Sick rabbit will only eat kale

[TheLittleBunns]

My rabbit has had an inner ear infection since Thursday of last week. I have been giving him meds from the vet, but the only food he will eat is kale. I have only been giving him a very small amount of kale a few times a day and as much critical care force fed as I can. He squirms so much and spits most of the critical care out. Will the kale mess up his stomach? How long can he live on small amounts of kale and a small bit of critical care? He also wont drink much so most of the water he gets is what I soak the kale in and the small amount of critical care.

[Luna]

I hope he starts feeling better . It’s not unusual to notice your bun drinking less when they are getting critical care because they will be getting most of their water from the critical care mix. However, he might not be consuming enough water if he is spitting out most of the critical care. Will he lick up the critical care if you put it in in a bowl? (Note: Once critical care is mixed with water, it should not be consumed if left out for 12 or more hours.) How much critical care would you say he is actually swallowing every day?

Kale every day for an extended length of time could upset his tummy if he is not used to eating it every day. Veggies in his tummy are better than nothing right now.

Did the vet check his teeth as well?

[TheLittleBunns]

Maybe 2 teaspoons full a day. Vet checked his breathing and teeth and felt his stomach. He had super bad head tilt for the first 2 days but it’s gotten a lot better. He still has a decent amount of energy to get around to. And he pees on me when I give him the meds so maybe he is getting a decent amount of liquid. Haven’t seen much poop from him though. Its either been small and oddly shaped or mushy. I assume it’s because he isn’t getting enough fiber from hay.

[Luna]

Definitely continue with the critical care and veggies. If he could eat more critical care that would be great, but I know that can be hard to do without also increasing his stress levels, which could then cause him to eat less! It’s a hard balancing act.

You’re right that poops can become smaller or shaped differently due to changes in the gut flora or lower levels of fiber. It usually takes a while for poops to return to normal.

Inner ear infections can take a while to clear up. I wouldn’t be too worried as long as things are moving forward – eating more, pooping larger or more poops, good energy levels, decreasing head tilt/symptoms. This doesn’t have to happen overnight, however, I would contact your vet if you notice a decline in any of these (or increase in head tilt/symptoms).

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