No poops from Willow

[folsomcyn]

Hey gang... I haven't posted in a while, and all has been pretty well with my two rabbits, Willow and Reggie. Until today.

Willow hasn't pooped since Monday with the exception of a little soft stool on Sunday or Monday and two very small pellets I just found in her litter box. She is about 2 years old (we adopted her as a young adult this spring).

She was still nibbling on veggies this morning, but no dry food. She is usually a big eater and is unfortunately, over-weight.

The past two weeks have been tough as we had a death in the family and the rabbits have not had much attention.

I gave her a dose of Cisapride that I had on hand and am praying that it gets things moving. Our local rabbit vet won't be back into the office until Sunday. I am a single mom and on a tight budget too... I used to be a vet tech, so I am good at treating at home, just looking for some other home remedies we can try... Fingers crossed I can pull her though this, she is such a sweetie.

If any of you have any other suggestions or ideas, I would LOVE to hear them.

Thank you....

Cindy

 

[Mariah]

Hi Cindy,

Good job with the cisapride. That's what I use.

You could also give her metacam for pain and syringe feed critical care. Also, syringing some water would be good too.

That's what I do when I notice my buns are off.

Do you have these things on hand?

 

[Imbrium]

you could also offer a little canned pumpkin (plain stuff, not the pie filling kind) and/or a bit of fresh pineapple or papaya. the pumpkin is high in fiber and helps with digestive issues and the other two have helpful enzymes in them that could be good if there's an obstruction or hairball in her system.

 

[folsomcyn]

Thank you... I have fluids, and the pain med. She doesn't seem uncomfortable and is still perky and drinking water, or at least, there has been some urine in the box. I think I'll give her both of those as good measure and break open a can of pumpkin. I didn't know that pumpkin would be good, thanks again for the tips. Keep them coming!!

 

[folsomcyn]

Thank you... I have fluids, and the pain med. She doesn't seem uncomfortable and is still perky and drinking water, or at least, there has been some urine in the box. I think I'll give her both of those as good measure and break open a can of pumpkin. I didn't know that pumpkin would be good, thanks again for the tips. Keep them coming!!

 

[LakeCondo]

I always have some jars of baby food on hand, as the size is right & I prefer glass to metal storage, especially as cans these days are sealed &/or lined with pba.

 

[missyscove]

Definitely encourage hydration by either syringing water and/or offering a second water source spiked with a little juice. If when you say you have fluids you mean you can administer sub q fluids, check for hydration and if you feel she's dehydrated those may be warranted.
Have you tried simethicone? Simethicone can help with gas and basically can't hurt so it's recommended. I usually give 1cc per hour for the first three hours and then another dose three hours later.
If you don't have critical care you can grind up some pellets with some water or pedialyte to make your own pellet slurry which you can then syringe feed as well.

 

[cwolfec]

When I start getting worried that my buns haven't pooped in awhile, I automatically go to the Simethicone (infant anti gas drops). They LOVE the flavor and it really does make them feel better right away.

Is she shedding? Maybe give her a good brushing to get rid of any loose fur.

Also a light tummy massage might relieve gas and help get things moving.

Good luck!!

 

[Imbrium]

missyscove wrote:

If you don't have critical care you can grind up some pellets with some water or pedialyte to make your own pellet slurry which you can then syringe feed as well.

if you warm the mixture in the microwave for a bit and then let it cool, that can help "fluff" up the pellets

 

[folsomcyn]

Awesome tips from everyone!! Thank you.... She pooped last night or early this morning. So fantastic news! I will get some of the infant gas rx today, I didn't know that would help. At least I can have it on hand. Is critical care something I can pick up at the pet store? You all have been so very helpful... thank yo again!

 

[missyscove]

Critical care is an oxbow product which can be ordered online but technically it's part of Oxbow's "professional line" and "should only be purchased from licensed veterinarians." It's definitely good to have on hand.

 

[Imbrium]

I got mine from http://www.leithpetwerks.com/indexpage.cfm?category=4 as a "just in case I need it" thing after mine get spayed, it's the only place I was able to find it online (found it through the 3 bunnies site). as missyscove said, you can also buy it through vets.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

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