Sick Bunny.

[JennyB]

Hello, I apologize if I should not post this here… usually I take more time to read the guidelines in places like this….

I have a 12 year dwarf rabbit. Earlier today there were two episodes where he was squeaking very loudly, I actually thought at first somehow a squirrel had gotten trapped or stuck in the house. He is quiet now, but having episodes where he will jump all around, sometimes hitting his head on the cage, and sometimes laying on his side. I do not think he is eating or drinking. I don’t think he’s having seizures, it more seems like he is having pain that comes on quickly, scaring him and making him jump all about.

I called the vet, hoping they could speak to me over the phone, but they only want me to bring him in. I think my instincts are telling me that a 30 minute car ride would be too much on him – I’m scared he will become terrified, making matters worse.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[MooBunnay]

Hello Jennifer, Welcome to Binkybunny!

12 years old is quite an accomplishment for a rabbit How long has he been having these episodes for? Is he really jumping or more “rolling” around? Is his head tilting to the side? Anything that causes a bunny to jump around or move around like that is usually quite serious, so if it were me I probably would end up venturing to the vet. You can keep him nice and secure in a carrier by putting plenty of towels in there to make it nice and soft in case he has another episode.

Do you have a rabbit savvy vet? (AKA, does your vet treat rabbits often, does he/she know the specifics of medicating rabbits etc.?) I am asking because this is not something I have heard of before so I would think that it will require a knowledgeable person to help you with this.

Can you try to describe a bit more about the episodes, for example, how long they last, if there is any rhyme or reason to the time that they happen, or if there are any other details?

[Deleted User]

This is the phone number for my vet

952) 432-9661

Its in Burnsville, MN which is probably no where near you, but when my rabbit was sick, Dr. Larry Tholl talked to me on the phone about what to do (cuz its a few hours from me), free of charge. Its worth a shot to get some advice.

If not, then I would probably take your bun to the vet, just cuz I’m paranoid like that!!

[Cassi&Charlie]

Good luck, I say go to the vet. If he’s squeaking then he might be in pain and so pain meds might help him.

(((Jennifer’s bunny)))

[BinkyBunny]

Oh, I’m so sorry! How scary.

Obviously at this age there is risk and you can only make this decision. I ditto the suggestion about seeing the vet since he seems like he could be in pain and the pain meds could make him more comfortable. But only you know how much pain he’s really in and whether it’s worth the risk.

Keep us updated.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

{{VIBES}}

I’d say wrap him up in a towel and take him in.
If you really don’t want to take him in to the vet, for the stress, then phone them and see if they can help you, if you come in yourself, ie. give you some medication to take home-maybe metacam for pain?

Keep us posted and welcome!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Sending <<>> to your bun. I hate hearing about sick bunnies. Do what all you can to help him because bunnies do not handle pain well at all.

[bunnyluvr]

Any updates?

[Beka27]

were you able to get in to an ER vet?

[Author]

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