Hi all. I have recently returned from being away for 3 nights. My bunny was being fed and looked after by my family to strict instruction. He seemed to be eating and drinking totally fine while we were away. However, since we have returned home he has been quite quiet and not his usual self. He isn't finishing his pellets or scoffing his greens like normal (however he is still eating them) and pooping and peeing seems normal. I moved him from being and outdoor to indoor rabbit around the start of November and he took a little while to adjust to this. However, he was recently loving being in the house and having full run of 3 rooms and lots of attention for much of the day. I wonder whether he could be huffing/a little depressed at us being away and leaving him in the house on his own and without so much playtime for a few days? Do you think he will come round or is it something to be concerned about? Thanks!
Rabbit huff?
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lilnaugrim
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To me it does sound like he's just giving you the cold shoulder. I'm no expert though. But I do know that my bunny wouldn't look at me for a full two days after I accidentally cut his Quick while trimming his nails. I mean, I wouldn't look at me either if I'd done that to myself lol. But, he's back around and all normal again.
I would definitely keep an eye on eating like you're doing. If he declines too much, then it'd be time to worry. But if he's still eating a decent amount and going to the bathroom then, I'd give it a few more days.
I would definitely keep an eye on eating like you're doing. If he declines too much, then it'd be time to worry. But if he's still eating a decent amount and going to the bathroom then, I'd give it a few more days.
Thanks for your reply! I did think this too but as they day has gone on he is moving around even less and gotten more lethargic. His poops have got really small and he is staying hidden in his hide. I am also worried about how much water he has had. I have hand offered him water from his bowl which he did drink for a little and have filled his bowl with greens that know he will eat covered in water to try to get some liquid into him, and he has eaten some of these already! I'm fairly certain is gas/stasis now. I have an appointment for him at the vets first thing in the morning. Any suggestions of what to do between now and then greatdilly accepted.
Get simethicone drops for infants and give him one ml each hour up to 3 times. Make sure he’s warm and use a warm water bottle if necessary. Keep offering food and hay, hand feeding if needed. Good luck!
He has drunk from his bowl and is now eating a good amount of hay. At the moment by biggest worry is hydration for him. He has however come out of hiding for a wee nosy too! I don't have any infant drops and nearest open shop now is about 30miles away...willing to travel though if you think it's neccesary? He is chewing on a wee bit of carrot at the moment as I thought it would have some water in to try and hydrate him?
UPDATE!! Took Marty to the vets yesterday as he had barely pee'd at all and just had tiny dry droppings. Overall vet reckons he is in very good health and has had a bit of a digestive upset/gas (still passing lots of droppings but just teeny ones so he isn't worried about a blockage) he gave him and injection to "reset" his digestion etc and sent me home with him saying to try to stick to a normal rountine. He came out of his pen when we got home and moved around the house a little (not as much as usual but more than previously). Again last night I witnessed him eating hay and greens but not really any pellets or drinking. Left him with plenty greens, pellets bad fresh hay overnight. Again he has eaten greens and hay but not so much water or pellets. However, this morning he has lots of droppings (still not totally normal but better) and has pee'd lots more this morning.
Can anyone tell me how long after the injections I should see him returning to "normal"? I need to go out for the afternoon. Should I be worried about leaving him for a couple of hours?
Can anyone tell me how long after the injections I should see him returning to "normal"? I need to go out for the afternoon. Should I be worried about leaving him for a couple of hours?
If he is eating and pooping, even if it's not completely normal, I wouldn't be worried. Leaving him alone for a couple of hours is fine (when our rabbits are ill, we tend to hover to much anyway ^^). Not eating his pellets is normal, it's the last thing that he will reintegrate in his diet after a small episode of stasis. He is right to do so, as pellets don't help the guts to work - hay and wet greens are the most important for now. Not drinking much if he is eating plenty of greens is normal too. It can take a few days for the poop to go back to its normal size and for him to eat everything. As long as he isn't showing signs of pain, is moving, eating and pooping, you're good.
Ok another update. After vet trip he slightly improved but not enough. Phoned vets again and have been prescribed probiotic. He sat on my knee for ages tonight after his first probiotic and I was giving him a wee tummy rub. When he jumped down off my knee he spat out a wee bit of it (He must have kept it in his mouth??? Then he went and did the hugest pee..(sorry for the detail but I've not seen him pee that well for days. Now his tummy seems really gurgley. Is that the effects of the probiotix and tummy rub?? Thanks for advice
Probiotics won't help. They are immediately destroyed by the acid in the stomach - only cecotropes can withstand the conditions inside a rabbit's stomach. The best 'how to cure stasis' care sheet is this, it never failed me :
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.pdf
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.pdf
