signs of a problem. 

Thanks all. xx

[mrmac]

She may be going through stasis and her tummy is just a little gassy or blocked up. Has she been eating and drinking normally? Make sure that she is peeing and pooping, and has plenty of hay and water available. Just keep an eye on her!

[RabbitPam]

I would make a vet appointment, since there’s no way for us to know.

That said, how warm is it in their room now? If you don’t have AC and are moving into summer, you can read up on cooling tips that help a lot. One is to freeze a plastic bottle, like Coke, small that is, with water inside. Set it into the cage and the bunny can snuggle against it for a quick cool down. Just leave it in the cage for the day and the condensation will provide cool drops to lick as well. Do not give them ice water however. Hard on tummies.

You can also take a damp (not wet) washcloth that you’ve soaked in very cold water and wrap it gently around both ears, like a turban. That cools them down. If you do that, and she stops panting, it’s probably heat. But I would still get her checked out. Do watch the food and poos.

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