Rabbit not eating or drinking properly after surgery

[Chloe]

Hi. I have a eight month old rabbit who has just recently been neutered. My Mother and I did were not confident going into the surgery because there wasn’t anything evidently wrong with him. He was a bit destructive but, apart from that, he was fine. He never sprayed and never bit (unless frightened or annoyed). He was sweetest little thing, always sitting at my feet when he was out and giving me kisses but ever since coming back from surgery he’s been really indifferent. 

After being on critical care and some medication he’s started to slowly eat, but not to his full capacity. He used to guts down food but now it’s a struggle. I am happy that he is beginning to eat but he hasn’t drunk properly in ages. I’ve given the option between his normal water bottle and a bowl, I’ve even tried putting in some pure camomile tea as I heard that can be good for rabbits when they are not feeling the best. It’s summer right now where I live and the weather is hitting 34 degrees currently so it’s crucial that he starts drinking.

I’m really lost as to what to do. He has been plucking at his fur a bit and has a bald spot on his side (even before the surgery), so I’m wondering if that might have something to do with it.

[Azerane]

Hi there, if you’re syringing critical care it’s possible that he may be getting enough water from the mix to keep him hydrated, even if you make it a bit runnier to help ensure he’s getting more liquid.

You could try making hay tea, put same hay in his bowl, fill with hot water, let it sit and cool before offering it to him to drink. The smell of the hay may help entice him to drink.

I’m not sure what to suggest with the fur plucking, that is an unusual behaviour and not one that I would expect. How long ago was his surgery?

[Bam]

That the fur plucking started before the neuter really is puzzling. If it hadn’t I’d say it was a sign of pain. How does the skin on the bald patch look?

As for drinking, I too would guess the Critical Care provides him with the water he needs.

[Author]

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