Rabbit Problem! Please help :(

[Kax0r]

Okay, so yesterday, I had to round him up into his cage. I had a noise-maker that I usually use to kinda chase him into his cage as he is afraid of it. So, he would NOT budge. I had to literally PUSH him into his cage with it, REALLY hard (I was in a rush, Algebra II and Chemistry classes await!).  So I found him on his favorite little rug. He hadn’t moved in a while, but sure, he’s lazy, it happens. So I come back a few hours later, he’s still there. Hasn’t moved.  I give him his feeding and call it a night.

 

The next morning, he’s still there. He hasn’t touched his food. He’s made a small amount of urine on the floor (a couple drips, nothing major) which he NEVER does. We decide to remove a mass of feces from his tail and hind area that’s been there for a couple of days, thinking that’s the problem as he always gets these. However, today, he does NOT put up a major fight which is the norm for him. He sits there, occasionally moving his head, occasionally squirming his legs, but nothing compared to the usuals. When we let him down, however, he hops off to under his raised cage. When he tries to move, his feet just slide, it’s like he can’t get any traction. He has still yet to eat.

 

We adopted him about 6-7 years ago. He is about 8-9 years old now. Is it just his time? I seriously can not take him to the vet if all avoidable.

 

 

 

[Sarita]

You need to take him to the vet. He doesn’t sound well.

[Sarita]

The longer you wait, the more he is suffering.

[jerseygirl]

I’m sorry. I don’t think it is avoidable at all. He needs a vet.

Is it time or financial restrictions as to why you cannot take him in? Members here may be able to suggest ways to work around these restricitons.

[Kax0r]

Update: He has taken a few bites of parsley and has gotten himself into a standing position.

 

Financial restriction.

 

Would papaya tablets help him? He IS molting, but I’ve called EVERYPLACE and can’t find them.

[jerseygirl]

That’s good he’s showing interest in food. Do you know as to why he gets the poop stuck to his hind? How long would you say that has been happening?

Some people here have mentioned a system called Care Credit that has really helped to take the strain off financial situations. It can be used for veterinary care as well as other healthcare.

[Kax0r]

Posted By jerseygirl on 09/24/2010 10:30 AM
That’s good he’s showing interest in food. Do you know as to why he gets the poop stuck to his hind? How long would you say that has been happening?

Some people here have mentioned a system called Care Credit that has really helped to take the strain off financial situations. It can be used for veterinary care as well as other healthcare.

 

He’s had the poop issue for about a year and a half. We clean him off bi-weekly. He never gets “soupy butt”, just “poopy butt” where it gets all hard as a rock real fast.

[jerseygirl]

No papaya would not help I wouldn’t think. I think you may be looking at some compounded problems here. Possibility of poopy butt from excess cecals or an intestinal parasite. With poopy butt, he might be susceptible to urinary tract infection. His hind leg weakness could be arthritis or effects of parasite also. His loss of appetite may be because of various other issues. He just not well. Then you have the added worry when they don’t eat of their guts slowing down. So this is another symptom of a bigger problem.

[jerseygirl]

He’s had the poop issue for about a year and a half. We clean him off bi-weekly. He never gets “soupy butt”, just “poopy butt” where it gets all hard as a rock real fast.

Sorry, we seem to be posting at the same time.
The poopy butt will need to be remedied but right now the other issues take priority. Once those are sorted you can look at the cause of poopy butt. It could be something he’s sensitive to in his diet. Or an easily treatable intestinal parasite.

[Kax0r]

Posted By jerseygirl on 09/24/2010 10:40 AM

He’s had the poop issue for about a year and a half. We clean him off bi-weekly. He never gets “soupy butt”, just “poopy butt” where it gets all hard as a rock real fast.

Sorry, we seem to be posting at the same time.
The poopy butt will need to be remedied but right now the other issues take priority. Once those are sorted you can look at the cause of poopy butt. It could be something he’s sensitive to in his diet. Or an easily treatable intestinal parasite.

 

Okay but I mean like where do I go from here? I mean if the poopy-butt was caused by a parasite possibly, he’s had it for 2 years with pretty much no issues other than that.

[Sarita]

It sounds like a mobility problem which could be the reason for the poopy butt, he’s unable to clean himself.

At his age he could have arthritis.

[LizzieKnittyBun]

You say he’s had no issues, but constant poopy butt is a bad sign. And even if you haven’t seen other issues besides that, it doesn’t mean that he isn’t uncomfortable or even in pain. Parasites may not show signs, but they can still be extremely harmful, and rabbits are notorious at hiding symptoms of pain. If they show obvious discomfort, it could mean that something is already very wrong.

I know that vets can be expensive, but if he’s sick then he needs treatment.

[Sarita]

Poopy butt can also be a sign of dental problems so you just can really never know unless a vet gives him a good physical examination. Surely you can at least afford an exam and then if he needs further treatment discuss your options at that time with the vet.

[Kax0r]

Tried giving him carrot leaves, his all time favorite snack. It’s like he can grasp them with his teeth, kinda pull them but he can’t or doesn’t want to take a bite.

[Kax0r]

He just ate about 2-3 inches off of a small branch of a carrot stem. He is also drinking water from a spoon willingly.

[Otti]

There is no way that his condition can be diagnosed via the web. If he’s only taken a few bites of parsley since last night, you’re at risk that his digestive system will stop functioning due to not eating. Also, it’s not normal for a rabbit to have a poop issue like the one you described on an ongoing basis. He clearly has a long-standing issue of some sort that needs to be properly diagnosed and treated, and which could have to do with his new current symptoms of not eating or decreased mobility. The new symptoms could also be due to something separate. Either way, all issues need to be treated, and if he’s not eating (more than a few bites of parsley since last night), he needs to be taken to the vet.

You should definitely look into the care credit card that someone else mentioned to see if you can pay for the vet for now with the card so that you can then pay for the amount over time in the future.

[Otti]

Actually, correction, even if he IS eating but he doesn’t seem to be moving properly and/or isn’t producing poop or pee, he still needs to be taken to the vet.

[BinkyBunny]

I completely ditto what the others are saying. And at this point, I would consider this more urgent as 24 hours has passed with little improvement—- you really need to take your bunny to the vet. I think any other advice that somehow prolongs a vet visit by you could only add to the time passing and put him at risk.

I have seen many happy healthy senior bunnies (my Jack and Vivian for starters) but even if this is your bunny’s time, only a rabbit-savvy vet would be able to really tell you what’s going on and offer guidance. And there is no reason for your bunny to suffer either way (whether he can recover or it’s his time) I know dealing with vet bills is not easy, but it’s just one of those things we have to do when our animals are sick. Some vets will allow payments as well.

Wishing you and your bunny only the best.  Keep us updated. 

[Kax0r]

vet appointment in 30 minutes- scared as $*&!

[mocha200]

glade you got him in! good luck! keep us updated as BB said.

[Kax0r]

He’s blind. Permanently.

How do you care for a blind rabbit?

[Deleted User]

It is not that hard really because rabbits depend on their other senses heavily to begin with. There are people on here who have had blind rabbits who will know best.

[Otti]

How did the vet say he became blind? Was the blindness causing his poop-accumulation issues? Also, did the vet explain why he also wasn’t eating?

Can you gives us more details about how the vet visit went, and what the vet said about your rabbit’s various symptoms?

[Kax0r]

The vet said that the poop issue was totally unrelated, but he did pupil tests and noticed there was little to no dilation. She also dropped cotton balls next to him with no reaction. It’s also possible his issue getting footing is due to blindness.

 

However, I kind of feel suspicious because she seemed to lack rabbit-knowledge, as she told me to feed him broccoli and kale as they smell heavier and are more noticeable?

[LoveChaCha]

Rabbits have an INCREDIBLE sense of smell and I don’t think being blind has anything to do with it

I wish I could help more.. have you checked the house rabbit website for rabbit savvy vets in your area?

[Kax0r]

There are none within like 50 miles. He’s usually not an insane eater anyway, but he has had a few bites here and there.

[Otti]

Was the vet you took him to the only one in your area? Did you ask her/him if she regularly treats rabbits? Are there other ‘general’ vets not on the HRS list but within 50 miles from you that you can call to enquire about whether they do treat rabbits and with what frequency?

If the vet said the poop-issue was unrelated, then did he/she suggest a possible cause or solution?

How much is your rabbit currently eating? and what is his behavior?

Sorry for all the questions, but without more details it’s hard to help.

[Kax0r]

Posted By Otti on 09/24/2010 04:41 PM
Was the vet you took him to the only one in your area? Did you ask her/him if she regularly treats rabbits? Are there other ‘general’ vets not on the HRS list but within 50 miles from you that you can call to enquire about whether they do treat rabbits and with what frequency?

If the vet said the poop-issue was unrelated, then did he/she suggest a possible cause or solution?

How much is your rabbit currently eating? and what is his behavior?

Sorry for all the questions, but without more details it’s hard to help.

When we walked in, someone actually said “Don’t see too many bunnies..”. There are plenty of vets but  I regular none, this is the one closest to me. This was supposedly an all-animal vet. They said it was probably self-cleaning issues, but after they dropped the blind bomb I was a little too shocked to really ask too much else. He’s kinda lonesome and moody right now, and he eats a few bites here and there.

 

[RabbitPam]

I think he is in need of a good vet immediately, and a much better diagnosis and plan of action. He should never have poopy butt for 2 years. I’d like to suggest a local animal hospital. Instead of a single, less experienced vet, an animal hospital has a larger staff so there is often someone who is much better with rabbits. His food intake is way, way off, and that means he could be suffering. And if he’s blind, he’s scared. Please try again with a group nearby to get him checked out much more thoroughly and get an action plan from them to bring him back to health, or at least make his senior years more comfortable. A hospital might have a payment plan in place as well. Plus they may have equipment that is better for getting a multiple diagnosis.

[Kax0r]

He just hungrily gobbled down 3/4 of an apple slice. Is this a good sign?

[AbbyGirl]

Another good thing to do is right down all his symptoms on paper and all your questions and take it with you. That’s what I did for Hugo so I wouldn’t forget to ask anything. It’s hard to remember everything when you’re nervous and upset. Also, since you know he’s blind you should write down all the questions you can think of that you need to ask. It’s better to be over prepared than under prepared. I hope you get everything figured out soon.

[Kax0r]

One vet visit was already a pretty big splurge… is it possible to go back and get a quick, free re-examination?

[AbbyGirl]

It may not be cheap, but it’s worth it. It’s our responsibility to take the best care of or bunnies as we can. When we’re sick we go see the Dr. A lot of vet are willing to do payment plans. I adopted Hugo 3 weeks ago and have already been to the vet 4 times in the last 10 days.
If it’s that you need to see a more rabbit-savvy vet you should try calling them and explain the situation and ask them if they can set up some kind of payment plan with you. They know that things happen and visits are not cheap.
I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this. My thoughts are with you and your bunny. I hope all is well soon.

[Kax0r]

Okay, so for overnight care- I don’t want him to starve, so I put his food in his usual place. However, his hut is a 12 foot by 3 foot room. Will he be able to find his food and water? For all I know, he may have been blind for a while.

[FunnyBunnyLove]

http://www.carecredit.com
It is a very simple process. Took me 10 minutes by phone and I have a recently discharged bankruptcy on my record. They approved me for $3000, which you will nowhere near need but it is very handy to have. They also will give you the number right now to use, so you can write it down and take it with you. The vet’s office can put it in by hand. You do have to use the Care Credit website though and find a vet close to you that takes Care Credit. Not all do.
Very very much worth it though. The card has no interest if you pay it off in like 6 months, too.

[BinkyBunny]

How frustrating. Did they check his temperature? If he was lethargic and possibly going into shock it could explain slow or no reaction.   That  vet appointment sure seems a bit odd. Did the vet check his teeth? Listen to his digestive system? Did the vet know your bunny hadn’t been eating much and has sat in one place for 24 hours?

I am just so baffled by that vet visit. Definitely sounds like they are not experienced with rabbits and even if you could go back for a free appointment, I am not sure what kind of help they could offer. You had said you adopted him originally. Is the rabbit rescue or animal shelter that you adopted him from still around? They may have some vet references that may be better.

It is good that he did eat something, but I bet that apple may cause more poopybutt, so be prepared.

As far as being blind — if he really is blind and had been blind for awhile and you hadn’t noticed it, then he was getting around okay it seems. Most bunnies have poor eyesight anyway and find their way around via their whiskers, ears and nose. However, if he is just sitting still because of some recent blindness, then that is troubling and I would put his food and water right around where he normally hangs out.

Keep us updated with what happens and I sure hope you will be able to find a rabbit-savvy vet. Even if he makes a full recover, due to his age, and his chronic poopy-butt, it would be best to find a vet you can trust.

[Beka27]

If you haven’t had many issues with your rabbit’s health up to this point (besides the chronic poopy butt that was not treated), I’d say you’ve been very fortunate with your rabbit, and he is one tough little guy. That being said, as he gets older, you can only expect that more and more health issues are going to start coming up. This just happens as both we and our pets get older. So I agree with what the others said to check out Care Credit and to find a reputable rabbit vet who is experienced in a variety of rabbit health issues. There’s a big difference between a vet who will “see” a rabbit, take the temp, check the ears, but then offer no answers, and one who truly is knowledgeable. And as you’ve discovered, the day something goes wrong is not the right time to start looking for a vet. This wastes precious time and money. Now you’ve spent money on a visit that was of no help whatsoever.

I really hope he improves and begins eating again. It is true that this may “be his time”, but the fact that he’s had digestive issues for two years makes me think that something bigger has been going on. “Poopy butt” is a symptom of either a problem in the diet or health issues and should never be dismissed as normal.

If you can get him over this episode, we can certainly help you evaluate his diet, give suggestions for making a blind bunny safe and secure, and address anything else that might be going on. Please keep us posted on how he does overnight.

((((((Vibes for Bunny!)))))

[Kax0r]

Okay, so I kind of picked him up out of his solititudous little corner and put him in front of his food bowl last night. He ate about 1/5th of a carrot, an apple slice or two, and a few carrot stalks (he was greatly dismayed when he discovered we were out of carrot stalks). He came back and had a few more carrot nibbles while I was asleep. There are a few turds around where he is sitting and his litterbox also has a few more droppings in them. However, I have not noticed any pellet or water intake, and unless I put him in front of his bowl or hand-feed him, he appears completely oblivious to eating.

[Kax0r]

I’m definately glad to see him eating and pooping, regarldess of how. He is still able to find his litterbox, for I just cleaned it and now there are a few fecal pellets in it. However, he isn’t really willing to eat or drink on his own unless I take him to his bowls. Keep in mind he has ALWAYS hated being carried. How do I get him to come out more? Re-introduce him to his old environments?

[LoveChaCha]

If he is familiar with how his old set up is, I would set it back up to what it was before.

If you changed it, It is confusing to him.

[Kax0r]

It has not been changed, but he’s still really scared it seems.

[jerseygirl]

I just saw the pictures you put in the intro section. What a cute little bun! Nice rich harlequin colours. He does appear a overweight though, Same shape as my over weight bunny. ;o) It’s hard to help them lose it!

Do you mind describing his typical diet? His weight/diet may be contributing to his messy poop and ability to clean up. It tricky with older rabbits as you want provide a balance diet for their needs. They are less active too so don’t need too much energy wise.

Did the vet you saw look into Mr Peanuts eyes with a light to confirm he is blind? Did she also check his hearing?

It’s good you haven’t changed his surrounds too much. He’ll rely on his memory to navigate around the place.. One thing you could do is provide a low sided litter box if he doesn’t have one. Put the soiled litter from the old box in it at first and pop it in the usual spot.

KaxOr, I’m pleased you’ve stuck around. We’ve kinda bombarded you with information and questions. Plus the ongoing health issues of your bunny & now finding out he might be blind, I thought you might be overwhelmed & stop posting. It’s obvious your doing your best to help Mr Peanut & I hope we can continue to help you and him.

[Kax0r]

Posted By jerseygirl on 09/25/2010 09:05 PM
I just saw the pictures you put in the intro section. What a cute little bun! Nice rich harlequin colours. He does appear a overweight though, Same shape as my over weight bunny. ;o) It’s hard to help them lose it!

Do you mind describing his typical diet? His weight/diet may be contributing to his messy poop and ability to clean up. It tricky with older rabbits as you want provide a balance diet for their needs. They are less active too so don’t need too much energy wise.

Did the vet you saw look into Mr Peanuts eyes with a light to confirm he is blind? Did she also check his hearing?

It’s good you haven’t changed his surrounds too much. He’ll rely on his memory to navigate around the place.. One thing you could do is provide a low sided litter box if he doesn’t have one. Put the soiled litter from the old box in it at first and pop it in the usual spot.

KaxOr, I’m pleased you’ve stuck around. We’ve kinda bombarded you with information and questions. Plus the ongoing health issues of your bunny & now finding out he might be blind, I thought you might be overwhelmed & stop posting. It’s obvious your doing your best to help Mr Peanut & I hope we can continue to help you and him.

That picture is about a year old and he has lost a fair bit of weight since then due to a limitation of pellets. He gets a sizeable bowl of veggies at night, mainly lettuce, parsley, and the occasional carrot treat. He eats the hay from his litter box- no matter where else I put hay he always eats the cleaner stuff where he hasn’t gone in the corners of his box. He gets a large bowl of water. She looked in his eyes with a light, but did not check his hearing. However, he seems to notice us coming and can hear and react to my voice so I am assuming he is not deaf. He has no issues finding his litter box, he has gone a couple of times tonight, but yeah- it’s about 2-3 feet from his little hiding place and his litter box and he hasn’t moved out of that area all day today.

 

[Kax0r]

update: I gave him his nightly bowl, but so he kinda knew I picked him up and took him to it. He ate a few bites of apple, some parsley, a few bites of carrot and a few carrot stalks (he can NOT get enough carrot stalks) then he kinda hopped out of his cage and sniffed around for a little bit. He’s sitting behind his chair, which is his “other” safe spot that he seems to enjoy.

[Kax0r]

update 2: he made it 6 feet or so into “new” territory and apparently can find his food bowl on his own- im overjoyed

 

he ate the apple, kinda looked into the bowl sniffin round for anything else interesting then completely ignored the lettuce, parsley, carrot. and pellets.

[jerseygirl]

They can do really well without sight. He’s probably been adjusting to it for a while. It’s more the humans around him need to be aware and approach him differently now. It’s good his hearing seems ok as you can give him a verbal clue when you’re coming.

So he’s hopping on his hind legs ok?

I think someone already asked this….did the vet look at his teeth?

(On a side note: I had wondered whether the date on the pic was right. You mentioned it was taken a year ago. His eye reflects red in the pic as most do but I had thought blind animals don’t get that reflection. I’m not really certain on this, can anyone confirm?  Anyway, it might give you a time frame as to when he went blind.)

 

[Kax0r]

He’s hopping around decently, the vet looked at his teeth- he’s always been a Bunny Trident advertisement for good teeth. I’ll take a pic of him to see if he gets red-eye.

 

edit: yeah, the cam still shows redeye, but it was kind of saddening to not see him react to the camera flash. He always has been quite the poser for the camera though..

[Kax0r]

Oh! Should I be spooning him some water every once in a while or ignoring him and making him go to his bowl? I haven’t seen him drink in a few days except when I’m spoon-feeding him, but he’s usually not that major of a drinker anyhow.

[jerseygirl]

I think if his bowl is where it always is then he should be able to find it. Encourage him to do things for himself. It will be less stressful for him in the long run.

Take care spoon feeding because sometimes they can aspirate the water or food. You could rub a bit of apple or carrot on the rim of the bowl if you like. The smell might make him curious enough to approach it.

[Kax0r]

Yeah, he cleared his entire bowl besides half of the carrot I gave him over-night, and he’s crapping… everywhere.. which I guess means his digestive system is okay.

[Kax0r]

He’s only eaten a small amount if anything out of his bowl and he seems to sit exclusively under his cage still. Does this warrant another vet visit?

[Otti]

Is he eating any of his pellets and hay at all at this point, or only a small amount of his veggies?

[Kax0r]

A little hay, very few pellets only eaten if hand-delivered to him. He mainly just stays on his “safety rug”

[Kax0r]

Wowza, I don’t know what happened but he sprinted out of his cage, chillaxed at my desk, sat next to me and was begging for his nightly meal..

[Author]

Messages