Hi Kel,
I think we need to look at several things here. I think Pipp mentioned that stasis is usually a symptom of something else....and in this case you mentioned a profanity when it comes to rabbits....carpet fibers. Some paints also contain toxins.
First, let's look at husbandry. What breed? Age? Spayed/neutered? Weight? How do you house this bunny? Does he have access to bad things like carpet or other non-food items while you are not supervising him? What exactly do you feed....brand of pellets, how much and how often....hay...does he have access to unlimited hay? Do you feed green, fruits or other veggies? Any treats or other junk type food? How does he get water? Bottle, crock, something else? Is he drinking normally?
Next, what exactly was the diagnosis at the vet clinic? What tests were given to come to a diagnosis? What exactly is the antibiotic, why is it being given and in what dosage? What probiotic are you giving and the dosage? Were fluids administered while he was in the clinic? If not, why not?
A probiotic is usually offered when there is something interfering with the proper bacteria in the GI. Rabbits are hind gut fermenters. Their digestive system requires a diet low in protein (pellets are very high in protein) and high in fiber (lots of grass hays). If they are not fed properly, the bacteria population will change. That will result in problems. Stress can cause this. Ingesting non-food items can cause this. Taking antibiotics can alter the bacteria in the gut. Most people think that by giving a probiotic that you are replacing the bacteria. That is not exactly accurate. By using a probiotic, it helps to stabilize the pH in the gut which allows a more favorable climate for good bacteria. One of the best cultures that can be used is Lactobacillis Casei. I use a product called Bene-Bac which has this culture in it.
I would suggest offering him some canned pumpkin....not the pie filling but the real canned pumpkin. It can be found in the supermarket with the pie fillings. Just make sure it's canned pumpkin and not the pie filling. You can also mix the Critical Care in with it. We have had very sick rabbits eat pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is just what a compromisedrabbit GI needs....high in nutrition and fiber and low in sugar. Another favorite here with sick buns are dandelion greens. Just something to offer.
I just saw your last post. Something there really scares me and that is the use of motility drugs. I am not a vet and this is my personal opinion based on years of working with very sick rabbits....those type drugs are bad news and, again in my non-professional opinion, cause much more problems than they help....and again, in my non-professional opinion, I have never seen then do anything to help and it's usually the other way around. And again I must stress, this in just my non-professional personal opinion.
Here is a link to a rabbit rescue located in RI....this page has a listing of several vets in that area. Not familiar with the territory...just hoping one of these vets is near you.
http://www.rirabbits.org/misc/misc.html#vet
Randy
