How long is a rabbit able to stay alive by only forced feeding?

[BunnyWarrior]

Hi Everyone! I'm new here. My bunny haven't eat for two weeks (except for some celery). We've been to the Vet several times, and they gave him motility drugs, antibiotic, steroid, he went under teeth correction, and x-ray was made. They tried everything, but Bunny Jr won't eat. Does anybody have experience with forced-feeding so long like this? What should I expect for? He's 6 years old, and despite of forced feeding he continues to lose weight.

 

[JBun]

Did they do a blood test to check kidney and liver function? Did your vet rule out kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, thymoma, parasites(with fecal float test), enlarged heart, or underlying infection, things that could be a common cause for unexplained weight loss?

Syringe feeding for prolonged periods isn't a problem. It's just a supplemental way to ensure your rabbit is getting his daily nutrition. But there's obviously an underlying health problem that your vet isn't finding, that is causing his lack of appetite and weight loss.

 

[BunnyWarrior]

Thanks JBun for the fast answer! They didn't do blood test, they asked if he urinates regularly and checked his eyes for jaundice.
It also made the situation difficult, that critical care formulas are not easily available in my country and on the first week I had to use simple pellets with water and baby food. Finally I got some German stuff (RodiCare), but energy values are not indicated on the package. This week I ordered Oxbow Critical Care from UK, I hope it'll be delivered soon. Have you tried either of them?

 

[Thumperina]

how much of a critical care did you order? they have 1 lbs packages and smaller 141g packs. If you feed all the time, it will go fast. I hope you've got at least a lbs pack for now, not the small one. I would suggest ordering 2 at a time, since it's not easy to get. They have plain or apple/banana.
I use critical care but as a supplement to what they eat. Do you have a question?
Are you giving him pain medication?

 

[BunnyWarrior]

Today a took him to another vet, I wanted him to examine my cute, sweet Bunny thoroughly, and do the tests what the previous check lacked. But a few minutes after we had arrived, his cardiac system collapsed and he passed away. It hurts so much, I miss him, a huge part of me died with him. Thanks for the tips, and answers.

 

[Thumperina]

I am so very sorry that you lost your sweet Bun.
No more suffering for him. Rest in Peace and Binky free Bunny Jr,
Hugs are sent your way !

 

[BunnyWarrior]

I am so very sorry that you lost your sweet Bun.
No more suffering for him. Rest in Peace and Binky free Bunny Jr,
Hugs are sent your way !

You're very kind, I appreciate it a lot. He was an exceptionally clever, funny, little pal, my emotional support animal. I love him so much. I hope there's a heaven for rabbits out there.

 

[Joanna]

Today a took him to another vet, I wanted him to examine my cute, sweet Bunny thoroughly, and do the tests what the previous check lacked. But a few minutes after we had arrived, his cardiac system collapsed and he passed away. It hurts so much, I miss him, a huge part of me died with him. Thanks for the tips, and answers.

Sorry for your loss. The loss of a pet is very hard. I have lost my cat of 18 years a few months ago We miss her very much! She was a good mother and mouser too!
If there is a Heaven for pets I hope ours are very happy

 

[BunnyWarrior]

Sorry for your loss. The loss of a pet is very hard. I have lost my cat of 18 years a few months ago We miss her very much! She was a good mother and mouser too!
If there is a Heaven for pets I hope ours are very happy

Thanks and I'm sorry for your loss too. You had a lovely, fluffy cat.

 

[Rita]

Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Absolutely - they're in heaven, right now, waiting for the rest of us. I find it very hard to believe that all that life energy just goes away?? ....it's such a bittersweet thing, isn't it, having our critters in our lives? We all know that, unless we are elders, that our pets very likely will not outlive us, and it's hurts like crazy every time another one passes. But still, we persist. And we must, it's in our hearts, our natures, to have these cuddly ones in our lives, our homes. It's a special feeling, spending time with my critters, that takes me away from the "regular" world. They're not political, they don't scold me (not often, anyway!), they don't mind if I really need a shower...! I consider it an honor that my animals seem to love me, that animals that are by their natures wary, cautious, accept me and come to me for protection and affection (yes, and occasional treats.) So I will continue to open my heart and my home to them... because.... love. Mourn them well, and then when you're ready, open your heart and home again.

 

[BunnyWarrior]

Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Absolutely - they're in heaven, right now, waiting for the rest of us. I find it very hard to believe that all that life energy just goes away?? ....it's such a bittersweet thing, isn't it, having our critters in our lives? We all know that, unless we are elders, that our pets very likely will not outlive us, and it's hurts like crazy every time another one passes. But still, we persist. And we must, it's in our hearts, our natures, to have these cuddly ones in our lives, our homes. It's a special feeling, spending time with my critters, that takes me away from the "regular" world. They're not political, they don't scold me (not often, anyway!), they don't mind if I really need a shower...! I consider it an honor that my animals seem to love me, that animals that are by their natures wary, cautious, accept me and come to me for protection and affection (yes, and occasional treats.) So I will continue to open my heart and my home to them... because.... love. Mourn them well, and then when you're ready, open your heart and home again.

Thank you for your healing words.
You' ve described perfectly this addiction
Here is a picture of him: he was interested in computer science. <3

 

[Thumperina]

The most lovely computer scientist ever -!

 

[Heather]

I'm so so sorry for your loss. I loss my sweet bun a few weeks ago too, it does hurt so bad. You did everything you could and he was very lucky to have you.

 

[BunnyWarrior]

I'm so so sorry for your loss. I loss my sweet bun a few weeks ago too, it does hurt so bad. You did everything you could and he was very lucky to have you.

I'm sorry that you've also lost your little friend. Bunnies are so sweet, adorable and intelligent creatures. Each of them has unique personality and sense of humor. If someone make enough effort to gain their trust, they'll reveal their complex and amazing nature. It's just so unfair how short lifespan they have. Our obligation to make these years as wonderful as it's possible for them.