Rabbit suddenly shy and unwilling to eat?

[Sagicory]

Hi everyone! My one year old mini rex Sage was doing fine this morning. She finished her hay from last night and had a few pellets. However, I noticed just now that she won’t eat pellets or treats anymore. She keeps lying down in her litter box, but she is can move fine. Sage had an episode like this last year, but she couldn’t walk. We took her to the vet then and they said she had a low body temperature for some reason. We are going to be away this afternoon, and we won’t be able to take her to the vet. Any idea if she is just cold (house was 64 degrees) or if something else might be wrong? Thanks. Also, her sister Chicory who is housed separately due to bonding reasons seems to be feeling fine.

[pinkiemarie]

64 should not be too cold. If she is refusing all food including treats you need to try to change your plans and get her to a vet. A rabbit not eating can quickly become a life threatening emergency. You can also try giving her baby simethicone and critical care if you have some. If you have gone nuclear and tried her favorite treat and she refused it though that’s a good sign that she needs medical attention.

[Sagicory]

Thank you! I think we have to wait a little longer before deciding to go to the vet, since last time she had the same symptoms and they just sent us home with critical care. I think I’ll give her some some of the critical care for now. Has any had experience with this sort of thing? Last time she just stayed quiet for a day with the critical care, and then was fine the next day.

[LBJ10]

It could be gas. If it doesn’t resolve soon, then it could lead to stasis. Do you have any simethicone? Dosage for the 20mg suspension is 1cc every hour for the first 3 hours, then 1cc every 3 to 8 hours. You can also do tummy massages to help move the gas along. If she doesn’t start eating after a few hours, then she will likely need to see a vet.

ETA: You can give Critical Care too. This will keep things in her system moving.

[Sagicory]

I might have to change the question now. Is it possible that rabbits fake illness for attention? I walked in with a syringe and her carrier to force feed critical care and now she is eating pellets and treats without an issue. I had three tests this past week and I couldn’t play with her for her “allotted” playtime of the day. Is it possible she wanted my attention? I mixed the critical care into some wet mashed pellets just to be safe. Thanks!

[Wick & Fable]

No, rabbits do not “fake illness”.. they aren’t that smart, haha.

It is more likely your rabbit was feeling true gas discomfort and was able to pass it on her own. Sometimes, rabbits aren’t able to, so interventions like simethicone, getting the rabbit to move around, GI stimulant meds, etc. are needed. It’s great that she is eating again.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Sagicory]

Thank you! It would be funny if they were, but I’m glad I won’t have to second guess her symptoms in the future.

[DanaNM]

I agree it sounds like it could have been a “gas attack”!

Whenever I suspect this I give a tummy rub and some simethicone. Also a “stern” talking to along the lines of “If you don’t perk up we are going to the vet! And we all know you don’t like the vet!”. LOL

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Sagicory]

Thanks for all the help! We just got back and she cleared all the food in her pen.

[DanaNM]

That’s great!

I will also say that nothing like the threat of being syringe fed to get a bunny to eat LOL. Half the time I think they hear me getting the stuff out and are like “OK FINE I’ll eat!”

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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