Possible emergency?

[Kax0r]

So, about two hours ago, I found Peanut sitting in the corner of the room with his feet behind him- trembing, breathing fast, and barely moving besides looking around (also, his nose was puckered in so his face formed a triangle- he does this when he’s scared or in distress). I tried to comfort him, even get him a little grass / carrot, but he refused. Earlier in the evening (1-2 hours before I found him trembling), he had some leftover carrot that he snacked on without resistance.

I had to go to a fireworks show, so I decided I’d round him in to his cage to let him have a little time alone. When I rounded him up, he spurt up a round of poops (so he’s still pooping), but I’m not sure if it was just leftover poop stuck to his butt (he can get a little sticky sometimes). He sat on his litter box for a few seconds, then hopped off and hid behind his cage (his normal not-feeling-well spot). What I saw, however, was slightly disturbing. A soft rubber tube that appears to have little tooth marks on it. All my family members deny putting it in his cage, but it’s also possible he could have scavenged it.

I’m back from the show now, and he’s sitting behind his gate. He’s a little more willing to move now and his breathing is more normal, but his legs are still streched out behind him and his ears are a little wobbly (also still refusing food).

 

What do I do? Keep an eye on him? It’s a saturday night and it’s also the night my town is celebrating 4th of July, so there’s not much I can do.

 

What should I look for, and what could have caused it?

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: He’s 10 years old at bare minumum (I’ve had him for 10 years and he was mostly fully grown when I got him)

[KatnipCrzy]

How has he reacted to fireworks in the past? It sounds like it has only been a few hours- so I would keep an eye on him. Try to provide any background noises that are usual for him- fan, radio, TV- or a combination of those to block out some of the sound.
I had a dog that for all 14 years of her life- on the 4th of July (and surrounding) it meant the windows were closed, the AC on, fan for more noise and also TV or radio- and she was still upset about the fireworks (I imagine they hurt her ears).
The bunny’s age does concern me as to a possible health issue- but maybe it could be declining eyesight (from old age) and/or declining hearing (from old age/arthritis in the ear canal/bones) makes fireworks scarier and not as recognizable as a non-threat.
Keep a close eye on Peanut and keep us updated. Hopefully the quiet in the wee, wee hours of the early morning will settle Peanut down if that is the cause.

[Kax0r]

No, no- I left him home, and I went to a fireworks show without him. He was just acting very strange before I left, possibly because he ate the rubber tube. The only thing that may have spooked him was a soccer game that we were watching on TV before I left.

PS: It’s a him.

[tobyluv]

Is it possible that Peanut is getting overheated? Rapid breathing, reluctance to move, and being sprawled out can be symptoms of heat stroke or being overheated. I’m not sure if trembling is associated with heat stroke, but it could be. Older animals are more susceptible to heat. If a heat stroke is suspected, you should take immediate action and get him to a vet right away. To cool him down before you can get to a vet, you can lightly dampen his ears with cool (not cold) water in a clean spray bottle or use your fingers to place a few drops of cool water on his ears.

[lynnbunn]

I think it could be a combination. It might be heat stroke, but stasis is also possible since he ingested the rubber tube. Romeo is prone to stasis and I know something’s wrong when he refuses a treat.

You should bring him to a vet for diagnosis as soon as permitted. If not, monitor his droppings (clean out his litter so you can see clearly) and get him to eat hay! Hay will help get his tummy moving (if something’s clogged) and help him to poop. You might also want to fill and freeze a plastic water bottle and put it by him. Keep him in shady areas and away from direct sunlight.

I hope he feels better soon. : )

[KatnipCrzy]

I did not think you took Peanut to the fireworks with you- but rabbits have more sensitive hearing than people so your bunny could likely hear some of the sound that is painful to his ears. Even if the fireworks are further away- there might be people around you that are lighting off firecrackers or other home fireworks that could be upsetting.
Please keep us updated!

[RabbitPam]

How is he today?
If he is showing any of the symptoms at all I would call the vet to at least bring him in first thing in the morning. Unless he is totally normal in eating, behavior, breathing and poos, I think he is of an age where it could either be unrelated or he has something wrong that is easily triggered and needs to be looked at. If he is still seeming sick today, ask if there’s a vet covering during the holiday.

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