Post spay – Meds and poo(p) quesions!

[boogercj]

Ariel and Miranda had their spay operations yesterday and they sailed through with flying colours by all accounts. The vets were excellent and they’ve sent us home with some Metacam, which was all included in the price. Poor babies though, they look so spaced out and quite sore!

Anyway, the vet said they had eaten a bit after the op, which is great. With some coaxing, they’ve each had a little bit of cauliflower leaf and a slice of carrot this morning, along with some cavalo nero (black kale), which Ariel left, but Miranda ate all of hers. I forgot they haven’t had this before and so Miranda had a bit of a funny poo(p) this morning. Should I be worried by this? They hadnt had any metacam at the time, but we’re giving them some in about an hour or so. Is it likely to be the kale or could it be the pain-killer injection? They were both pooing fine before this.

The buns really didnt want to have the metacam drops this morning and neither of us have had to administer this to a rabbit before and are a bit daunted. Is the easiest way to put a hand on the head, using thumb and ring finger to open the cheeks a little and insert the dropper into the side of the mouth? These guys really don’t like being picked up so will probably struggle a little. We’ve tried putting some (exactly half the daily dose) on a bit of carrot so we’ll check if they’ve eaten that first.

It’s a bit nerve-wracking this spaying mullarkey isn’t it?!

[RabbitPam]

It all sounds like it’s going very well to me. Yes, giving metacam as you described, by the side of the mouth while holding them still on the floor is how I always gave it to Spockie and that was fine. I wouldn’t waste too much on a carrot if they take it by syringe. Carrots don’t absorb the meds and it could run off.
But you may not need more of it today anyway if they are recovering well. Watch them for normal movement. If one or both are huddled and grinding their teeth, then there’s still pain and they need the metacam.
I expect the poos are due to a new food. I would actually give them mostly hay now, just to get their tummies back on track and things flowing. Pellets, gentle greens that you know they are used to is best. They have some sensitivity to the procedure and the meds, so easy does it is best. Watch them and stay in touch with your vet by phone if you have any questions.
Don’t let them jump (pulls the stitches) but let them out to play a bit. They won’t do much yet but could surprise you. To check their incisions, try holding a treat over their head so they stand up to get it and put a hand mirror down on the floor so you can see the reflection of their tummies. It should be shaved and pink or yellowish. If it swells and is red over time in the next day or two, that’s a possible infection so alert your vet. But it all sounds very, very good.
Ahhhhhh. That’s done. Now they can have a fun, healthy life with you!

[Sarita]

Funny poo is usually due to the operation – meds used and anesthesia – very typical.

[boogercj]

Thanks both! 

Anita (my GF) has been back to the apartment at lunchtime, and they’re both tucking into some hay, have eaten the greens we gave them this morning, and even some pellets. Awesome!  We’re going to probably give them some more Metacam tonight but limit it to 2 drops each. I’m so glad they’re eating though, it’s a real relief. Great tip for looking at the wound as well. We’ll be sure to use the mirror technique. We can’t wait until we can start the bonding process (in the new year) again!

[boogercj]

UPDATE:

Bought a big bunch of parsley, which they’ve both yummed up! They’re definitely looking much better; Miranda has bunny flopped a few times and keeps chewing her chill’n’chew mat. They’ve both had a couple of drops of metacam this evening, along with pellets and hay. We’ve seen Ariel drink this evening, but not Miranda. Should we be worried? The parsley was well soaked but we’d prefer her to take a good drink.

Sorry for all the questions, but you guys are just too good!! I promise lots of photos and vids when they feel better!

[Sarita]

No, I wouldn’t worry about that. It takes a few days for all to return to normal. They are eating and that’s a good sign. She may have drunk something earlier too when you weren’t there.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oh I’m so glad to hear they are eating again Most important thing Wonderful

With lots of veggies-wouln’t worry about a decrease in drinking I can’t wait to see photos!

[Author]

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