Poorly bunny

[Iloverabbits]

Am currently debating whether to call the vets for Dexter. Its 11pm at night, he hasnt eaten anything this evening. He has been sat in his litter box for long periods of times, appears to be going to the toilet but nothing comes. He also appaears to be strecthing his back out every now and then and is hiding under the bed, dpesnt appaear to want to be touched etc.

Does this sound like an urgent problem thats requires urgent attention??

[Sasami]

I would definately get him to a vet asap! It sounds like GI Stasis which is pretty serious.

When a rabbit stops eating completely it's very, very dangerous .

[Iloverabbits]

Iv just called the emergency vet and she seems to think he is ok. Says because he has urinated and, although hard and dry, droppings, this eveniing and he is not not letting me touch him he seems stable...

Im worried about GI stasis too. Have been reading about it. I feel so sorry for him, he is just sat in his litter box straining. He looks so uncomfortable. Going to be one long night for me... Vets first thing for me!

[Carissa]

Im glad you called, Always better safe than sorry...keep us updated

[Jade]

If he's straining, I would be very concerned about a bladder stone as well as possible stasis. If you can find someone to see him tonight, I would take him in.

[Sasami]

Quote: Originally Posted by Iloverabbits Iv just called the emergency vet and she seems to think he is ok. Says because he has urinated and, although hard and dry, droppings, this eveniing and he is not not letting me touch him he seems stable... Im worried about GI stasis too. Have been reading about it. I feel so sorry for him, he is just sat in his litter box straining. He looks so uncomfortable. Going to be one long night for me... Vets first thing for me!

It sounds like that emergency vet doesn't know much about rabbits . Our vet would tell us to take the rabbit in right away.

I dealt with the same exact thing with Stash. It ended up not being GI Stasis but he needed fluids.

[andreaS15]

If he's pooping and peeing that is a good thing.
If he's not eating get him to eat, mash up some pellets and add apple sauce or/and warm water making a kinda mash and syringe feed him.
Try and get him to eat treats or anything, as long as he eats something.
Get him to move around, don't let him sit in one place, and massage his belly, what does it feel like?
If you have some "Oval" (Baby medicine for gas) give him that, if it's gas that is making him feel crappy the medication and belly massages will help break up the gas.

If he's still not eating by the am take him to your vet.

Good Luck.

[Kendalle]

could he just be constapated and give him mineral water to help out? (i dont have bunnies... never have... might be compleately wrong)

[Iloverabbits]

When I woke this morning I expected to find Dexter in the same condition he was last night so I was surprised to find that he was eating ok and had had several droppings.

I was still very concerned and took Dexter to the vets first thing this morning. He was diagnosed with early signs of GI stasis, as I expected. The vet listened to his abdoman and although slow, the sounds were normal. He was administered with an injestion to speed up the intestinal movement and a pro-biotic powder to add to his water. He should be ok and his behaviour has returned to normal.

I was not particularly happy with the emergency vet I called to be honest. I knew Dexter had all the signs of GI stasis and not once did the vet mention this as a possible cause. She suggested teeth problems (despite the fact that up until yesterday he was eating fine). I would like to point out she is not my regular vet, just a call out one. I was clearly distressed but I came away feeling like i had been an inconvenience. She seemed reluctant to come out and see us, advsing "I can come out if you want but it will cost you, like, £120" - as if i was worried about that!!!

Reluctantly I took her "professional" opinion and resided to the fact that he would prbably be ok to the morning. I wasnt offered, "if his condition worsens then call back", so i asked. "Ummm... well i dont think you'll need too..." I just felt like i was an inconvenience!

Anyway, hoepfully he is ok now, he seems perkier and more like himself.

Thanks for all you concerns and advise.

Kim

[kathydip]

I am very happy to hear he is feeling better. You should let your regular vet know the way she acted. You should never feel like a inconvenience. That is her job and she really should be better at it. If things were a bit worse it may not have turned out so well for Dexter. Luckily you are a good mommy and watch him very closely. Many people may not have caught things so quickly.

[andreaS15]

I agree with Kathydip, I think you shoudl voice you opinion about the unprofessionalism you got on the phone, that's very disapointing.

Glad to hear your bun's doing better.
I've had to deal with GI Stasis and Gas more then enough times in my opinion LOL... and only once had a bunny needed to see a vet, it's great you are so on teh ball with your bunnies health and knew right away there was somthing wrong. You ahev a very lucky bunny to have such a great mom!

[tarita2004]

I would totally give that vet a piece of my mind if i were you!! Esp. what if that (if your bun would have been worse) thank fully wasn't but then she would have been the cause of a death/carelessness GRRRR i hate inexperience...i *hopefully* will never have to deal w/that (andy's really heathy as of now ^^knocks on wood! )

[storminstaffs]

glad he's feeling better, good on you for sticking with your gut instinst and taking him to the vets