Now Ruby Stopped eating

[Susanne]

I think it hit her that Elmer is gone and she is depressed, but now it is probably stasis. I don’t think she ate since yesterday morning. I had Elmer’s meds so gave her some pain meds and the gut motility meds, plus a few feedings of CC and gas drops. She has pretty much just been laying in the same spot.

Do you think I should monitor or take her to the vet? I’m worried about going to the same vet again too.

[Wick & Fable]

I’m sorry to hear this is happening. There are measures you can take at home to try and get a rabbit through gas-related stasis, but keep in mind if the cause is something else or if the severity is high enough, at home measures may not work: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Gastrointestinal_stasis#At-home_treatment

Highlights from the link I want to emphasize:

1. No eating/pooping approaching 12 hours is an emergency and needs medical attention.

2. If force-feeding, first check for blockage using the GI Stasis vs. Bloat video in the link.

3. Provide warmth if your rabbit feels cold.

4. Encourage movement occasionally, even if the rabbit doesn’t want it.

5. Lay out the “buffet” of food– treats, pellets, the hay source (the big bag/box)… Everything and anything that’s enticing. When appetite returns, take away the sugary stuff so appetite focuses on hay.

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.

[Susanne]

Thanks for the reply. I assumed not bloat because I feel it was caused by depression over Elmer being gone (or I suppose could just be a terrible coincidence). She really does seem sad, by my perception.

I called the vet but not heard back.

Good news though-I think the meds, critical care, and attention to her are working. She started moving around, I heard belly sounds with a massage, and now in her box eating hay and hopefully pooping again. I don’t know the last time she did but was definitely more than 12 hours.

 

[Susanne]

Ok she has been in the hay box 2x and munched and pooped some.  Then drank a large amount of water. She is running around again.

The vet said to keep giving CC and meds, so I’ll at least do one more round. She is very hard to syringe feed :/

She just laid down by my computer chair, which she has never done. She is so sad about Elmer I feel so bad for her.

[Bam]

Oh Ruby!

Wick has given you excellent advice. I’m glad she seems to be perking up! Losing Elmer has of course been stressful for her (and you).

[Wick & Fable]

See here for some different syringe-feeding techniques: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Medicating_your_rabbit#Syringe_feeding … you can also look at the oral medication administration section for other techniques too.

Since the check for bloat is easy to do, I always err on the side of recommending doing the check, even if unlikely (indeed, terrible coincidences).

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.

[Susanne]

The websites are a great resource. Eventually I did the massage and did not feel like the description of bloat thankfully. I tried the burrito and I still think I need more practice handling buns, but I can eventually get the meds and food in…I’m just glad I had everything on hand. I think it could have gone much worse.

She seems back to herself for now. She has ate her regular hay, some oat hay, pellets and treats. 🙂

[Wick & Fable]

Don’t worry about not being able to burrito… it is an elusive technique for many experienced rabbit owners, like myself, haha. We each figure out our most comfortable methods and customize per individual rabbit too. Keep in mind that her “fighting back” for force feeding is also a great sign– she has energy!

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.

[Author]

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