Signs of Illness

[Howard cordingley]

My rabbit is 10 and he is moulting a lot and was eating ok until a few hours ago. He’s very lethargic now and keeps laying down and keeps trying to keep his head up as if he’s nodding off. I’m worried he may be dying and I can’t get to a vet until tomorrow morning. I just wondered if anyone has had this before? He usually comes out his cage when it’s opened to run around but he’s not interested. Just wondered if these are bad signs

 

[Mariam+Theo]

How hot is it in the room he is in? Has he been eating normally? Pooping normal poops regularly? Is there an emergency vet that you could get to?

 

[Howard cordingley]

It’s not cold not hot but I’ve put two warm hot water bottles under him and a towel around him. It’s like he don’t feel comfortable sitting normal but laying on stomach. Normaly thats a relaxed position. I can’t get to a vet u til the morning all I can do is keep him comfortable. He did have poo earlier this afternoon

 

[Howard cordingley]

Could it be his age he’s a rescue rabbit I had him nearly 2 years the vets think he’s about 9/10

 

[Mariam+Theo]

Is he pressing his stomach to the floor? Is his stomach making gurgling noises? Since he is molting it sounds like he has Gi-Stasis. If it is stasis and if there is a blockage, your rabbit needs to see a rabbit-savvy vet ASAP because he might die.
It could be his age, and if so I'm not sure there is anything you can do, besides keep him comfy.

 

[Howard cordingley]

Not heard gurgling noises. I know about Gi Stasis and ha e been brushing his fur regularly to avoid his swallowing hair. I think all I can do is keep him warm and stay with him all night. If he died at least I’m with him thanks for your replies

 

[Mariam+Theo]

Keep him drinking water! You will probably have to syringe water to him, so rub the syringe in banana to get him to take it. I would suggest syringe feeding pellet mush, but do not syringe feed since a blockage has not been ruled out. Good luck!

 

[Hermelin]

You can massage the stomach and give a bit of baby gas drops. He can have gotten gas problems and massage can help the stomach. If he have been popping normally today and not showing signs of fur in the droppings. I would guess it’s gas problems.

I hope everything goes well, the pressing stomach means he have stomach pains.

 

[Howard cordingley]

Thank you I’ve covered him with two nice warm blankets and hot water bottles with warm water in them. He has just drunk water which is important. I will go back down to his cage every 4 hours(it’s night now here) and reheat the bottles and then get him to vet in the morning. His stomach was sensitive when I touched it ( im just hoping he can survive for vet to see him. Thanks agsin

 

[JBun]

It could be old age, and if it is then it likely has nothing to do with stasis. I'm afraid the head drooping down is something that can happen just prior to a rabbit passing, often a result of internal organ failure like a heart issue. If so then there may not be much the vet can do, but hopefully it's not this and you can get your bun taken care of in the morning.

 

[Howard cordingley]

Thanks yes could be age or fur ball blockage Im waiting now for the vet to open to call them. He has drank water which is important fingers crossed

 

[Howard cordingley]

Hi everyone update that Jasper has been at the vets all day to monitor him. They know him and have treated him a lot so are familiar. Fingers crossed they can help him. Thanks for your kind comments

 

[Howard cordingley]

Great news! We collected Jasper from the vets today and he’s back on form! Vet said his teeth needed filing again. But I thought he only has a few spikes left. But he’s got his appetite back and as you can see relaxed too. Thanks to you all for your support