Please Help! How To Warm Up Bunny Ears??

[Lola & Ella]

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday my bunny was not acting herself from 2 pm onwards and we got a very appointment today. Long story short, my 11 and a half-year-old bunny has been diagnosed with GI Stasis. We were lucky we caught it so early on so we immediately got 2 medications and she’s on them right now. For the most part, she has been resting and digging up her blanket and occasionally getting groomed by her sister. She’s acting better than she did yesterday, minus the no bowel movements and not eating. We have been juicing certain veggies she enjoys and syringing them into her mouth so she stays hydrated while at least getting something into her tummy for the medication to work.

I need to give her her pellets for the nutrients but I have no idea how to do that if she’s not eating.. is there a way to do that?

Also, the only thing that is stressing me out is how her ears are cold. I have put her in the blanket and the heater is on and it’s really warm inside but her ears only seem to be getting colder. How can I warm up her ears? Any information is helpful! 🙂

[DanaNM]

Sorry your girl is poorly. What medications did you get?

You will need to syringe feed her if she’s not eating. Do you have critical care?  You can make a pellet mash and syringe feed that if you don’t have critical care. Keep offering favorite veggies to encourage her to eat.

Her ears might cold because she her body temp is low, which can happen when bunnies are in pain and can be dangerous. Can you take her temperature? You can heat up a warm water bottle and place it near her under the blanket, just make sure she is able to move away from it if she gets too warm.

That said, ears can be cold even if the body temp is OK when the room temp is cold. So taking her temperature would give you a better sense.

 

. . . 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.  

[Lola & Ella]

We got Baytril which is to be given every 12 hours, and Metacam which is to be given once a day (the vet gave us 3 doses = 3 days).

I made a mashed up some wheatgrass because that’s one of her favourites, and great for getting the system clean. She showed interest in it so I am glad she has something in her tummy. The vet told us her temperature was 2* lower than it is supposed to be.. sorry I don’t have a thermometer for them at home. What kind of water bottle? Could I warm up a heat pack just a bit and put that along with her blanket as well?

Thank you for your response!

[LeahM]

I hope your bunny is doing better!  My bunny often has very cold ears, even when he’s warm and fine.  I cuddle them to my face (because I love them) but also to warm them up, he doesn’t seem to care though.  He can be toasty by the fire and still have cool ears.  He was sick this morning, and he was cold, but I could feel it in his body.

As far as the pellets go, I made a mash for various animals.  It really helps to have a high power blender just so they go through the syringe better.  I suggest widening the tip of the syringe with an ice pick or something because usually there are chunks in the pellet mash, I’ve found.  You can also put it through a strainer first.  Critical care is better and easier if you have it though!

[Lola & Ella]

I’m trying to keep her as warm as possible with a heater and blanket.

Thank you! I will try to get my hands on critical care. For now, I will stick to the pellet mash. Would a 50/50 mix of water and pellets through a blender be okay?

[DanaNM]

That mix sounds like it would be fine, whatever consistency works with the syringe. I usually aim for the consistency of pancake batter. Watery is OK as it will help get her hydrated, which is important for getting the gut moving. It’s good she will eat some wheat grass.

I’m glad she has pain meds. The Baytril might help, some vets will prescribe it if they suspect an infection.

A heat pack will work (wrap in a towel), or just any kind of reusable water bottle wrapped in a towel. I usually get the water so it’s hot but I can still touch it.

. . . 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.  

[Lola & Ella]

I tried the heat pack and water bottle and her ears have been consistently warm.. She is beginning to eat a few veggies. I presume the medication she’s on may make her tastebuds funny because she seems to only show interest in sweeter foods (romaine, strawberry, banana, wheatgrass). She’s beginning to run around a little and is slowly pooping. Although the poops are small, I’m happy they are still something.

Thank you for your help, I really do appreciate it.

[DanaNM]

Glad she’s improving! Try not to give too many sweet things, as they can upset her gut more (especially when things are slowed), but glad she is eating and starting to poop again!

. . . 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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