Mass on belly plus not eating…UPDATE

[FluffyBunny]

When I was told that vet bills would increase once I got a second bunny, I wasn’t aware that that would mean both bunnies would have a new illness/injury every few weeks! Seriously, what am I doing wrong? I’ve had a never-ending stream of bunny illness/injury for 2 months.

Today, Ms. Rabbit got a little gassy and stopped eating at about noon. (I’m pretty sure it’s because the bunnies broke into the raisins yesterday.) I gave her a belly massage, some crushed papaya tablets and a dose of Simethicone.  A few hours later, she still wasn’t eating (but had pooped), so I gave her another dose of Simethicone and another belly massage.

While I was giving the second belly massage, I noticed something disturbing. There is a mass a little bigger than a US quarter on the left side of her belly. The mass is very firm and doesn’t seem to hurt her when it’s touched. It’s about an inch away from an old bite wound (now healed up) that she had on her belly.

The mass is definitely under the skin. It seems to be attached to something besides the skin in there, but it still moves around.

That’s not the only thing I’m concerned about. Ms. Rabbit still isn’t eating much on her own, and she’s refusing all treats and pellets. Her belly is still firm and bloated, even after 2 doses of Simethicone. The poops that she’s been making have been getting smaller and smaller, and she’s making a lot less than normal.

A few questions…

1. Does the mass need to be checked out? I’d like to avoid a vet visit if at all possible, since we just took Mr. Bunny in 4 days ago.

2. Is it normal for bunnies to still be bloated and not eating/pooping much after 2 doses of Simethicone?

[nugget]

Could the mass be an impacted stomach? I’m not sure how large Ms. Rabbit is…or how her stomach size would compare…But, I would think this should be a red flag. Wish I had an answer for your #2….but I don’t. I haven’t had any experience using Simethicone.

Best of luck to you, hope all goes well!

[FluffyBunny]

Something being wrong with her stomach/upper intestines would actually make a whole lot of sense. I didn’t even think of that. Ms. Rabbit weighs just over 3 pounds.

One thing that wouldn’t make sense, is that the mass is a little below where I’d think the stomach is. The stomach is right next to the ribcage, but the mass is a little below that and slightly too much to one side. Could that have been because she was on her back in a trance when I noticed it? (Actually, that could explain why I didn’t feel it when I gave her a belly massage when she was on her feet.)

[jerseygirl]

Blockages can occur anywhere along the intestinal track. But it’s all just guess work really as to what it could be. It might be fatty tumor(benign), scar tissue, mammary gland…
Main thing is keep up the assistance in getting her eating and toileting normally. I’m sorry you’ve been having back to back health issues with them. (((((FB and Ms Rabbit)))))

[Sarita]

How is Ms. Rabbit today?

[FluffyBunny]

I think that she either had some type of blockage or just a really swollen, gassy stomach. I was looking last night (and again this morning), and I couldn’t find the mass anymore. She’s also started eating and pooping normally again.

Thanks for your help!

[Sarita]

Whew…so glad she’s better! You have been through quite a lot with your two. Continued healing vibes to both Ms. Rabbit and Mr. Bunny…and bonding vibes too.

[Isabelle]

Yay! Glad to hear she’s better

[Author]

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