PANIC ATTACK!

[mocha200]

Lulu just had a panic attack! i was doing a bonding session and about 30 minuts into it she was huddeld in the corner eyes realy wide! i thought she might be scared but didn’t think much about it. then she all of the suden had a panick atack! at least i think it was.l all of the sudden she started running in cercels and she was going so fast her back legs were like dragging behind her! i am soooo scared! after i cought her to settle her down i put her in her cage were she would feel the safest. she ran arround her cage thumping and when i would move she would jump! she is doing better now but still scared. help what wrong! when she had the atack my sister was making pizza and the tv was on but i don’t know why she would have been scared from that. Help what do you think is wrong!?

[LizzieKnittyBun]

Oh gosh, Mocha, I’m so sorry that happen!

Y’know, bunnies have some keener senses than we do. It’s possible she heard something prowling around outside, or maybe just got overwhelmed by the bonding session.

I guess just give her some extra time between sessions. Maybe turn off the lights, give her some treats, or cover her cage for a little while. Let her feel like nothing can get to her.

Keep us posted on how she’s doing!! I’m sorry that happened : /

[mocha200]

yes i will keep you posted… her cage has a sheet on it. i would give her some treats but she seems to be scared of me right now. I hope she is ok.

[FluffyBunny]

She was probably already stressed from the bonding session, then she heard something (like a dog barking or a super high-pitched noise) that sent her over the top. Back when my bunny was still over-alert from being a hutch bunny in his old home, this used to happen to him several times a month. Just give her some time alone in a quiet place (and relax a bit yourself too! Bunnies pick up on humans’ stress). If she’s still like this tomorrow, you might want to make sure she isn’t hurt or anything.

[RabbitPam]

I’m not sure whether you wrote this recently and my clock is off or if it’s been a couple of hours, but how is she now?

bunnies do act like that when they are very frightened, and you can’t predict what can set them off. Spockie once reacted to a harness that I only got on him half way in the way your described. It is scary, but it helps to find out what set her off.
Definitely keep her in a quiet, low light place and have her rest. It could have been related to the bonding, but some bunnies get upset from some cooking noises, too.

[mocha200]

she is acting pretty normal now… still i am not sure what set her off

[RabbitPam]

That’s good that she’s better now.

Unless it’s related to the bonding, you may never know. Bunnies are very skittish.

I am reminded of cats who throw up easily. You can say “boo” softly to a cat and it’ll just throw up. Jumpy animals.

Keep a close eye on her for any re-occurrence, and especially during the next bond attempt just in case. Otherwise, she will be OK.

[mocha200]

ok thanks!

[Binkles]

Who even knows! It may not have even been the bonding session. I know that I’ve become extremely prone to panic attacks over the past few years. I had a full-blown one in the middle of Art History class for the smallest reason. Basically once someone with panic attacks starts ruminating about something it can’t be stopped. But luckily I know how a panic attack feels and I know they’re not dangerous, so it’s not scary for me. I can only imagine for a bunny though!

[Zombie-Sue]

Ohhh noooh that sounds dreadful! I really hope in the morning she is feeling much better…

[mocha200]

she seems to be acting perfectly normal today. if this ever happens again should i grab her like i did and try to settle her down or should i just let her work it out? what can i do to prevent this happening again?

[Deleted User]

Rabbits as prey animals have it in them to spook, sometimes by things outside of our control. I’m glad she is OK. The most important thing is to make sure your rabbit has all fours on the ground at all times so that if there is a panic, she can’t fall and get injured. Also, a tunnel or other hide-out serves them well at those times. I am not sure if your rabbits are ready for a hidey box during bonding though, it may start a scuffle.

[mocha200]

should i not let her go on top of her cage? she seems to be spending a LOT of time up there anyways she seems to like being high up. she does not have a hidey box in her cage should i add one?

[bunnytowne]

Well Petzy.  You are right buns like all 4 on the floor.    When Cotton has panicked and ran himself into things in his fright I have caught him and he calmed right down when for he realized he was safe and mummy was here.

I caught him with a towel in the house comforted him put him in his house for a bit. 

At the park I just had to grab him up or lose him.  He calmed right down once he was in my arms.   I cooed and calmed him and put him in the carrier.   He calmed right down after that.  Poor Boo. 

However not all rabbits respond the same way and some are better to just put them in their cage right away.  It is scary to see them running themselves into things while in a state of panic.

[mocha200]

Posted By bunnytowne on 06/06/2010 10:28 AM

.  It is scary to see them running themselves into things while in a state of panic.

 

yes it is. and i know it doesn’t help when i am panicking to.

 

[bunnytowne]

Yes Mocha.  The first time Cotton did this was in the house.  Scared me and I was reaching and grabbing for him.

The 3rd time was outside.  I didnt’ grab at him I paid attention to the leash and what he needed when he ran to and fro under the picnic tables.  As far as take leash up and let it out until I grabbed him.

The 2nd time was outside.  He was running circles around me hopping on his hind legs due to his momentum and the leash holding him.  I won’t put him on the ground again. 

Some buns are just real panicky.  

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