Megacolon, frequent stasis

[Sam]

Hey guys, my six year old bunny Tramp is dealing with his third bout of stasis since August. Previously he has not been sick at all and after a bout he has during Thanksgiving, I started to do research on megacolon. We’re almost certain he has it based on his coloring and what his poop looks like, we’re even planning to take him in for testing in early January but…this morning I woke up and he is refusing to eat, he’s closing his eyes, he feels so skinny and I do feel like he has lost weight since his bout of stasis last month, despite eating normally. I’m so scared because we cannot afford this emergency vet visit that we’re heading to now, in January I’ll have some more money coming in hence the whole getting tested then thing, but between the time off needed and the cost I’m so scared about these frequent bouts of stasis. I’m also so scared this is indicative that he’s near the end of his life and I know six isn’t a bad run, but I’m so sick to my stomach, I don’t want to lose him but I also know the poor boy cannot live going to the hospital once a month and quite honestly my husband and I couldn’t afford that even if that was a good quality of life for him. I’m just so scared and shaking guys and I don’t know what to do

[Wick & Fable]

I’m so sorry to hear that your family and rabbit are going through this. It would be helpful to know what you are presenting your rabbit with each day in terms of diet, just to rule-out if something in the diet may be causing ongoing GI distress.

If you hadn’t come across it already, the Wabbitwiki page on Megacolon is a helpful resource: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Megacolon
There is no formal “test” to confirm megacolon, but diagnosis comes from a combination of looking at the rabbit’s coloring (En/En) and process of elimination with unsuccessful treatments from other GI-related issues.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[DanaNM]

I’m so sorry you are going through this, but please try not to panic! It’s true that megacolon rabbits often have shorter lifespans, but with a care plan they often do much better. Usually megacolon buns will need a motility medication daily (cisapride is commonly used), as well as a high calorie diet, such as supplemental feeding with critical care or another recovery food (like Emeraid or Sherwood’s formula). Keeping the gut well hydrated also helps, so some people will give lactulose (under the vet’s instruction) as part of the treatment plan. Vets are becoming more knowledgeable about megacolon and how to keep buns comfortable.

Once this initial bout of stasis is dealt with I would talk to your vet about having an arsenal of at-home treatment options that are part of his daily routine as well as things you can do first when you see an episode coming on. When a bun has chronic issues most vets will work out a plan like this with you.

Have his poops always matched those of a megacolon bun, or just when he’s having an episode? Usually buns with megacolon NEVER have normal poops, and symptoms really start to appear around age 3. There are other things that can cause chronic stasis, so it would be important to rule out those other causes before jumping to megacolon. For example, a tiny molar spur can also cause enough pain and reduced hay eating to cause a bun to have stasis episodes and weight loss.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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