Question about Rabbit’s Digestive Tract

[MayaConsuelo]

I am falling into true “new parent” paranoia. Every little thing I notice about Mr. Bun-Bun seems strange and I hope you don’t think this is a stupid question!

I was sitting with Mr. Bun-Bun and petting him while he was dozing this afternoon. When running my hand down his side I could feel a large roundish lump kind of right under his ribcage. I never felt that before and wondered is that his cecum, or his stomach? He had eaten about 5 hours earlier, when I left in the morning. I was trying to feel around it to see what it was, he was clacking his teeth quietly so I know he’s OK, I just never felt that before (and he’s let me pet his stomach and sides a lot.) I guess I usually feed him and then don’t return for about 8 hours, so maybe by the time I get home his food has moved completely through his digestive tract? Also, how long does it take for rabbits to digest food and turn it into feces?

I looked for diagrams of rabbit anatomy online but I don’t know enough about animal anatomy for the pictures to make any sense! Anyway his vet appointment is set up for Aug. 31, and if all is well he gets neutered the next day (don’t tell him!)

[Sarita]

Here’s an excellent article that may answer your question:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-3/digestibility.html

[BinkyBunny]

That’s a great article Sarita.
MayaConsuelo – I don’t know for sure what the “lump” is, but since Jack is the only rabbit who ever lets me touch his stomach area, he has a soft full stomach sometimes, so I don’t know if that is what you are feeling (it’s not hard or bloated or anything).

Also, if you watch closely and keep your eyes on your bunny’s abdomen when he is stretched out you can sometimes see the digestive track moving. It sort of goes in a wave. Not sure if that is the same area that you are talking about or not. ??

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Hernia maybe? If your getting a vet exam soon though and the bunny is eating and pooping fine, I wouldn’t worry too much But mention it to your vet

[MayaConsuelo]

Thanks for the link – I thought I had scoured that whole website but I’d never read that one. I’m trying to feel his tummy again as he just ate but he’s being frisky and running around. I’ll catch him later when he’s sleepy in the afternoon and laying down! I am endlessly fascinated by watching him eat his bowl of veg, it’s just so cute.
I’m pretty sure I was feeling part of his digestive tract, it was kind of in the portion of the body corresponding to the xiphoid process in humans at the bottom of the sternum. Looks like rabbits’ GI systems take up their whole abdomen, it would have to with the amount of food they eat!

[Free2Dream]

Could it have been his rib cage? Sometimes Oliver’s sides feel different depending on what position he’s in.

Congrats on your new bunny, btw. I am also a first-time owner.

[Author]

Messages