Lily is refusing her dinner

[Diamond]

Hi guys, I wish I was here with better news, but, uh, see title.  I got some simethicone into her, but she’s spent past few hours hiding.  As I type this, she’s eating some of the treats I left her, so maybe she’s not feeling that bad after all.  I know I’m not really asking questions here but I’m so worried I’ll wake up next morning and she’ll be gone, and I need to share with someone.

[meridiian]

Hello

This doesn’t seem to be part of a thread so don’t know if Lily has been unwell.

Doesn’t matter, understand your feelings. Sending you and Lily healing energy and I hope she makes it thru whatever is afflicting her and causing you so much concern.

Get well (((Lily)))

Ps. I looked at her birthday post. She a beautiful little girl. 🙂

[Meg]

I’m so sorry! I know that’s so stressful. How long since she stopped eating normally? It’s good you gave her simethicone and it’s great that she’s eating a bit! Avoid sugary stuff if possible, but treats like willow leaves, dried flowers, yummier hays, etc can be nice to tempt her. Some bunnies respond well to herbs like parsley or mint, too.

I know it’s so scary and that all-caps warning about this being an emergency has haunted me for the past 10 years that I’ve had bunnies. But in practice, as long as you’re getting something into them, in my experience they are a bit tougher than that and I don’t think you have to worry that she’ll be gone in the morning.

I’m no expert, so I defer to anyone more experienced. But fwiw, if I were you, right now I would keep tempting her with non-sugary treats, herbs, anything else. Sometimes if you put it right in front of them they’re a bit more likely to nibble. Then if by bedtime she’s still not eating much, I’d give her some more simethicone and some Critical Care. Also encourage her to drink more, if possible, and/or make a very watery version of Critical Care and give her that as well. (Or if you have subcutaneous fluids around, you could do that.) If you can keep her hydrated, and eating as much as possible, that’s your best bet. If she’s not doing better tomorrow morning, visiting a bunny-savvy vet would be something to consider.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[Meg]

p.s. I don’t know what supplies you have on hand, but: if you don’t have Critical Care, you could soften up some of her pellets in water, and/or puree her greens in the blender and try feeding her that. Some amenable bunnies will eat Critical Care or other soft food out of a bowl, but if they’re like mine you need to catch and force feed them. I put a detailed list of how I do this with mine in another post. If you have an oral syringe (plastic thing you use to squirt the food into her mouth), great. If not, you might try a turkey baster? Or even just spooning some onto the outside of her mouth so that she has to lick it off could work in a pinch. (Teddy has stasis right now and though I have oral syringes, he hates it so much that often all I can do is paint it onto his lips anyway.)

[Diamond]

Thanks guys. She is eating some now, and being more active so hopefully it’s something that’s passing. Sorry to hear about Teddy, I hope he feels better soon.

[meridiian]

Good luck with Lily, hope she improves rapidly!

[meridiian]

Likewise, (((Teddy))) Stasis is so scary, hope he improves quickly Meg. xx

[Meg]

Thanks so much to you both!! And I’m so glad Lily is doing better. If she’s eating, you could also try making sure her greens are extra wet so that she gets more water. Water and fiber are the best thing for her! : )

[Diamond]

Thank you guys so much for the advice. I was going to call the vet this morning but Lily’s munching hay and pooping right now and by all signs seems back to normal. I guess whatever was bothering her last night was nothing some simethicone and tummy massages couldn’t fix.

[Meg]

That is such great news!! So glad to hear it. Go Lily!!!!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Glad to hear she’s better. Maybe just a touch of gas.

[Bam]

Hello Diamond! I’m only seeing this now, thank goodness little Lily is eating again! Hopefully it was just a bit of gas.

It’s very difficult for the hoom when the bun is poorly.

[Author]

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