New here lot’s of Q’s about rescued rabbits and bun possibly ingesting rotten tomato sauce

[snoopy]

 Hello everyone,

 

 

I have been lurking for a while and have decided to finally post.  My family and I adopted a rescued bunny last Saturday.  He’s a Holland Lop.  The person who had him says that a friend of his saw him just hopping down the street, so he decided to keep him – he also works for a vet so he pretty much likes animals.   So I had contacted this person and he told me that the bun was not neutered, but could get it done from where he works (for free  so I told him that we would want him.  My girls and I have been wanting a bunny for some time now and we read so much on them.  So he did the procedure on Sat. morning and in the afternoon I picked him up.  He was pretty low key Sat and Sunday.  On Monday at night when the girls went to bed and no one was around he just started exploring the living room and poking his head everywhere and hoping about.  Yesterday he was pretty active too he has also been eating well and pooping regularly.  So my problem is that since about 6 pm he has been acting strange.  Yeah, I know we’ve only had him for a couple of days, but I have had experience with animals and can read some body language.  In the early evening we noticed he was sleeping (eyes closed, something I had not seen him do yet) in the litter box.  I thought that was strange, like why would he pick the litter box to take a nap in?  Then I thought maybe because the girls keep on going in his “space” and petting him he felt that was the only place he could call his own? (we just set up a DIY condo with the cubes today so till now he had a little hut we made him out of a box and had the eat in kitchen portion to himself)  Then he really did something strange.  He was laying on his side the way I have seen in many bunny pictures.  From what I have noticed buns who lay this way feel very secure and care free so they will just let their guard down, but he still does not seem that  comfortable to lay that way.  I then started to get worried like something was wrong with him.  I called up the guy we got him from and asked him if he ever slept in his litter box.  He told me he’s never seen him do it, but that he has slept on his side the way I described.  I felt a little better then.  But he was still not his normal active self, he also had not eaten since the afternoon.

My girls and I finally finished the cage and bought it in to the kitchen so I started moving his stuff.  He left and went under a table in the living room.  There he stayed for a good 2 hours not really moving much.  Around 11 pm I got a little bit of banana, he loves it, but he did not eat it.  He would turn his face away.  I later tried to cary him to the new cage in place where his box was, but he managed to get away.  He did make it to the kitchen, but went under a chair that he likes to sit under and has not moved from there since.  It will be almost two hours and the only thing he does is get up and sit then lie down again.  One time he lied down then re-positioned himself again as if he was uncomfortable.  

 

So when I was in the kitchen I saw a bag that I put plastics in that he was sniffing earlier.  The bottom corner had a hole chewn off and there was tomato sauce on the floor.   Now this jars sauce was old and thats why I threw it away, but somehow the sauce leaked out and I think he chewed through the bag.  Im starting to think he has a really bad stomach ache.  Does anyone think this is possible?

 

Something else, he breathes really rapidly sometimes.  Before today it would happen after he ran around a bit.  I’ve been reading all sorts of things that rabbits do that because they’re out of breath, old or something life threatening .  Any ideas?

 

And lastly, when I spoke to the guy today who I got him from I also mentioned that he was not really active today and he told me that the bunny is like that.  He’s just really mellow and used to being in cage all day.  So, I want to know for those who have had rescued rabbits that are a little older, do they ever grow out of that?  I mean I think he’s “mellow” because he kind of lost hope of ever getting out to play.  He does not move at all when petted and even clicks his teeth I think, he just seems really shy to just let loose and go for it.  It could be his personality though so I guess I will have to wait and see.

I’m planning on taking him to a vet this weekend and seeing what a vet has to say about him.  I just posted here because I wanted some feedback.

 

Thanks,

Michelle

[jerseygirl]

Welcome Michelle!
Good on you for giving this bun a home and for getting him fixed right away. Is his name Snoopy like your screen name?
You’ve mentioned still being in contact with the person you got him from. Are you going to continue with the vet where this guy works. Would they see him after hours if you feel he need it? Is good to have an emergency vet contact – but I’m sorry you’re having issues so soon after getting him.

He may have an upset stomach. Did he have any tomato residue around the mouth?  To me it sounds like gas, when they get up then lie down again repositioning alot. Are you able to handle him easily. One thing you could try is abdominal massage to relieve gas. Either secure him between your legs down on the floor and put your hands underneath. Or you can put him on your back in your lap and try that way. I find I can even give tummy massage when I’m holding a bun securely against my chest.

Another thing is giving infant gas drops (simethicone) like Ovol or Infants friend. They cannot over dose on this so you can give it 1ml for first 3 hours then 1 ml every 3-8 hrs after.

What type of stitches did he have for his neuter? Sometime dissolving type is used or glue. Have you checked to see he hasn’t pulled anything there? He may have some discomfort so I would suggest calling the vet tomorrow if he is still acting strange. Did they give him a good check over before his op?

As to your other questions – I believe once he has a well established routine and diet and his own space (that you’ve just provided) you’ll find his personality start to show. Do you have an idea how old he is? Does he carry extra weight? This may attribute to his activity level and breathing also. I find my breath fast like that when stressed. So if I’ve picked them up or just done the nail trims. They go lie sprawled out, breathing fast and cooling off.
You may find he’s more playful early morning, evening and at night. Most like a quiet spot to sleep the day away.

Hope he comes good – keep us posted.

[lilmizzsnickerz]

i like the name snoopy lol my dog is called snoopy or snoop-a-saurus lol get some pictures up =D

[snoopy]

 Well the guy who I got him from works for a cat/dog vet so they don’t really see rabbits.  Yeah I  know, I know you shouldn’t let cat/dog vets do the neutering, but that’s how this person was giving it to me.  So yeah, I can’t take him there for a check up.  I did read about the massages and drops last night after posting.  I’m going to buy some today just to have it on hand.  About a half hour after posting I offered him some basil leaves and he ate them, then some water and he drank quite a bit.  After that he was back to his normal self.  I was soooo worried about him.  I think this is really funny because my eldest is the one who really wanted a bunny and I just came one night to read up about them and the rest is history.  It seems Im the one who wanted a rabbit and not her.  He has licked my eldest daughters’ hand though.  Yeah we named him snoopy.

I have checked the stitches and it seems they are the ones that dissolve.  About his age I’m not sure.  I’m almost sure he’s more than a year old, would a vet be able to determine the age somewhat?

We just gave him two or three raisins earlier to be able to get a snap shot of him.  After he gobbled them up he sniffed my leg then bit me!   I know I’ve read of nips, but this felt like more than a nip unless that was a nip?  It was quick and then he ran away, but it felt like he opened his mouth pretty big to “nip” 

Lastly, do all rabbits jump?  I have not seen this one even try and I think it’s because he was in a cage so much maybe?  I made a level for him to get up on in the DIY cage we made (the level is put 14″ up and ) and one of my girls this morning said that he had his paws on it and sniffing, but thats all he did.  I put a small stool in there to see if that would encourage him to jump up.  Lets see what happens.

 

Thanks so much for your reply…..

 

Michelle

[snoopy]

 Yes, we chose snoopy after much debate lol…. I took a quick pic of him.  You think you can tell his age?  

 

Michelle

 

 

 

 

[Adalaide]

He may not be brave enough to explore up yet. Maybe he’s just not feeling up to it yet either? Not sure how long it takes to be feeling all better after surgery. I have always assumed that all bunnies jump, but then again Freya’s been home for like 2 weeks so I’m also pretty clueless compared to most of the people here.

[Elrohwen]

I wouldn’t worry abou the jumping. It took my bun at least a week before he would jump on his shelf and it’s only about 9″ high. And he still won’t go onto the roof of his maze haven  I’m sure he’ll get the hang of it in time.

Glad to hear that he’s doing a bit better! I went through a scare a few weeks after getting my bun where he wasn’t eating for the pet sitter, but by the time we got home he was fine and eating like a champ. Hopefully Snoopy will snap out of it!

[MarkBun]

It does sound like he’s settling in. As long as he eats and poops nice, round poos, he’s doing well.

I would encourage you to let him have a ‘hidey’ area to himself. Something as simple as a cardboard box with tunnel holes cut into it in the corner of his condo so he can go sit in there and get away from it all. it is important that you don’t disturb him in there unless it’s important (have to go to the vet, need to give meds, etc.). A Bun needs to have a safe hidey spot.

[snoopy]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and replies. I’ve learned so much from reading the forums and hope to continue to soak up much knowledge and wisdom.

Thanks….

Michelle

[jerseygirl]

Glad he came good! I agree, it’s early days yet. One day you’ll walk in and find he’s jumped up somewher he should have. They do spend some time scoping out areas. You may see him stand up on the hind legs and check out surfaces. Up, down, up, down (periscoping). Once they establish it’s a safe, solid surface, they’ll often try jump to there.

Cute name for a cute bunny!  He does look adult size from the picture. 

[RabbitPam]

Hi, Michelle,

Welcome to you and Snoopy. He looks like a sweet little guy and over a year old – what does he weigh?

Have you found a vet that specializes in exotics yet? I’d suggest you take him to one that can make sure he’s doing well after his surgery, and all his other characteristics are normal. He does sound healthy, as long as he eats hay, pellets, drinks water and goes in his litter box regularly.

It is not unusual for a rabbit to sit in the litter box. They just do that sometimes. The often eat and poop simultaneously, so you can help him by putting some hay in the corner of his litter box to much on. He may just be comfortable. I agree with Mark that he could use a little hidey hole for his security, either home made or get a tunnel or timothy hay hidey place – unpeeled or peeled willow baskets can be good too. I turned one that’s laundry basket sized upside down for Samantha, and she goes in it daily now. She has a phone book under there to shred and play with. It’s strange, but the ink is soy based and very healthy for them, so they can shred paper and dig.

I think he will take several days to a week before he is used to the new home, recovered from surgery, and feeling at all secure. Be patient with him as he explores. Some bunnies are more timid, and if he was found outside, he may have had a frightening early experience. He also can hear more than us, so he still may be very alert to noises outside that could mean danger. Rabbits don’t need a large territory at first. They are happy to have a smaller space, like one room, that you gradually increase to allow them more freedom as they become comfortable.

He also needs time to know and trust you and your family, so it helps if you get on the floor but then ignore him. He will explore you gradually. Have treats ready if he comes to you so he will have a pleasant association, not think of you just as the one who picks him up. His not jumping may change with his comfort level, but Samantha still isn’t jumping. It seems pretty clear that she just doesn’t want to do it much. Again, not as unusual as you might imagine.

Keep us posted as to Snoopy’s progress, and if he stops eating for long, doesn’t poop at all or grinds his teeth loudly, see a vet right away. Otherwise, just get him a check up soon. More pictures always make us feel better too!

[BinkyBunny]

I ditto Rabbitpam – find an exotics/rabbit savvy vet to double check on him.

How is he doing?

[snoopy]

Later that night I gave him some water and he ate some, since then he’s been fine. Im not sure about the weight I bought a scale over to weigh him, but had a hard time trying to get him on it. Im still trying to find a vet if I cant find it one I may have to settle and get one thats a bit far. The only thing he still does that I’m not sure of it being normal is the shaking. He doesn’t do it all the time and sometimes he shakes when he’s just laying and not resting from hoping around. Sometimes he reminds me of some people I have seen with Parkinsons. When its at his worse even his ears are wiggling a bit (lops eared). Other wise he’s eating well and everything else.

Michelle

[RabbitPam]

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html

Michelle, here’s the link to the House Rabbit Society’s page on how to find a vet. It’s got lists by country, state and city so if you scroll down you can search for your home and find some recommended names. It’s a handy site to keep available for info. on bunnies.

Glad he’s doing a bit better.

Almost forgot: one way to weigh him is to just hold him, step on the scale, then put him down, step back on the scale, and subtract the difference. That will be his weight without you.

[KytKattin]

He’s cute! As for him biting you, it could be that his hormones still need to die down, or he was seeing if you were chewable, or maybe even to get a reaction out of you.

Give it a lot of time for his true personality to come out. Between the hormones and his past, do not be surprised if you have a completely different bunny in a year. My rabbit Nova has completely changed in the year that I have had her and my other bunny, Hubble, is slowly gaining something that resembles a personality (though progress is slower for him due to him having other health problems).

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