Think my Bun is passing :(

[HesaBadBunny]

I think my poor sweet bun is passing away. 😥

It was only two weeks ago that he returned to doing binkies after his dental procedure in April. I was immensely happy to have my bun’s funny character back!

Yesterday, he played and dug. And today, he is completely lethargic and not eating. 😥  Yesterday, I saw him eat hay too. Today, he just lays down with no interest in anything.

He usually sleeps during the day so I didn’t think much of his behavior until this evening – until it was too late to ring the vet. We do not have an emergency vet that takes care of rabbits. I know rabbits hide signs of illness and I have been hyperaware of any/all of his little changes so I feel like I messed up somehow.

I tried to give him some Critical Care knowing that he didn’t eat (after checking his food bowls) and he wanted none of that. He did not even want to swallow.

He has gone to the bathroom just fine and he groomed in two short spurts. But, he is lethargic, and irritated.

He is almost 9 years old…

I will ring the vet in the morning but I am just heartsick and nauseous.

[Jupiter_Flemish Giant]

AWWWWW I’M SORRY
Rabbits will sometimes just simply ‘stop working’ if they go through something scary or terrifying to them. A simple fall or sound that is perfectly normal to us, could harm and affect the rabbit in some way. Depending on the breed, he may live longer, or it could just be the length of his eventful life. Still, no need to give up hope. Also, there are many animal hospitals that you could call in your area, which will give instructions. Rabbits can go a few days, maybe even a week without food. If he simply not loving his tooth job, or maybe they made a mistake and he cut his tongue. Many things can happen, and I have been this heartsick too. Please, keep hope for the little guy, and if he doesn’t make it, I apologize for his loss. I’m sure he did live a happy life.

[Bam]

There arent many things you can do now but to try and keep him warm (to prevent chock), maybe give some water in a syringe if he will take that. Just to tie him over until you can get hold of a vet. Ideally he should have sub q fluids, but most people dont have the equipment for that.

Try to sit with him. He might know you are there and take comfort in that.

[DanaNM]

I agree with Bam that supportive care can go along way. Do his ears feel cold? Do you have any past pain meds you can give him?  How is he doing now?

. . . 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.  

[HesaBadBunny]

Thank you very much for your responses.

I managed to get a fair bit of Critical Care into him (he has 3 feedings since) but he started to “do better” in the middle of the night. His ears felt chilled so I gave him a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.

I got no sleep last night checking on him and petting him and telling him how he is so loved.

He became more alert and aware of his surroundings rather than the distant stare he had in the last afternoon/evening.

Got him into the vet early. His heart beat is strong and the vet examined his belly. He found nothing. From an exam, there is nothing physically wrong with him, besides a bit of a wet nose. And that isn’t “snotty”, but just wet. Going to treat it as the beginning of a respiratory infection and see what happens. Baytril 2x per day.

The vet pulled blood to do a panel too.

Bunny is still not eating but he is much more alert. He spends time grooming and he still has his balance. He is not 100% himself, maybe like 25% himself, but he is “stable.”

When I was rearranging his enclosure to make things more accessible for him, he hid behind the sofa (his den spot) and came out for one little hop to see what was up.

He is just pretty miserable right now, but not weak/limp like he was last night.

[Bam]

I’m happy to hear he is doing better! You seem to be doing everything right and you probably saved his life by doing what you did last night. It’s wonderful that he came out to check on what you were doing when you were rearranging his enclosure!

You will (obviously) need to continue to syringe feed him CC as long as he isnt eating on his own, and he could benefit from a warm waterbottle in his area these next few nights. He should (again obviously, but for other potential readers of this thread) have enough space so he can choose whether he wants to lie next to the heat source or not.

 

[Jupiter_Flemish Giant]

I’m glad that he is doin better, It’s wonderful! I hope he continues to come back to himself!

[LBJ10]

Keep doing what you’re doing. I agree with Bam that you probably saved his life by giving him supportive care. I’m glad you are seeing some improvement. Just keep in mind that this can sometimes be a slow process with some setbacks along the way.

[DanaNM]

I’ve very glad he is doing better, and agree with others that your supportive care got him through! Keep up the nursing care along with the vets treatments, it sounds like a stasis episode which can take some time to recover from.

. . . 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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