How much critical care do I give

[Flakes]

My little guy was acting a bit under the weather and hadn’t eaten a lot all day, so I mixed up some critical care solution and put some in a syringe and fed him one syringe worth. Is this enough? Or should I nab him again and force more down? He’s been more active since I gave him his medicine.

 

[Ampee]

It all depends on what the size of the syrenge is. However when we force feed we usually give them 20 or 30ml per session.

 

[Flakes]

Thanks

 

[Ampee]

I would go with 20ml first, then if you see that he pooped since you can go with 30 next time. Also consider how much he fights/stressed during the feed.
If you see that 20ml went in fine but he is more stressed accepting the last 10, I would settle with 20.

And if the situtation doesn't improve within 1 or max 2 days, call the vet.

 

[JBun]

It's not recommended to force feed a rabbit that has stopped eating(and pooping) until a vet has ruled out bloat and a complete intestinal obstruction as the cause for the lack of appetite. Reason being is that it can cause serious complications if either has occured. It causes increased pressure on the stomach and internal organs, because food isn't passing through the digestive system correctly.

However, if your rabbit is still eating a little on his own and is still pooping some, then syringe feeding may be alright. Though really the only way to know for sure would be for a knowledgeable rabbit vet to check your rabbit. If your rabbit has completely stopped eating/pooping or is barely eating and it's been more than 24 hours, and/or your rabbits condition deteriorates, or you have any concerns, contact your knowledgeable rabbit vet immediately as it could be an emergency situation.

https://rabbit.org/vet-listings/
Ultimately, syringe feeding amounts are determined by the size of the rabbit and the amount of other food still being eaten by the rabbit.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/medical/syringe-feeding-guide/

 

[Flakes]

I took him to the animal hospital this morning. They took some sort of scan and he has gas, so he is staying over night and they are taking care of the little guy.

 

[Ampee]

Ah, fingers crossed for him!
Please let us know on his status!

 

[Flakes]

The animal hospital just called with an update. He still hasn’t eaten or pooped on his own today. They had him hooked up to an IV but he nibbled through it so they have been feeding, hydrating him and giving him pain meds via syringe. They will call me again in the morning.

I am so glad I took him in and asked for them to look after him over night. I’m really worried about the little guy. It cost an extra $1000 for this service, but honestly, if he makes it through it’ll have been money well spent.

i miss him

 

[Ampee]

Any news on him? Hope the little guy is better.

 

[Flakes]

The animal hospital transferred him from the Tampa branch to their clearwater branch where they have a specialist. They are doing a CT scan tomorrow, but it looks like there might be something wrong with his liver and needs surgery.

i got to pet him for a half hour and brought him his favorite treat. I asked that he not be kept in a room where there are owls since he doesn’t like owls or weasels or foxes for that matter.

the vet will call me later tonight to let me know how he is doing, and to orrow too.

 

[Ampee]

The animal hospital transferred him from the Tampa branch to their clearwater branch where they have a specialist. They are doing a CT scan tomorrow, but it looks like there might be something wrong with his liver and needs surgery.

i got to pet him for a half hour and brought him his favorite treat. I asked that he not be kept in a room where there are owls since he doesn’t like owls or weasels or foxes for that matter.

the vet will call me later tonight to let me know how he is doing, and to orrow too.

Oh, I'm so sorry!
How old is he?
How did they find out that the liver is problematic?
I'm really hoping and wishing your little guy all the best! Keep me updated.

 

[JBun]

I'm so sorry about your bun, but that's really good you got him in when you did. I hope he's going to be alright and will be back home with you soon.

 

[Flakes]

Dortmund is home. The tests they did showed that his liver is fine. He is eating and pooping on his own again.

he is currently hiding.

 

[Ampee]

Believe it or not but im so happy right now to hear this! I bet you feel the same
Fantastic! Wish Dortmund and you a healthy life!