PLEASE HELP: Bun won’t drink water or eat hay!

[monicaxiago]

 Hello. I’m new here so sorry if my post is confusing. Please, I need help. My little bunny Iago has almost randomly become very lethargic and has had diarrhea and chalky pee. He REFUSES to drink despite my various failed attempts. I tried putting some orange juice with no sugar into his water, as I read on this site earlier, and he didn’t want any part of it. Also, he isn’t eating his hay. I feed him timmothy hay as my vet instructed. He usually gobbles it up but now doesn’t. I took him to the vet today to see why he is acting this way and he has parasites in his stool. I bought him his prescription and he is taking it. 

Now all my bunny will eat is leafy greens like tops of carrots and spring mix which was advised by the vet.

My concern is that he is not eating his hay or pellets. Can I give him a diet of all leafy greens? 

What do I do about him not drinking water? 

[bpash89]

I would monitor him very closely and keep your vet updated on any changes. It’s great that you took him to the vet immediately and that he is taking his medicine without a fuss. Now he just needs some time to recover. If he is eating willingly that is a very good sign. Be sure the wash the veggies immediately before feeding them and leave them very wet, he will take in water that way. Does he use a water bottle or a bowl? A bowl is more natural for bunnies so if you aren’t already using one it might help to offer him some in a bowl too. He might be more willing to try it that way.
Bunnies tend to avoid the overly sweet treats they normally like when they aren’t feeling good but once he’s perked up a bit you could try a little dab of fruit juice in his water again and he might drink it.
I wouldn’t stress too much about him only eating veggies right now, the important thing is that he is eating. Once he is feeling better he should fall back into his normal eating patterns so just watch him carefully and keep offering him his usual hay and pellets.

[Deleted User]

Bpash has given you excellent advice. I’ll echo again that feeding wet greens will help with the water in take. He’s on meds now (and yes, wonderful that you went straight to the vet, I’m sure that helped a lot!) so give him some time, the important thing is that he Is Eating. Make sure the other foods are available and when he is ready he’ll start eating them too. If given the resources animals often know what they need better then we do. He has what he needs, he should begin nibbling and drinking again at his own speed.

Sorry you’ve both had this rough time, … thinking of you both and looking forward to hearing how he is doing!

[LittlePuffyTail]

How is your bunny doing today?

[monicaxiago]

Hi all. Thanks for the advice! Iago seems to be doing a bit better! I’ve been giving him all of his medicine and making sure he’s eating and drinking. I called the vet and we are now treating him for gi stasis. He loves to gobble up his veggies and he is now even eating some of his pellets. Still no hay but the vet said he’ll get to it when he wants to. I’m praying for him. Hopefully my vet and I can nurse him back to health!

[Tessie]

That’s such good news!
Well done for dealing with the problem so quickly, you must be relieved!

[Author]

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