Kahlua was Sick!!!

[Bunnies4ever]

I haven’t been here for a while, and I hope everybody is doing well.  I want to share an experience that happened a few days ago. I noticed that Kahula wasn’t eating or drinking any water and there were little or no poops in his litterbox.  He was just sitting in the corner of his cage, barely moving.  I immediately realized what was happening.  I always keep some gas relief drops and petromalt (hairball remedy) in the house.  I also flew to the supermarket to buy some basil.  Basil is the most fragrant and aromatic of the herbs and Kahlua loves it.  After giving me some of the gas relief drops (Simethicone).  I took a sprig of basil, waved it under his nose a couple of times and left it in his cage and walked away.  After a few moments, I went back to his cage and the basil was gone!  Kahlua has been eating, drinking and pooping ever since.  GI stasis is deadly and you really have to be observant. Brushing your bunny every day (or every other day) is essential also.

I was really worried for a moment, but he’s all better now! 

[x liddo bunny x]

which is the best brush for brushing a bun? my bun doesnt have really long hair but its not that short either. will the one that looks like tooth brush brisles be better or will the one with the plastic tips be better?

[Bunnies4ever]

I use a small wire hair slicker brush and small metal comb for Kahlua. Chloe (my other bunny) is a long-hair lionhead. I mainly use the slicker brush for her. Hope that helps.

[BinkyBunny]

Hi bunnies4ever.  I am so glad that Kahula is okay!  It’s always so scary!   I also keep a little emergency kit with those things included and I’ve had to use them too.  I always am thankful when things turn around quickly and I don’t have to race to the vet.

[Gravehearted]

So glad to hear Kahlua is ok. I also keep an emergency kit around too, it can really help when you know your bun isn’t feeling well. So glad you were able to head off the bout of stasis before it got more serious.

[cookie627]

Two thums up!!!! I agree what gravehearted said. keep a emergency kit. Just in case your rabbit gets hurt.

[jacki fullerton]

Where do you buy the gas relief drops, (simethicone)? How can you be sure it isn’t stasis? I’ve had a bunny with stasis and had to get him to the vet ASAP. It was very expensive.

[BinkyBunny]

Hi Jacki, those are extremely important questions!  So for anyone who has a question about whether it’s gas –  If you don’t know, then off to the vet ya go! 

Gi Stasis is always a symptom of something else.  Too many carbs, something digested that’s not easily digested, not enough fiber, an illness, bloat/gas, stress, pain etc.  

So IF the onset of the gas is quick and I notice it right away, then I offer simethicone (for babies – like "Little Tummys) and a light tummy massage first. 

However, both my husband and i work from our home office, and we see our bunnies all the time, so we are able to spot a problem quickly.  I know others may not have that luxury.   If I  had no idea for how long it had been going on or if they seemed lethargic, I would be off to the emergency vet.

The symptoms of gas include an uncomfortable sitting position, a tight bloated tummy (but not always),sometimes grinding of teeth due to painful gas, very loud gurgling noises (where you can hear it clearly just sitting next to your bunny).   Then I watch carefully for the next two hours.   So far, this has solved both Bailey & Rucy’s bouts of gas over the years.  

It is important to note that if the symptoms of gas do not go away within a a couple of hours then a rabbit can go into shock if in severe pain and/or full blown gi stasis can happen due to the stress of less severe pain. 

[jacki fullerton]

Thanks for answering my questions, Binky.

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