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Forum DIET & CARE Please HELP: GI stasis treatment and aftermath

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    • TuxDraper
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        I have a bunny (6 months old) named Tuxy.  He was recently treated for the past 9 days for GI statis.  We really don’t know what caused this, but nonetheless, I took him immediately upon noticing that he wasn’t eating or drinking to the ER vet who immediately gave him SQ fluids and Baytril.  The next day, I took him to a rabbit savvy vet, who took blood work and put him on the following routine: 

        *  Metoclopromide (1.1 ml, 3 times a day for 7 days)
        *  Metacam (.46 ml, once a day when needed for pain)
        *  Enfrofloxacin (.6 ml, twice a day for 10 days)
        *  PenicilinG (.6ml, once a day injected into the fluid pocket given after SQ fluids)
        *  SQ fluids

        Today is day 9, and I woke up to him obviously not feeling well.  Yesterday he was great.  Running around, begging for a piece of fruit (which I did not give), and playing with his cardboard toys.  

        BTW – regularly his diet is very good.  He has access to unlimited hay, both timothy and sweet meadow, and has 3 cups of fresh greens daily.  He has both a water bowl and bottle in his cage.  He also gets pellets, but only for treats when he is playing.  He has free run of the living room for over 4 hours a day.  

        So today he was super lethargic and wouldn’t eat.  I immediately gave him Oxbow Critical Care (12ml every 2 hours), and after the first dose he began to eat some Kale, and then some parsley.  Throughout the day he has improved upon his eating, but has not yet had any water from his bottle or bowl.  I understand that he is getting fluid from the greens, but I am very concerned about his water intake.  Should I give him the last 50 ml that I have of the SQ fluids and request more from the vet tomorrow?  

        I offered him pedialite and he wouldn’t drink it, but I have left a bowl of this in his cage as well.  

        Finally, his poop has improved in shape from oblong to round but is still somewhat sticky and smelly (Cecotrope like).  Yesterday, it was almost back to being perfect.  Could the last dose of penG given him to get cecal dysbiosis?  

        One last thing – I did read to give him pumpkin puree, so I gave him less than a tablespoon an hour ago.  I am so worried about him, and hope that this was OK.

        Can someone please help me, and let me know if what I am doing is OK?  I literally will be up all night giving him critical care and worrying.  It is horrible. 

        Thank you so much in advance!!
        Tuxy’s mom


      • luvmyhunybuny
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          I have never dealt with gut stasis, but I don’t understand the reason for the Baytril? Vet’s usually prescribe Baytril for Pasturella. Did they do a fecal float and find bacteria? From what I understand the last thing a bunny needs in gut stasis is an antibiotic. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Did the vet do an xray to determine if there is a blockage? I would also have his teeth checked to make sure there are no tooth issues. Pumpkin puree is fine … it won’t hurt him.


        • TBpony414
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            Your notes are very detailed I’m pretty tired so hope my response makes some sense and can ease your worries.

            Agree with luvmyhunnybunny, what is the purpose of the Baytril? In my experience, it isn’t typically used for stasis. Not sure about the Penn G either…

            The main thing is to keep your bunny hydrated and eating. Do this however you can – if you have to put a little juice in his water, then so be it. If you are able to give SubQ fluids then do that – whether at home or at the vet.

            Pumpkin puree – the pure pumpkin, not the canned sugary stuff – is tasty and can help bind things in his digestive tract. It’s safe to use! I keep pumpkin on hand for my dogs and rabbit.

            Refill hay constantly, and gently but firmly rub your bunny’s tummy whenever possible.

            Metoclopromide is an anti-nausea medicine that will help stimulate the upper digestive tract.

            Cisapride will stimulate the lower digestive tract. Not often used in conjunction with Meltaclopromide.

            Simethicone will help ease gas. Highly recommend this. It’s in the baby section of drug stores, look on the infant drops and on the back of the box the main ingredient is “simethicone” – my 3lb rabbit gets 0.3ml of simethicone twice a day. If your bunny is feeling really sick he can get 0.2ml every 2 hours for 6 hours.

            Metacam is pain medicine, it can be given twice a day if your rabbit is uncomfortable. Long term use (4+ weeks at a time) can cause damage but for your application, a week or so of using it and you will be totally fine.

            Sorry you’re going through this. Most of us have been there at one time or another. Hope this helps some


          • TH004
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              My first buns passed due to Stasis and my current buns gets it every time he molts, even with all our precautions. I know this all too well.
              My first rabbit was put on baytril too, but because she had an underlying sickness causing the stasis. Does the doc think this is the case? It could be the doc is so used to always prescribing it, he/she may not be thinking that it isn’t necessary.

              I have forced fluids in the past via syringe if my buns isn’t drinking what I think is enough (which is more during stasis time). I prefer the pedialite, because that gives him fluids and nutrients. I have also added pineapple juice to my buns water to make it tastier. Just make sure you change it often.

              Belly rubs give us success overnight. This site explains it and other useful treatments for stasis: http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html. Save that site for future reference.

              A Stasis buns needs lots of love– he/she is in pain and needs to know you are there for them. However, be careful not to add more trauma by picking them up, going to unnecessary vet visits, etc.

              When you can, try to think of what may be causing it, to stop the cause and/or prevent it. Mine always gets it when he molts, even if I brush him, feed him papaya and pineapple (both help prevent/treat stasis), etc. So, sometimes, you can’t prevent, but at least you know the cause. Is there any change going on around the house? Sounds like construction? Any other sickness symptoms?


            • TH004
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                Oh, on the simethicone, my rabbit can take .3 to .5 ml, 3 times a day (he is 4.4 lbs). My vet said this stuff is very gentle, so no need to worry about over doing it. As soon as my rabbit acts off, I start that treatment along with belly rubs.

                By the way, you sound super on top of this!! What a great rabbit parent! Try to be positive– I know it is scary, but pets can sense when we are worried. Take a break from him when you need to cry, be upset, etc. Go back friendly and talkative.

                Also, the process of getting better has ups and downs, so don’t be discouraged by a few set backs. Remain on course with the treatments and be patient. Call your vet often with updates and visit when he/she feels it is necessary.


              • Sarita
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                  I question the pen-g and the baytril – these are both broad spectrum antibiotics and I don’t think you need to continue with those.

                  Don’t worry about the water intake at this point. Continue to feed him critical care though until you can get him back on his greens full-time. The slurry will help nourish and hydrate him.

                  Honestly at this point it sounds like he is on his road to recovery.

                  DId the vet find anything in his bloodwork? I guess the mystery is why this happened because there is always some underlying cause it’s just not always easy to figure out and sometimes you never do – I’ve had that happen with a few of my rabbits who had stasis episodes quite a bit but did eventually overcome them.

                  I agree that your diet sounds spot on.

                  Might be worth to take him into the vet today for a re-examination – maybe look at his teeth and have her palpate his stomach.


                • LittlePuffyTail
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                    Well, it certainly sounds like you are a very caring bunny parent.

                    I agree with everyone else about the Baytril. And I`ve found simethicone can do wonders for an achy bunny belly. I use Ovol brand that you can buy at a drugstore.

                    I know it`s frustrating to deal with stasis and GI problems when your bunny is on excellent diet. Been there.

                    Hope he feels better soon. ((((Tuxy)))))


                  • Sarita
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                      I actually question the pen-g more than the baytril…did your vet(s) say why they used either or both?


                    • TuxDraper
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                        Thank you so very much for your reply! The Baytril and PenG, I believe we’re originally prescribed with the though that a possible abscess could be causing this – after the ER vet bill and exotic animal vet bill, I am reaching $1,000 and can’t afford an ultrasound at this time. I feel like the penG could have done a number on his stomach this last round on Sunday, throwing a few steps backwards, but I just dont know. He is done with both of these medications now. Today is day 10 and they ended on day 7. Also, he was knocking on deaths door with a fever of 105.7 at the time that we saw the vet. She is a super high-end exotic specialist, so I think she was just covering every base to try and save his life. After the first day of meds, his fever dropped to 102. Thank goodness!!

                        The vet checked his teeth and they are great. Bloodwork was normal and lead test was negative. The only stress was a animal care took care of him 3 weekends ago for the weekend, so possible change in environment, but strange after a week had passed for it to hit him like this. Also, there is some painting of our house happening, but it’s not tremendously noisy.

                        So do you think I should continue with critical care feed, fresh veggies, hay hay hay, and some pumpkin? I think I will go to the local vet today to have them help me give him some subQ fluids as well. He hasn’t drank out of either bowl or bottle even though I know he is getting some hydration from the feed and fresh veggies. I tried to give him Thr last 50ml that I had left and he jumped into my arms and started to kiss me. I stopped immediately. No more stress for my little guy. We both are on edge. I have been leaving the house once a day to exercise so that I can continue to talk to him, and love on him without crying. It’s very hard.

                        I will have to get simethecote today and continue with belly rubs.

                        This morning his poop was still pungent and cecotrope like. I am so happy that he’s pooping, but how to I improve his stools? I know HAY, but could pumpkin help with this? Also, are there strong opinions out there that I should get subaqueous fluids in him. I don’t want to overly stress him.

                        Thank you all SO MUCH!

                        I love Tuxy. Xoxo
                        Love,
                        Tuxy’s mom


                      • Sarita
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                          Okay, so the pen-g and baytril makes sense to me now. And he did have a fever so it sounds like it was definitely a possible infection…

                          I think you are right on track with the diet and the vet doing more sub-q fluids as well and just a nice overall recheck. I would also continue with the metroclopramide (but do check with the vet on this today when you take him in for a recheck and fluids).

                          As for the simethicone, it my own opinion, this had nothing at all to do with an episode of gas so while it MAY be helpful in the future, it would not have had any bearing on helping him under these circumstances. I would just ask the vet about the simethicone – it isn’t harmful, but it’s not a catch all treatment so never ever rely on only this. Also since he was getting a motility drug, I don’t see the point in the simethicone.

                          Hugs to you and more vibes to Tuxy. Please let us know what the vet says today.


                        • TH004
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                            My vet is big on fresh pineapple fruit and juice. She said there are enzymes in there that help break up any blockages. My buns loves the taste and takes it great! It is sugar, so don’t overdo it. Just a few syringes full a day. Or you can mix it with his water, to encourage more drinking too.

                            I agree to stay on the critical care, veggies and hay. I have never used pumpkin, but will look into it. I also do not use simethicone if my buns is on gut moving meds too. I use it as soon as he starts acting off, as a preventative. It has helped prevent full-out Stasis before, but not every time (right now we are getting over Stasis too).

                            Get well Tuxy! Hang in there Tuxy’s mom! I know it is hard. You can vent to us. We understand.


                          • tanlover14
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                              I don’t have anything else to add but what was already said — but just wanted to send healing vibes to Tuxy!


                            • TuxDraper
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                                Hi again! Do you think it would be a huge mistake to not go see the exotic specialist today? She is 50 min away and twice the price of my local CRT who will help me give subQ fluids for free. I think if I can get some subQ fluids into Tuxy he might perk up a little bit. Thoughts?


                              • bullrider76543
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                                  cost shouldn’t be the factor, would you see a famly praticioner if you needed heart surgery? I would go with the specialist to make sure that it is not something that your regular vet missed


                                • Sarita
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                                    I would see the specialist as well.


                                  • TuxDraper
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                                      I’ve been seeing the specialist this entire time. I’ve seen her 4 times in 9 days. I called yesterday to ask a simple question and she wouldn’t answer regarding the IV fluids. This really upset me. In addition, my husband told me that we are at our max as far as what we can addord right now. I know all of this stinks. You would still pay $200 for a check-in?


                                    • bullrider76543
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                                        that seems weird that the vet wouldn’t give that information. sounds like a poor vet that is only in it for money not for the animal, in that case I would call the regular vet for advice.


                                      • Sarita
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                                          If that is the case, then probably not…I agree with bullrider, then see your regular vet. I don’t understand either why she wouldn’t answer if she has been treating him – that makes absolutely no sense to me.


                                        • TuxDraper
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                                            I literally called to ask if I should continue him on IV and the receptionist put me on hold and then returned to the call and said ‘the vet sai he should really be seen.’. This is after I have paid a ridiculous amount of money to them. It broke my heart. When I called the local vet, who is familiar with rabbits (he actually neutered Tuxy, but in the emergency situation when I pages him he was honest and said that I needed to seek care that he couldn’t provide), they provided me with a free IV bag and replacement needles. They other place charged me for every single 0.10$ needle and a $3 bag of solution. I know that money is money, but this is really out of hand.

                                            However, now that this morning has been sort of touch and go:
                                            Tuxy ate 3 rounds of critical care and refused veggies. He only has grazed SUPER lightly on some hay.

                                            SO now I am nervous and may take one last hour long ride with a stressout bunny to see these unkind, but rabbit savvy vets.

                                            These decisions are very difficult. If money and hard feelings weren’t a factor, it wouldn’t really be an issue but I’ve literally had it. NOT Telling Tuxy this though – nothing but smiles and love for the handsome man!

                                            Thank you all SO SO much for sending me feedback. I could obviously really use it!!

                                            Xoxo
                                            Tuxy’s mom


                                          • bullrider76543
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                                              wish you the best of luck and sending (((((((healing vibes))))))))


                                            • Sarita
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                                                Please keep us updated and healing vibes from me as well.


                                              • TuxDraper
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                                                  I’m heading to the exotic specialist for a final
                                                  Checkup and with a LONG LIST of questions. Enough is enough.

                                                  Thank you all so much for the love and support! WE BOTH need it

                                                  Xo


                                                • bullrider76543
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                                                    we will be waiting for an update!!


                                                  • TH004
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                                                      (((healing vibes and hugs)))


                                                    • TuxDraper
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                                                        Well we are back from the vet, and 200 something dollars later we have a script for 30-days of Metoclopromide (1.1 ml, 3 times a day). The vet confirmed that Tuxy had a small bout of cecal dysbiosis, but the good news is that his temp was perfect (102, and he was obviously a little stressed so this is great!), and that he will no longer need any antibiotics (which caused this condition). She felt that he still is dealing with some GI Stasis, so the Metoclopromide should help with this.

                                                        They also took his blood, and the initial test came back all normal and actually much better than the blood work that was taken 10 days ago. We will get the CBC results tomorrow so fingers crossed for that.

                                                        While we were there, Tuxy got some SQ fluids, but the vet did not feel that he would need these on a daily basis as long as I was able to keep up with critical care routine that I have been doing, and also offering him plenty of fresh green veggies and unlimited hay.

                                                        So for now folks, we sit tight and keep on doing what we have been doing. Please keep sending me and Tuxy positive vibes for a full and awesome recovery! I can’t tell you how much I miss seeing him binkie around the house – he would literally do this 10-15 times a day!! Happy little dude!

                                                        xoxo


                                                      • Sarita
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                                                          Yes, rabbits can definitely be expensive little creatures! Hopefully all will now be well and he will not have another stasis episode.

                                                          I’ve had a few rabbits who were in stasis for various reasons that lasted for 1 1/2 to 2 weeks and both times almost gave up hope but my vets always pulled them through – they would go in daily to the vet for treatment while I was at work. It was agonizing…so I know how you feel.


                                                        • bullrider76543
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                                                            I am happy to hear that, heal quickly!!


                                                          • TuxDraper
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                                                              Oh my gosh!!!! Did that cost a small fortune? I’m seriously curious because I may need to make arrangements to do that if this happens again. Right now, I’m on vacation (really nice VACA! ), but anything for Mr. TUXY!!


                                                            • Sarita
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                                                                It did cost a small fortune and if I was at home I would have done the fluids and feedings myself but since I work, I really couldn’t.

                                                                Actually most of my rabbits have cost me a small fortune…I get stuck with the ones with dental problems, etc…I have three 10 year old rabbits right now and one that is about 4 years old. One of my 10 year old rabbits has been having dental problems for the past year and my 4 year old one came with dental problems and that is pricey too.


                                                              • TH004
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                                                                  Keep us updated! Get well Tuxy!!


                                                                • TBpony414
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                                                                    So glad to hear Tuxy is continuing on the road to recovery! Keep us updated. ((continued healing vibes))

                                                                    Sarita, you might find my personal experience regarding the usefulness of simethicone interesting. I have a bunny with megacolon (cowpile) syndrome and he gets cisapride twice a day. I always give him simethicone with it too. However, few times I have either run out of simethicone or just been lazy and didn’t give it – and Willy always had gurgles and/or an upset tummy those days. Otherwise he is totally fine. I wouldn’t have believed it could have made a difference if it wouldn’t have happened to my own rabbit. Bunnies are finicky little fellows!


                                                                  • Nova
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                                                                      I only read the first post here so sorry if this is echoed advice. I have a bun who deals with chronic slow gut motility and full blown Stasis at least once a month or 2.

                                                                      Make sure your pellets are by Oxbow. They have the highest fiber content.

                                                                      The antibiotics were likely prescribed to kill off any build up of bad bacteria in the gut which can happen when stagnant contents just lay in there (hence the stink that comes out when the gut gets moving again). The Baytril is fine but you should never give a bunny any type of cillin or cephalosporin antibiotic because it can throw off their gut flora. I have heard it can be safe when injected so it bypasses the gut flora, but double check with a rabbit wise vet. I would take him off the Penicillin ASAP.

                                                                      Cecal dysbiosis, that nasty, goupy, yellow mucus that starts to come out after a bout of bloat/stasis – is the build up of bad bacteria and the key to getting bunny through it is hydration and Bene-Bac, works better than throwing them on antibiotics which is quite stressful to them. Go to any local pet store, buy the 4 little tubes (make sure they are not expired). Give 1 tube twice, 3 days apart. I’ve also noticed that when my bun is *starting* to get constipated or lose his appetite, Bene-Bac sometimes prevents a full-blown attack. Bene-bac is probiotics, “good” bacteria for the gut.

                                                                      The key to getting a bun through stasis is keeping him hydrated and not in pain – and when you have to force-feed, do it with small amounts at a time because too much can just make them more in pain. simethicone (in infant drops, 0.3ml) can help break up gas buildup and the metacam is also a good idea.

                                                                      The motility meds should only be used for a week, maybe 2 weeks at most, but in my experience, any longer than that and your bun can become dependent on it and the bun can have rebound stasis when you stop giving it to him after such longterm use and he gets dependent on it. To help combat this I use motility meds as a last resort, with extreme caution, and I switch between Cisapride and Metoclopromide interchangably when I do have to use them.

                                                                      when I HAVE to resort to motility meds, I try to figure out if he is stopped up in the upper GI tract or the lower GI tract. If upper, Reglan (metoclopromide) helps, but I am careful to only use it for a few days to a week or 2, and if he is constipated in the colon with poops, I would reach for the Cisapride and again, no more than a week or 2.

                                                                      But I usually try other ways first – removal of pellets for the first day, enticing with more varieties of hays (oat is very tasty to buns and great in stasis) and WET leafy greens, sub-Q fluids (or syringe feeding him pedialyte) (I have had to learn to administer subQ fluids myself due to the frequency of my bun going through this), simethicone, metacam, Critical Care, and gentle but aggressive belly rubs. Make sure bun is also allowed to get a lot of exercise – it can promote motility in his gut and make him work up an appetite.

                                                                      When this slowdown happens (and sometimes before resorting to risky motility meds) I have given 1-2mL of medical grade Mineral Oil laxative by mouth, only once per bout of stasis. you don’t want to give him diarrhea. You can get it at any pharmacy. If your bun is bigger than 3lbs, 2mL would probably be more appropriate. It takes a day to work, but it usually does.

                                                                      Finally, when I am desperate, I administer about 3mL of medical grade Mineral Oil laxative as an enema into my bun’s colon with a small syringe – administered through his anus. You can also use an infant’s ear dropper bulb and mix 3mL of the mineral oil with about 5mL room temperature (lukewarm) water and shake up into the infant bulb syringe (or ear bulb syringe). to administer, all you do is get bun on his back, find the anus (it’s the hole that winks back at you), insert, and gently and slowly administer….. then keep bun on his back for a few minutes, grab him by the hind quarters and lift them up a bit so as to get all of the enema to travel as far up the lower GI tract as possible, keep it there for a few more minutes, rub his belly and then set him down in his litterbox. If successfull….He should produce poops by then. The lukewarm water itself will help stimulate the GI tract and hydrate the dried up compaction inside and the mineral oil, as a laxative will ease the fecal matter out.

                                                                      That said, the following I am going to write to you for FUTURe reference…………..It sounds like your bun is very young and for him to be experiencing stasis issues already is kind of a bad sign – my bun is not even a year old yet and has been in stasis at least 5 times. The key to keeping it under control is lots of hay (oat hay is GREAT for stasis buns because rabbits love the taste and it is nutritionally similar to timothy, so mix that with the timothy!), keep them on Oxbow pellets and only give those in tiny amounts through-out the day so they don’t load up on the pellets and make themselves constipated. With these kinds of buns, daily greens is also a must….and usually herbs like cilantro and basil combined with endive, carrot TOPS (not the orange carrot part) and escarole are the least risky (some greens can have side effects if given regularly…these greens I’ve found to be very safe to use on a longterm basis). My bun also has to have at least a few hours of exercise, so you might need to figure out a place where he can run, binky, jump and hop around for a few hours a day.

                                                                      Because my bun nearly became dependent on the motility meds (which is BAD because it will stop working after a while and you are then unable to take them off due to dependency) I give him 1 small tube of Bene-Bac every other day. (the small tubes that come in the packages of 4). So, diet, benebac and exercise so far has been my routine, and when he shows signs of slowdown, I start with 2 tubes of the Benebac, a belly rub, simethicone and fluids/remove pellets/add more hay and veggies, let him run around and get moving….. if no better despite that, I administer the 1-2mL oral Mineral Oil laxative and metacam with small amounts of Critical Care through out the day, keeping him warm and hydrated (again, I do subQ fluids) if he still then gets worse just keep him hydrated and keep rubbing his belly and when all else fails…… the motility meds. WHen THOSE fail (in my bun’s case it was because he was on them too long- I feel that 2 weeks is the max for those drugs) that’s when it’s enema time. It’d also be a good idea to ask the vet to have motility meds available for recurring bouts of bloat, I have done this. So if it’s a weekend and all else is failing, they are there in my cupboard for him. But again, after he started to get dependent on them I use them with extreme caution these days.

                                                                      I hope your bun gets better soon—-and remember, once he gets the yuck out it’s BeneBac time! Feel free to PM me if you need any help, and contact any local rabbit rescues for their advice as they often deal with their buns going into stasis on the weekends when vets are often unavailable.


                                                                    • Nova
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                                                                        Posted By TuxDraper on 08/08/2012 01:43 PM

                                                                        Well we are back from the vet, and 200 something dollars later we have a script for 30-days of Metoclopromide (1.1 ml, 3 times a day). The vet confirmed that Tuxy had a small bout of cecal dysbiosis, but the good news is that his temp was perfect (102, and he was obviously a little stressed so this is great!), and that he will no longer need any antibiotics (which caused this condition). She felt that he still is dealing with some GI Stasis, so the Metoclopromide should help with this.

                                                                        They also took his blood, and the initial test came back all normal and actually much better than the blood work that was taken 10 days ago. We will get the CBC results tomorrow so fingers crossed for that.

                                                                        While we were there, Tuxy got some SQ fluids, but the vet did not feel that he would need these on a daily basis as long as I was able to keep up with critical care routine that I have been doing, and also offering him plenty of fresh green veggies and unlimited hay.

                                                                        So for now folks, we sit tight and keep on doing what we have been doing. Please keep sending me and Tuxy positive vibes for a full and awesome recovery! I can’t tell you how much I miss seeing him binkie around the house – he would literally do this 10-15 times a day!! Happy little dude!

                                                                        xoxo

                                                                        Okay just read this.

                                                                        Please consider what I mentioned above^^^^ in my previous post here on this page about long term use of motility meds. If your bun must be on them long term, ask your vet if you can use Cisapride and Metoclopromide interchangeably every other week for a month instead of just one med straight through the month so that your bun doesn’t become dependent on it and resistant to its effects. Glad to hear the vet was wise enough to know that the antibiotics could have caused the Stasis to be worse but Baytril should not worsen stasis as it does not affect gut flora so it was likely the Penicillin that upset his his balance. Please do try the Benebac once you know he is well hydrated and passing stool; it will greatly help the cecal dysbiosis.


                                                                      • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                          ((((Tuxy)))))) Feel better buddy!

                                                                          Bunnies should be called the pets of kings! I can certainly relate with bunnies costing a small fortune. I have 3 and they always seem to have some sort of expensive health problem.


                                                                        • TuxDraper
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                                                                            His new nickname is ‘baby g’ ! Hahahaaa! My husband calls him this as well as introduces him as our ‘prized bunny’.


                                                                          • TH004
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                                                                              That’s awesome! My hubby said we would never spend much on any animal, especially a rabbit. Then, my beloved buns got sick. He was the one telling the vet to spare no expense. It adds up fast!


                                                                            • TuxDraper
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                                                                                Totally reliant on metoclopromide? That would not be good at all. He was on it for 7 days and then off it. The following day is when he got sick again. I wonder if his body was feeling withdrawl? That is so scary and I do not like that, BUT I also want to keep Tuxy alive!

                                                                                Today is a little more playful. I set up a fort for him to investigate and he is very entertained and for the most part interested. He climbed to the very top and made a cozy place to lay out long. I love when he does this. He gets so comfy and cozy.

                                                                                I hve only given him one does of metaclopeonide and he ate about 6 large danilion leaves and a bushy carrot top. I was so thrilled to see him really excited to eat again. He is absolutely not back to normal yet, my cute 12 binkies a day boy, but at least he isn’t just laying around limp like yesterday.

                                                                                Thank you all for the advice and support. Keep it coming, as I have a feeling this is going to be a long road…

                                                                                Xoxo
                                                                                Tuxy’s mommy


                                                                              • TuxDraper
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                                                                                  Just as I was typing the above message, Tuxy had took a big poop of mixed pellets and very soft stool and ate it.  UGH.


                                                                                • Sarita
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                                                                                    Definitely follow the advice of your vet. I would call her and ask if you need to continue the reglan for the month. I’m not sure if they actually feel withdrawal – really the vet is the best person to ask for instructions and advice on medication that is prescribed for your rabbit. One person’s experience is just that – their experience. What worked for my rabbit may not work for yours – the idea is to give you some talking points with your vet. I have found that every vet has a different protocol for slowdown of the gut in rabbits – it’s basically the same but some vets do things in a different way. I have found that my vets are very open to discussing treatment for my rabbits and are open to my suggestions or if they aren’t, they always will tell me why they don’t feel it’s a good idea.

                                                                                    The thing with stasis is that it is a condition and not an illness. It seems to me just based on your posts that Tux may have had an infection because you mention the high temperature and that could have caused the stasis.


                                                                                  • TuxDraper
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                                                                                      I spoke to her and she said to def continue at least until he is back to 100%. The eating of the sludge poo, I think is actually just him trying to get back into the routine of eating his cecateopes. I’m not
                                                                                      Overly concerned about that. It’s all critical care, hay and veggies anyway!


                                                                                    • Sarita
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                                                                                        Glad he is recovering :~)


                                                                                      • Nova
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                                                                                          I was only trying to be informative because dependency/tolerance and resultant rebound problems *can* occur with these medications. It doesn’t mean it *will*. I was concerned because your bun is very young and still developing—not good to get a dependency right off the bat which is what happened to my bun (but I helped him get thru it – weaned him off the meds and got serious about his diet).
                                                                                          Ask any vet about dependency on motility meds – they should acknowledge it exists – but different vets have varying opinions on just how long a bun can be on the meds without developing dependency. Plenty of vets have had buns on motility meds for a month or more without problems, others developed a dependency much quicker than that, and it is usually remedied by weaning them off the meds once their motility is back to normal.
                                                                                          If your vet feels that he will not develop a tolerance or dependency after a month, then he likely won’t; I’ve heard of rabbits being on themfor 6 weeks without incident…..but that it CAN happen, and sometimes sooner, so be careful. my primary point I was trying to make was do not jump for the motility meds if this turns out to be a lifelong thing. You may end up shooting yourself in the foot. (which is what happened to me). Every 2 weeks Boon was on motility meds from the tender age of 3 months old. He’s about a year now and it has turned into a lifelong problem and I use the motility meds as an abolsute last resort because half the time they don’t work anymore, and when I take him off them things get pretty bad, so I have to wean him off them over a week. I also switch between Reglan and Cisapride, usually depends on where his blockage is (higher up = Reglan, lower colon = Cisapride). This is all information I learned from not one, but two exotic pet specialists plus a local rabbit wise vet. It’s not just “my opinion.” It’s what my bunny’s doctors told me. BUT. Please do not worry. He hasn’t been on these types of meds a million times before and it seems like he really needs them right now and probably does need them for a month.

                                                                                          Your bun obviously needs motility meds for this severe bout of stasis! His case seems to be quite stubborn, and I hope it clears. When he becomes regular again for a nice amount of time, perhaps ask your vet about weaning him off the motility meds so as to not develop a dependency at such a young age. And I’d also ask to have both kinds of meds on hand just in case for the future.

                                                                                          (Weaning meaning removing 0.1cc from his regime each day until off. ) example if bun is on 0.9cc a day, just remove 0.1 from each everyday. That’s usually what I do instead of just taking him off abruptly – it helps to prevent my bun from having rebound stasis when I take him off.

                                                                                          You might also want to ask Dana Krempels what her thoughts are – she is a Ph.D rabbit specialist – you can write her by Googling her name and asking her the question in the AllExperts community.


                                                                                        • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                                                            WOW Just got through this whole post! I can’t believe what a long arduous ride it’s been! I’m so glad it sounds like Tux is on the mend I think his new name is cute, baby g the prized bunny Most definitely!


                                                                                          • TuxDraper
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                                                                                              Thank you all so much for your feedback and the information. I am somewhat nervous now about the reglan for 30 days. Today I have given it to him two times, and he is due for another does in a few hours. He stool is still SUPER tiny and somewhat sticky, but he is producing a TON of it. I am hoping that this is just going to take some time for him to get back to regular stools. His green veggie and hay intake has been great yesterday and today, and has been downing tons of water (and pedialite) with a few drops of baby apple juice mixed into it. I know that the apple juice isn’t ideal, but it is really interesting him in the water and his intake is terrific.

                                                                                              He has had decent energy today as well. At this point, I am just really concerned about two things:

                                                                                              1. His return to normal stools
                                                                                              2. He has completely abandoned his litter box training and is pooing and peeing everywhere. I am not getting mad at him about this because I am just so happy that he is going, but I am curious (asking the group) if I will have to retrain him on this? That is understandable, but I really hope that he will return to his awesome litter box rituals that he once had.


                                                                                            • kamdynandsunshinesmom
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                                                                                                My rabbit just went into that a week ago. My vet gave her subq fluids then put her on reglan 1.3ml 3 times a day till she is 100% better. Then put on Bene Bac once a day. Then I was force feeding her critical care 3 times a day. This happened on a friday started force feeding her on saturday. By saturday she was only eating parsley. By sunday she was eating a little more, Monday she was eating a little more hay. Now a week later eating lots of hay, and veggies. She hasn’t touched her pellets yet. The vet said it will take time. I can say from expereince keep calm. Try giving parsley cilantro and other type of herbs the bunny likes. Stay away from fruits. This was my first dealing with GI Stasis. My rabbits stasis was caused because it was so hot outside and humid she got dehydrated which led to stasis. Every day she is getting a little bit stronger. Hang in there things will get better. Healing vibes and prayers for you and your bunny.


                                                                                              • TH004
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                                                                                                  I am actually pregnant and was given Reglan for way more than a month to help severe acid reflux issues. 1. I think it is safe for a buns to use for a month, IMO. That is because doctors believed it was safe to give a pregnant woman in her first and most delicate trimester. 2. Being on meds for my acid reflux, for a human, causes me to have to run to the restroom sometimes. I don’t have a lot of warning (sorry for the TMI). I’m pointing that out, because it may be working well on your buns, so he can’t make it to the litterbox on time. I know rabbits are different, but I thought a human/baby trial may help show you similar issues

                                                                                                  Oh, and I wasn’t weaned off of Reglan. I stopped taking it cold. I had no dependency issues.


                                                                                                • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                                                    Glad Tuxy is feeling better.

                                                                                                    [quote I am hoping that this is just going to take some time for him to get back to regular stools.] This is the case in my experience. It takes their system time to recover from a bad bout of stasis or GI upset. The fact that he is pooping lots of little poops is good. They will most likely gradually get larger. Just keep the hay bin full and make sure he’s drinking.


                                                                                                  • TuxDraper
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                                                                                                      Hey everyone! I wanted to give you an update on Mr. Tux…

                                                                                                      He is doing AWESOME!! I weened him off the reglan about a week ago – just shy of 30 days. He was much better about 2 weeks ago as far as eating and pooping, but to be safe, I slowly reduced the amount and frequency of his meds.

                                                                                                      He has managed to plumped right back up (and some!), is binkying like normal, and is just the sweetest little guy ever. Even though he’s such a teenager right now (7month old), he loves to cuddle and have nose and ear scratches. I think he knows how much love and care we provided and is thankful. Is this possible?

                                                                                                      I also wanted to ask the group if you think bunnies know when you are sick or sleepy, etc. I think he does bc he will lay down while I watch a movie or
                                                                                                      Something. I could also just be crazy. Thoughts on this?


                                                                                                    • Deleted User
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                                                                                                        Buns can sense when we’re in moods. When I’m crying or upset my bun will come up and cuddle with me. =]


                                                                                                      • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                                                          I’m glad Mr. Tux is doing so well. I ditto that buns are very in tune to our feelings. If you’re sick and not your usual self, they will sense that.

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                                                                                                      Forum DIET & CARE Please HELP: GI stasis treatment and aftermath