Roach Poison & Bunnies

[Nibbler]

 Hey all, I have a quick question not really sure what to do.   My 7 month old female bunny Nibbler slipped into my kitchen just now, although I always keep her out.  She hopped a little bit behind the fridge and I did have to pull her out pretty quickly as there is a powdery roach poison behind there my landlord put behind it months ago.  Since my bunny is mostly white I checked her all over and didn’t see the powder, which is a blue color. She seems ok but I’m on hold with my vet right now.  Just wondering if anyone had any advice as I’m currently panicking at the moment.  She is hopping around and eating hay with no trouble right now. I feel like the worst rabbit owner, any advice?!

[jerseygirl]

Do you know the name of the product? If not, you could call your landlord to find out. Hopefully by now you’ve has some input from your vet.

Did you check around her mouth and nose?

I’m pasting this relevant part out of a Petco 1st aide article for rabbits. You may be in the clear with her but these are some things to watch for.  Hope it helps.

Poisoning
Symptoms: Diarrhea; seizures, drooling or foaming at the mouth; swollen or red skin, ulcers in the mouth; burned lips, mouth or skin; bleeding from anus or other body cavity; abnormal mental state
Possible Causes: Accidental ingestion of poison or poisonous plant, eating toxic food or garbage, improper medication administration
What to Do: Ingested poisons:
1. Check for breathing and pulse.
2. Check the color of your rabbit’s gums. Certain poisons can cause specific changes in color.

3. Push lightly on the rabbit’s gums and see how fast they turn from pink to white and then pink again. They should turn pink again in one to two seconds. Less than one second or more than three constitutes an emergency situation.

4. Check the rabbit’s mental state.

5. Call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-548-2423.

Topical poisoning:
1. Call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-548-2423.

2. Wash your rabbit repeatedly with soap and water.

3. Flush the eyes with large volumes of tap water or sterile eyewash.

4. If the poison is in powder form, dust or vacuum it off.

Inhaled poisons (carbon monoxide and other gases):
1. Remove the animal from the area and into fresh air.

2. Check for breathing and pulse.

3. Check for and treat shock.

When to Call the Veterinarian or transport to a Veterinary Hospital: Transport immediately 

Source: http://www.petco.com/Content/Article.aspx?PC=article&Nav=153&PetTypeID=&TopicID=&id=893&webt=0&tab=6&categoryID=10&pettype=4&articleID=893
 

[Nibbler]

Thank you so much for that list and the quick response, its very helpful! My bunny is just eating her hay and hopping around seemingly happy. My vet said it was mostly likely borax or borac acid, which should be somewhat safe. I did check her over for any bits of powder, with a flashlight just case I missed any little bits. I’m going to check with my land lord to make sure that is what he put there and monitor my bunny very very closely. But thanks again!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I can’t add anything to Jersey’s great advice. Yikes what a scare-please keep us posted

I would immediately make permanent arrangements to prevent this from happening again though-whether a baby gate or cube gate to keep bunny out no matter what, or get the chemical out and clean it up-just to prevent.

[Nibbler]

Hello, thanks so much for checking back with me. My bunny is just fine and healthy, I tend to be a big worrier but she’s just as normal, healthy and happy as she’s ever been. There is now a baby gate to prevent her from getting into the kitchen permanently. Unfortunately where I live in Texas the roaches are quite a big problem even though I keep my place very clean to help prevent them. So the powder is there (apparently the kind safe for kids and pets) but now my bunny has no access to the kitchen. I thought I was going to have a heart attack that day though!

[MayaConsuelo]

Glad to hear your bunny is OK! If the powder was Borax or boric acid, those are both poisonous to humans so also to bunnies as well. If I were you I’d clean away all the powder just in case the bunny sneaks in again… I understand your dilemma, I’m in NYC where bugs are also a big problem. We had a recent housefly infestation (4 or more flies in each room) and had to do a thorough cleaning with bleach. I don’t let the exterminator who visits the building twice a month in to poison the apartment because I’m sure it would be detrimental to the pets (and probably the human inhabitants as well.)

[jerseygirl]

Happy to hear Nibbler is OK!

I’m told Diatomaceous Earth (food grade ) can help control cockroaches. It’s consisdered safe around people and animals apart from if it gets in the eyes because it would dry them rapidly.

[Nibbler]

Thanks so much again for all these great suggestions! I’ll have to try the Diatomaceous Earth, I’ve been attempting to switch most of my cleaning products over to more natural ones since my bunny moved into my apartment.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I have to giggle (now that all is well) as I heard a comedian talking about Texas bugs…he said regarding bugs in Texas- ‘if I hit a bug driving down the freeway, he shoudl die. Not get wounded and angry.’ and he walked into a restroom in texas and found a roach and said ‘sorry I didn’t know anyone was in here, I’ll leave and let you finish-nice moustach’ lol!! So I have to laugh-I assume bugs in Texas are like all else in Texas lol

[Nibbler]

That’s so true and very funny!! I swear they are nearly small dog size. And they fly at you, truly the stuff of nightmares. I keep my place clean to help keep them away as I have a phobia but I have woken up with them on me. Time to move somewhere nice and chilly!

[Author]

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