ulcer?

[Blackavar3]

Clarissa has had GI stasis like 3 more times since I last posted, it’s getting pretty frustrating. We had her to the vet for a full bunny check-up yesterday where she had a general anaesthetic followed by x-ray, ultrasound, barrage of blood tests, teeth checked and filed, they still can’t figure out what’s causing it! She never had this once until September and now 5 times in a row!

The only slightly odd thing the vet found was that her red blood cell count is very slightly low at 29 (normal is between 33 and 51), she thinks it may be an ulcer which is bleeding slightly causing this low blood count and the GI stasis. She has taken a poo sample to test for blood and Clarissa is on antacids, does anyone have any experience of ulcers in bunnies?

Will let you know what the vet comes back with. Meanwhile Clarissa has fully recovered from the anaesthetic and is hopping around happy as ever.

[MirBear]

*please not an ulcer, please not an ulcer* ive never had an ulcer in my bunny but it still would be bad…

[Sarita]

From what I understand repeated episodes of stasis can cause ulcers so that is highly possible. The last time my rabbit Pepe had stasis (and he does frequently) my vet also prescribed peptic ac to help lower the ph in the stomach.

Have you considered changing her diet? I know many rabbit vets will take rabbits with frequent gi problems totally off pellets. Some will take them off pellets and greens and just do a hay only diet.

I know how stressful this must be. It sounds as if your vet is going down every avenue possible too.

[RabbitPam]

I did a search for Ulcer on Dana Krempel’s site, and she answered someone else’s question about the possibility of an ulcer after being administered too much metacam for something else. I have copied her paragraph about ulcers, in case this is medical advice that would be relevant to you. I would only suggest copying this for your vet, not following the advice until you consult your own vet and also get the results and recommendations from her tests.

This was dated 2007, so may be dated info. by now:
“I’m glad your bunny has another vet for a second opinion. If ulcers are suspected, then sucralfate can be administered to act as a sort of “chemical bandaid” to help cover the ulcerations while they heal. If the bunny is still on NSAIDs, then I would also ask about adding Famotidine, an excellent antacid to help prevent the ulcers. But note that sucralfate should be given at least an hour before the famotidine, as it may not work well in a de-acidified environment.”

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

{{Not an ulcer vibes}}

[jerseygirl]

Any update?

I read in your other posts you don’t actually know how old Clarissa is? It’s good you’ve done all these test if she is an elderly bunny now. The stasis is a puzzle. It’s often the result of some other problem. And Sarita mentioned that ulcers can then be result of GI episodes. Makes it all tricky!

As part of the blood test, did the vet test for E.cuniculi? It’s really common for rabbits to test positive but not actually have an infection. They can be exposed to it and have an immune response so that gives a positive test result. They can also have it and be symptom free. Infection often occurs when they’re young and then resolves but can leave neurological damage from what I understand. Anyway, I have heard that neurological damage &or stress from E.C. can cause some GI issues.

(((Clarissa))) Please let us know results when you can.

[Blackavar3]

Thanks for the advice/support folks. Clarissa is currently happier and more active than we have seen her in weeks, she has been on the antacids for a few days so I am hoping that is making a difference. Like jerseygirl says, we don’t know how old she is, she’s at least 5 but she’s acting like she’s a young bun just now, tearing around the place like mad! 

She will be back at the vets next week for another check up, I will copy that advice from Dana, thanks Rabbit Pam. Not sure if they tested for E. cuniculi, I will check. I think we will also consider cutting her pellets down Sarita although to be honest neither of our rabbits get excessive amounts of pellets.

Still waiting on the poo tests coming back, will let you know what they say.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Sound promising! Keep us posted

[bunnyluvr]

Any updates?

[Blackavar3]

Sorry for the delay in updating. She’s been fine for over three weeks now which is the best spell she’s had in ages, and she’s very energetic for an old(ish) bunny. Vet says there was no blood in her stool but that doesn’t mean no ulcer apparently. She’s on zantac twice a day so maybe that has done the trick. Will just have to wait and see…I’m glad we have bunny insurance cos she’s running up a fortune in vet costs!

[Blackavar3]

Sorry for the delay in updating. She’s been fine for over three weeks now which is the best spell she’s had in ages, and she’s very energetic for an old(ish) bunny. Vet says there was no blood in her stool but that doesn’t mean no ulcer apparently. She’s on zantac twice a day so maybe that has done the trick. Will just have to wait and see…I’m glad we have bunny insurance cos she’s running up a fortune in vet costs!

[bunnytowne]

yes bunny insurance  is very helpful.   May your bunny be well for good this time.

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