Rabbit is eating but not drinking

asiamkl · Oct 6, 2024

My bun Mia is 5 1/2 months, and she is free roam, but right now i have her put up. She usually always drinks her water throughout the day, in a bowl that’s inside of her cage. I only put her up while i’m sleeping, but right now she’s in there because we don’t have any syringes, and i really need her to drink. Her poop is smaller than usual, very consistent small poops. She’s been eating, she ate her breakfast, and when i noticed that she hadn’t been drinking (her water bowl was still full from last night), i gave her a piece of lettuce that i ran through some water, she ate that. We have absolutely no way to get to a vet, there are no rabbit vets here unless i go an hour or more away, and we don’t have money for it. I’m taking her to the vet on the 14th for a spay, when i do have the money, and it’s just SO close to the date, is she okay? I know sometimes rabbits just don’t drink water, but it’s unusual for her because she always drinks her water, and her poop is small. What can I do?? I’m worried sick. I’ve also tried putting some water in a smaller, flatter bowl and putting it in front of her, she acknowledged it but didn’t drink.

Ruth · Oct 6, 2024

I think wetting lettuce and other things like herbs is a fine idea. I had a bunny go through GI-Stasis and that was the only way to get liquid into her. I tried critical care in a syringe and it stressed her out too much.
Has anything changed in her diet recently? It sounds like something might be stressing her out.
I would keep an eye on her. But if she's running around normally and not hiding or hunching she will probably be okay. You can check her belly to see if she is gassy though. Sorry I can't offer too much help.

asiamkl · Oct 6, 2024

Ruth said:
I think wetting lettuce and other things like herbs is a fine idea. I had a bunny go through GI-Stasis and that was the only way to get liquid into her. I tried critical care in a syringe and it stressed her out too much.
Has anything changed in her diet recently? It sounds like something might be stressing her out.
I would keep an eye on her. But if she's running around normally and not hiding or hunching she will probably be okay. You can check her belly to see if she is gassy though. Sorry I can't offer too much help.

Nothing has changed in her diet lately, pellets for breakfast, usually treats when i’m training during the afternoon, and lettuce in the evening. There have been stressful situations in the house, loud yelling and noises, so maybe that’s it? But i read that usually if they’re stressed their poop will go back to normal in a few hours which hasn’t happened. I gave her some more wet lettuce for her normal dinner, and she’s been getting plenty of exercise! I’ve noticed lately that she’s been grinding her teeth when she lays down. Thank you for the help! Even if it isn’t much, i’m looking for any advice at all.

Ruth · Oct 7, 2024

asiamkl said:
But i read that usually if they’re stressed their poop will go back to normal in a few hours which hasn’t happened. I gave her some more wet lettuce for her normal dinner, and she’s been getting plenty of exercise! I’ve noticed lately that she’s been grinding her teeth when she lays down.

Could be. Different bunnies stress over different things.
Sometimes it can be a day or two before their poop goes back to completely normal. As long as she's not having diarrhea and she is pooping and eating plenty it will most likely be alright in time.
Grinding teeth is generally one of two things, either she is "purring" and happy or she's in pain. The first time I heard purring, was with my little lop and it scared me because it was so loud. I thought she was grinding her teeth in pain. Luckily that wasn't the case and she didn't have teeth issues either. She was just loud.
Just remember to take care of yourself as well while you're worried. You can keep an eye on her but if you overwork yourself it will be harder to take care of her as well.

JBun · Oct 7, 2024

Provided this isn't happening because you're feeding a lot of wet veggies and your rabbit is getting adequate fluids from that and that's the cause of the reduced drinking (unlikely with there being significantly reduced poop size), the likely causes are usually going to be a problem with the water or a health issue.

Though a sudden change in the rabbits environment or life, like a new pet in the house, predators lurking around, noisy environment, or other stressors, can also affect a rabbits eating and drinking. So you need to evaluate if there might be something causing your rabbit to be unusually stressed. Though typically if stress was the cause, eating would also be affected.

Sometimes rabbits can be picky about the taste of their water and any sudden changes to it. Has anything about your water changed, like change of home, new source of water, from a well? Even with no change of source it could happen, like with changes to how it tastes from the chemicals added in city water, or changes in well water and especially if any harmful bacteria growth has happened.

I would suggest maybe trying some bottled spring water. You could try a few different types, and if your rabbit still won't drink very well, it's possible there's another cause like a health issue. Pain from a dental problem is one possible common cause for this. Bladder issues like a UTI and bladder sludge, or kidney stones or disease, are some other possible causes.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Urine

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bladder_sludge_and_stones

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/urolithiasis-urinary-sludge-and-stones/

You'll also need to very closely monitor eating, as a rabbit not drinking well will also not be able to eat very much. And this can cause a slowdown of digestive motility, which you're seeing with the decreased poop size. Too much of a slowdown and you risk GI stasis setting in. Which if this happens, you won't have a choice but to immediately get your rabbit seen by a rabbit vet for treatment, sub q fluids, and meds. So you may need to help supplement your rabbits water intake temporarily. Syringing anything needs to be done carefully and slowly to reduce risks of aspirating. If in doubt, consult with a knowledgeable rabbit vet.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Gastrointestinal_stasis

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Veterinary_emergencies

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Choosing_a_rabbit_veterinarian

asiamkl · Oct 7, 2024

JBun said:
Provided this isn't happening because you're feeding a lot of wet veggies and your rabbit is getting adequate fluids from that and that's the cause of the reduced drinking (unlikely with there being significantly reduced poop size), the likely causes are usually going to be a problem with the water or a health issue.

Though a sudden change in the rabbits environment or life, like a new pet in the house, predators lurking around, noisy environment, or other stressors, can also affect a rabbits eating and drinking. So you need to evaluate if there might be something causing your rabbit to be unusually stressed. Though typically if stress was the cause, eating would also be affected.

Sometimes rabbits can be picky about the taste of their water and any sudden changes to it. Has anything about your water changed, like change of home, new source of water, from a well? Even with no change of source it could happen, like with changes to how it tastes from the chemicals added in city water, or changes in well water and especially if any harmful bacteria growth has happened.

I would suggest maybe trying some bottled spring water. You could try a few different types, and if your rabbit still won't drink very well, it's possible there's another cause like a health issue. Pain from a dental problem is one possible common cause for this. Bladder issues like a UTI and bladder sludge, or kidney stones or disease, are some other possible causes.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Urine

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bladder_sludge_and_stones

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/urolithiasis-urinary-sludge-and-stones/

You'll also need to very closely monitor eating, as a rabbit not drinking well will also not be able to eat very much. And this can cause a slowdown of digestive motility, which you're seeing with the decreased poop size. Too much of a slowdown and you risk GI stasis setting in. Which if this happens, you won't have a choice but to immediately get your rabbit seen by a rabbit vet for treatment, sub q fluids, and meds. So you may need to help supplement your rabbits water intake temporarily. Syringing anything needs to be done carefully and slowly to reduce risks of aspirating. If in doubt, consult with a knowledgeable rabbit vet.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Gastrointestinal_stasis

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Veterinary_emergencies

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Choosing_a_rabbit_veterinarian

As soon as i started reading this, she started to drink water! I always gave her bottled water and still have, so no changes there or in her diet. She was still eating normally as we know, and eating plenty of hay. I rubbed her belly and what not, we have no gas drops or syringes unfortunately, so I will need to get some. Her poop is still small though, and some are really really tiny, but her urine is normal, color and everything. She had been grinding her teeth a few times, but while she was laying down, so I wasn’t too sure if she was in pain or comfortable. I will be calling the vet in a couple hours, and hoping that her bowels go back to normal soon. Also, thank you so much for the links, i’ll be checking them out.

asiamkl · Oct 7, 2024

JBun said:
Provided this isn't happening because you're feeding a lot of wet veggies and your rabbit is getting adequate fluids from that and that's the cause of the reduced drinking (unlikely with there being significantly reduced poop size), the likely causes are usually going to be a problem with the water or a health issue.

Though a sudden change in the rabbits environment or life, like a new pet in the house, predators lurking around, noisy environment, or other stressors, can also affect a rabbits eating and drinking. So you need to evaluate if there might be something causing your rabbit to be unusually stressed. Though typically if stress was the cause, eating would also be affected.

Sometimes rabbits can be picky about the taste of their water and any sudden changes to it. Has anything about your water changed, like change of home, new source of water, from a well? Even with no change of source it could happen, like with changes to how it tastes from the chemicals added in city water, or changes in well water and especially if any harmful bacteria growth has happened.

I would suggest maybe trying some bottled spring water. You could try a few different types, and if your rabbit still won't drink very well, it's possible there's another cause like a health issue. Pain from a dental problem is one possible common cause for this. Bladder issues like a UTI and bladder sludge, or kidney stones or disease, are some other possible causes.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Urine

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bladder_sludge_and_stones

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/urolithiasis-urinary-sludge-and-stones/

You'll also need to very closely monitor eating, as a rabbit not drinking well will also not be able to eat very much. And this can cause a slowdown of digestive motility, which you're seeing with the decreased poop size. Too much of a slowdown and you risk GI stasis setting in. Which if this happens, you won't have a choice but to immediately get your rabbit seen by a rabbit vet for treatment, sub q fluids, and meds. So you may need to help supplement your rabbits water intake temporarily. Syringing anything needs to be done carefully and slowly to reduce risks of aspirating. If in doubt, consult with a knowledgeable rabbit vet.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Gastrointestinal_stasis

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Veterinary_emergencies

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Choosing_a_rabbit_veterinarian

Now that i’m checking out the Gi stasis wiki link, i didn’t realize how similar her symptoms were, would you think that her drinking water is a good sign? Can these things go away on their own? I know i’ll be calling a vet as well, but i think i stated in my original post that actually going to a vet would be super tricky right now, and since she’s going in about a week. I do want the best for her.

Ruth · Oct 7, 2024

asiamkl said:
Now that i’m checking out the Gi stasis wiki link, i didn’t realize how similar her symptoms were, would you think that her drinking water is a good sign? Can these things go away on their own? I know i’ll be calling a vet as well, but i think i stated in my original post that actually going to a vet would be super tricky right now, and since she’s going in about a week. I do want the best for her.

Honestly if she isn't hunching and trying to hide more than usual but is running around and interacting with you she will probably be fine. And if she's drinking water now she'll probably be alright. I always have to remind myself that sometimes I personally don't want to drink water or eat as much and I'm fine. It's not always the case but it's good to remind yourself that not every time this kind of things happens they are ill.
I'm not sure your bunny has GI-Stasis, and if she does it is mild enough that I wouldn't bring her in. Just a bit more extra attention and love and she will probably be fine. As said previously dental issues could be the cause or a UTI. But I don't know much about that because I've never seen it before. If she's back to her normal habits, I would just monitor her for a few days before deciding to bring her in but that's my personal preference.

New2RabbitsDonna63 · Oct 7, 2024

You didn't mention Timothy hay as the major source of her diet.
Does her diet consist of 80 percent hay?

New2RabbitsDonna63 · Oct 7, 2024

AND rem

asiamkl said:
My bun Mia is 5 1/2 months, and she is free roam, but right now i have her put up. She usually always drinks her water throughout the day, in a bowl that’s inside of her cage. I only put her up while i’m sleeping, but right now she’s in there because we don’t have any syringes, and i really need her to drink. Her poop is smaller than usual, very consistent small poops. She’s been eating, she ate her breakfast, and when i noticed that she hadn’t been drinking (her water bowl was still full from last night), i gave her a piece of lettuce that i ran through some water, she ate that. We have absolutely no way to get to a vet, there are no rabbit vets here unless i go an hour or more away, and we don’t have money for it. I’m taking her to the vet on the 14th for a spay, when i do have the money, and it’s just SO close to the date, is she okay? I know sometimes rabbits just don’t drink water, but it’s unusual for her because she always drinks her water, and her poop is small. What can I do?? I’m worried sick. I’ve also tried putting some water in a smaller, flatter bowl and putting it in front of her, she acknowledged it but didn’t dri

asiamkl · Oct 8, 2024

New2RabbitsDonna63 said:
You didn't mention Timothy hay as the major source of her diet.
Does her diet consist of 80 percent hay?

Yep! Unlimited timothy hay, she actually ate quite a bit of it yesterday

asiamkl · Oct 8, 2024

Ruth said:
Honestly if she isn't hunching and trying to hide more than usual but is running around and interacting with you she will probably be fine. And if she's drinking water now she'll probably be alright. I always have to remind myself that sometimes I personally don't want to drink water or eat as much and I'm fine. It's not always the case but it's good to remind yourself that not every time this kind of things happens they are ill.
I'm not sure your bunny has GI-Stasis, and if she does it is mild enough that I wouldn't bring her in. Just a bit more extra attention and love and she will probably be fine. As said previously dental issues could be the cause or a UTI. But I don't know much about that because I've never seen it before. If she's back to her normal habits, I would just monitor her for a few days before deciding to bring her in but that's my personal preference.

It is so dang hard for me to tell when she’s hunching or not. I try to look for the differences but sometimes I just can’t tell. She did poop early in the morning, a little small still, but she hasn’t gone since. She is still eating and also takes water from the syringe, just not her bowl which is so unusual cause it was such a sudden switch with no changes in her environment that I recall. It pains me to try to sleep but i’m so tired, hopefully she’s okay until I wake up. Then, extra attention and love, still trying to figure it out.

JBun · Oct 8, 2024

Maybe try a different type of bowl. Maybe she doesn't like that bowl for some reason. Maybe a spider was crawling on it and spooked her, who knows, but it can't hurt anything to try.

Since she'll take water from a syringe no problem, I'd keep giving it regularly, until you can get this figured out. It may at least help prevent dehydration and GI stasis from setting in.

asiamkl · Oct 8, 2024

JBun said:
Maybe try a different type of bowl. Maybe she doesn't like that bowl for some reason. Maybe a spider was crawling on it and spooked her, who knows, but it can't hurt anything to try.

Since she'll take water from a syringe no problem, I'd keep giving it regularly, until you can get this figured out. It may at least help prevent dehydration and GI stasis from setting in.

I definitely will be as soon as I wake up, also I’ll see if she drank any water or anything. I hope she will be all good while I sleep, I haven’t slept due to monitoring her and how worried i’ve been! Hopefully I’m just overreacting and it’s not a serious as I think it is.

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