Forum

OUR FORUM IS UP BUT WE ARE STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF UPDATING AND FIXING THINGS.  SOME THINGS WILL LOOK WEIRD AND/OR NOT BE CORRECT. YOUR PATIENCE IS APPRECIATED.  We are not fully ready to answer questions in a timely manner as we are not officially open, but we will do our best. 

You may have received a 2-factor authentication (2FA) email from us on 4/21/2020. That was from us, but was premature as the login was not working at that time. 

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately! Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

What are we about?  Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Maybe GI stasis?

Viewing 5 reply threads
  • Author
    Messages

    • PepandBriggs
      Participant
      3 posts Send Private Message

        Hello all, I am posting because I am still somewhat distraught over a problem we had with our 1 1/2 yr old female bun. Pep Pep is a 7lb lionhead mix, and has always been a happy, healthy, and hungry bunny. Yesterday, however, she gave us the scare of a lifetime! She ate her 1/8 cup of Timothy pellets for breakfast, as usual, but after a litter box cleaning and bonding session with our boy bun, would not eat her fresh greens, hay, any treats, and did not produce any poops. This is extremely abnormal for her (and I’m guessing, all buns), since she usually has a ravenous appetite. During the bonding and playtime, she was exuberant and acting completely normal. The bonding session didn’t create any signs of stress, whatsoever. In fact, we gave her a serving of leafy greens after, and she was so thrilled with them, she did her “dead bunny flop” about 6 times all around her pen. But, she didn’t eat the greens, only sniffed at them. I didn’t take that as anything, because she is known for letting her cold veggies become almost room temp before she eats them.
        Later in the afternoon, she still hadn’t eaten her greens, and when I gave her a second pellet serving, she didn’t even come over to sniff. Usually she greets the sound of the bag with begging and hopping around in excitement. She stayed in the corner of her pen and refused to come over. I knew something was up, because this was so unlike her. I tried tempting her with fresh banana and an unsalted peanut (her favorites) but got no reaction.
        Later in the evening, my boyfriend was petting her and noticed her rib age seemed very prominent. I felt her myself, and was both confused and shocked to feel her ribs protruding. Pep is a sturdy (not fat), muscular bun, and she always feels smooth and filled out. Although she hates being held, she allowed me to scoop her up and examine her. We listened to her tummy with a stethoscope, and heard some gurgling sounds that were similar to that of our boy bun (who was having no problems). I thought it might be gas, and gave her a tummy massage to try and get things moving. She acted as though moving was uncomfortable, and still refused all treats.
        This is when I really started to get freaked out, and decided to make a pellet/water/banana mash to syringe feed her. She took about one full mL of the mixture, but was not pleased with us, and kept hiding in her litter box. Right as the 12 hr emergency mark rolled around, she miraculously livened up, and started munching on hay and a piece of broccoli, and drank some water. A little while after that, she finally made a couple of squishy cecal-like poos, followed by a normal pile of “coco puffs”. Her body no longer felt strange to the touch, and her behavior returned to normal. She also started munching pellets and rolled oats again, and this morning seems normal.

        This was honestly the most frightening thing I have ever experienced; I know about GI stasis, and was afraid if I did not act quickly I would lose our bun. I mainly am posting, because I am not sure what caused or cured her problem. Our boy eats the exact same diet, gets the same level of activity, and has had no problems at all. Any info you experienced bunny moms/dads could offer would b greatly appreciated!


      • Sarita
        Participant
        18851 posts Send Private Message

          I would have a vet check – especially her teeth – stasis is a condition that is caused by many many things so it can be hard to pinpoint what the cause can be.

          How often do you give her rolled oats? Those are very high in carbs so really shouldn’t be given to rabbits.


        • PepandBriggs
          Participant
          3 posts Send Private Message

            Last night was the very first time we gave her oats, as I had read they could help to get her eating something. It was also a very tiny amount, probably a teaspoon.
            Her teeth look fine, and I think if it had been teeth-related she would still be having a problem. She’s doing well today, and that is what confuses me more than anything. But thank you so much for your input!


          • Sarita
            Participant
            18851 posts Send Private Message

              That’s not necessarily true about dental problems – every rabbit responds differently with dental problems. I guess I would just recommend that you watch her and if you do see this becoming a regular problem to get her to the vet.


            • PepandBriggs
              Participant
              3 posts Send Private Message

                If she ever seems to have the problem again, we will definitely take her to the vet immediately. I am watching her closely, and have everyone in the house on alert and keeping an eye on her as well. Trust me, we won’t waste another second if this happens again! It is torture to know your bun is in trouble and not know why.
                Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it.


              • LittlePuffyTail
                Moderator
                18092 posts Send Private Message

                  I agree with Sarita. Stasis is often caused by teeth. Sometimes though, they can just get a bout of painful gas. My buns get this once in a while with no obvious cause. Simethicone can help relieve the gas and tummy rubs are good.

              Viewing 5 reply threads
              • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

              Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Maybe GI stasis?