Sub-Q fluids

[Zoe0206]

I need help with some wild cotton-tails I've had since May 20th. The nest was ina farming/clearing accident which killed one baby and left two alive. I read on the Internet to put sticks over the nest to see if mom comes back to the nest. I did the stick thing and mom never came back so I decided to try and help them.

They had some fur on their backs, fine fur on their tummies and eyes were closed. They were doing well, eyes opened on the 26th. By the 29 they were getting a little more lively so I moved them to a larger cage so I could give them a shallow water bowel. The water bowel was recommended by a very helpful member on this sight.When they were so tiny they lived in a small animal carrier, but once the eyes opened they wanted to move a little more I also did ofter a small piece of timothy hay, which the one nibbled on but I'm not sure she really got anything because the hay didn't get any shorter.

Well that night (of theday I moved them to the larger cage and got a piece of hay) the one girl got diarrhea. So I started giving her pedialyte because she looked dehydrated. The next day I got sub-q fluids from my vet along with Pro-Pectalin (anti-diarrhea gel). By the time I got home the male had diarrhea. So I gave them each 3cc's of sub-q fluids and the diarrhea meds. They had their second dose of diarrhea meds this morning and while it isn't 100% yet I can tell it's getting better.

So my main question after this LONG post (I just thought you should know all the facts) is how much sub-q's and how often should I give them?

Also any ideas why they got the diarrhea in the first place so I came hopefully prevent it in the future? Was it the stress of moving to a different cage, or the tiny piece of hay?

Also just so you know I will be releasing this two back into the wild when they are ready. I also help out with baby squirrels through a wildlife group, and have been very successful with them. This is my first bunny though and it's a little different

 

[MiniLopHop]

I have no experience with wild buns, but I do give my domestic rabbits fluids when they are sick. Becky is 4.3 pounds and gets 100mL/day. It takes a while for the body to absorb the fluid so once a day is good. It sounds like these guys are pretty small, but I would think you should give a bit more than you are currently. They should have a lump about the size of their heads on the back of their necks right after you are done. Sometimes the fluid rolls off to one side or the other.

For more specific advice you might call an experienced wildlife rehabber? Your vet didn't tell you how much?

Best of luck helping them. ray:

 

[Zoe0206]

Thanks for responding. Yes the lumps were very small so I think I should give more. No my vet didn't give me an amount. It was kind of a rushed phone call between us. He was out of the office and I was talking to him on his cell, trying to get to his clinic before they closed to get the suppies. When I asked his techs they said I should look it up online because they didn't want to give me the wrong answer. So here I am