Turning down food

[Phen0m20]

For the last day or so I’ve been noticing an odd change in behavior in my rabbit Theo. For some reason, he isn’t accepting treats and seems very disinterested in food in general.

I know that doesn’t seem too bad, but Theo NEVER rejects his treats or any food. Like, ever. Had him for two years and each time I went to reach for his food he’d bolt right over and beg me for some without fail, and don’t even get me started on how happy he gets when I shake his treat bag. He gets so excited he tries nibbling through the bars of his cage to get it.

So to have him just sit there and not care when his reaction was days prior to this as strong as it’s ever been is concerning me quite a bit. I plan to take him to a vet soon, but in the mean time until the day of the appointment comes is there anything I can do to help the situation? It’s only been a day but I miss the fun-loving bun he was already.

[Azerane]

Is he still reading his hay and pellets? I think it’s good you’re taking the disinterest in treats seriously, so many people don’t and it’s a good early indicator of stasis and other illnesses. It’s possible his teeth are bothering him or there’s something else going on. If he’s stopped eating completely and it’s been more than 12 hours you’ll need to see a vet ASAP.

When is your appointment scheduled for?

[Phen0m20]

He’s nibbling at his hay and pellets off and on but not as much as I often see him do. I looked at his teeth and there doesn’t seem to be anything different about them, though I’m not a doctor so I can’t really say that my word on the matter is good enough to assume h they’re fine.

The appointment hasn’t been made yet as my concerns didn’t really escalate until the time I posted this thread, and its almost midnight now so I won’t have much luck getting through to anyone at this hour for obvious reasons. I’m going to leave a message for the doctor tomorrow and ask for him to pencil me in asap.

[vanessa]

It’s definitely good that you noticed this soon. Teeth, moulting, gas, or a host of other issues could cause a bunny to lose its appetite. A vet appointment is in order. Have you noticed anything else? Body posture, teeth chattering, belly sounds? Anything else odd? I wouldn’t wait too long.

[Phen0m20]

Nothing about his posture strikes me as being odd, though he does retreat into his hidey hole instead of chilling out on top of it like he always does. It’s almost like the light may be bothering him. His eyes seem moist but not overly so. I don’t see any mucus buildup or pus. His feces seem wetter than normal though. In the past day, I gave him two baby carrots and a small slice of banana, which I don’t do often. Maybe it’s a reaction to that?

[Azerane]

His reluctance to eat as much hay and pellets as usual is also concerning. Certainly ring in the morning to schedule an appointment. Teeth issues can very suddenly stop them from eating completely. The front teeth can be checked for alignment, but tooth spurs on the molars can’t be seen without an otoscope and teeth can overgrow at the roots as well which obviously can only be seen on xray.

There could be another cause, but certainly have his teeth checked Regarding the carrots and banana, that’s also a possibility. The mushy poop is an indicator that he probably got too much in one day, and it may have upset his gut a little potentially causing some gas pain. If you have simethicone on hand, it won’t hurt to give him any as a precaution

[Phen0m20]

Just got off the phone. Unfortunately, he’s swamped with appointments and will be on vacation when the last scheduled visit is taken care of. Good thing though is that I’m visiting family this weekend in Jersey and I may be able to see a rabbit specialist there sooner. Keeping my fingers crossed!

On that note, Theo seems perkier now since I got up this morning. He’s accepting treats again but still not going crazy over them to the lengths he used to go. Its an improvement so I’m not complaining. I’ll continue to monitor him closely.

[Phen0m20]

I took Theo to the vet today and the doctor gave me some less than stellar news about his physical. Turns out he has an ear infection in both ears and a tennis ball sized lump of hair in his stomach. It’s nothing medication can’t fix but I feel pretty low that all this was going on and I was none the wiser of it. It’s a good thing I brought him when I did so I can now nip this in the bud before it becomes a real problem. The visit, x-rays, and medication cost me almost $200, but that’s a price I’d gladly pay to see to the happiness and well-being of my bunny.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Sending some ((((Well Wishes))))) for your Theo

If my cost $200 for xrays, visit and medication, I think I would do a little dance, lol. That’s super cheap compared to my vet. Obviously, economy is different everywheres, but just for a visit and ear culture tonight with my boy was $160. He’s also dealing with an ear infection. He gets them all the time, unfortunately.

Is he still eating and pooping well? The blockage is concerning. What treatment did the vet offer?

[Phen0m20]

He still eats well and his droppings are normal. The vet offered me “Vetoquinol Ear Cleaning Solution” to help with the ear infection. It was cheap, but he ensured me it works most of the time. If it doesn’t there are more expensive alternatives that I can look into. For the hairball in his stomach, he gave me “Metoclopramide”, which looks sort of like cough syrup. He said it should help him pass the hairball. If it doesn’t work he may need surgery to remove it which can cost me $500.

[Author]

Messages