Am I Just Worried or is He Sick?

[Mev08]

Hi everyone, I’m new here, and I’m kinda worried. I have a house rabbit that I got a few months ago for free when the previous owner didn’t want him anymore. He’s about 2 years old, and weighs 4.5 pounds. He’s only just starting to warm up to me after the owner change, and he’s usually moving around his cage and chewing on his toys. I keep him in a cage while I’m at school since he’s already managed to chew a couch, part of the carpet, and wall boarders, and he’s only been out of the cage when I am with him. He usually eats regularly, a mix of pellets and seeds for rabbits and plenty of Timothy hay is supplied. When I got home he was sitting in a corner of his cage, pressed up against the side laying down. I didnt think much of it, but when I added some food to his empty bowl, I got a little worried. He just sat there, instead of jumping everywhere and trying to get to the food as soon as possible. He just would not move. I eventually got him out of his cage so he could stretch his legs a bit, but all he’s done so far is sniff around and then immediately lay down. Could he just be tired? Am I overreacting? Any help would be very much appreciated.

[Mev08]

After I let him sit in there with his food, I got him out of his cage just to see if anything was wrong, and he didn’t do anything accept lay down. I looked him over and he doesn’t seem like there’s anything wrong on the outside. What really surprised me is that he had an accident and peed outside of his litter box. He has never ever done that, he always lets me know that he has to go. I’m really worried about his digestion track, he hasn’t eaten much, if any, and hasn’t used his box yet either. This hasn’t been going on for too long; he was fine this morning. He usually eats a Purina rabbit mix, its got seeds and pellets and a bunch of other things in it, along with timothy hay and water. I haven’t changed his diet or anything, so I’m not really sure what’s going on. Any help is appreciated!!
UPDATE: After a couple hours of reading around on this site, I thought I would give him a little belly rub since that is what I’ve seen being suggested for upset stomachs. Right after that, I was going to get his brush when he had another accident and peed again. This is really starting to worry me. He’s back in his cage I think he nibbled a bit. He ended up using his litter box and pooping, but only a very little bit. He hasn’t done much else accept lay back down. I think I will continue the belly rubs if its helping his digestion. It really hasn’t been that long since he’s been acting this way, but is there anything else I should be doing? Thanks for helping!

[Tokii]

Posted By Mev08 on 4/20/2015 8:11 PM

Hi everyone, I’m new here, and I’m kinda worried. I have a house rabbit that I got a few months ago for free when the previous owner didn’t want him anymore. He’s about 2 years old, and weighs 4.5 pounds. He’s only just starting to warm up to me after the owner change, and he’s usually moving around his cage and chewing on his toys. I keep him in a cage while I’m at school since he’s already managed to chew a couch, part of the carpet, and wall boarders, and he’s only been out of the cage when I am with him. He usually eats regularly, a mix of pellets and seeds for rabbits and plenty of Timothy hay is supplied. When I got home he was sitting in a corner of his cage, pressed up against the side laying down. I didnt think much of it, but when I added some food to his empty bowl, I got a little worried. He just sat there, instead of jumping everywhere and trying to get to the food as soon as possible. He just would not move. I eventually got him out of his cage so he could stretch his legs a bit, but all he’s done so far is sniff around and then immediately lay down. Could he just be tired? Am I overreacting? Any help would be very much appreciated.

Hey, I joined last year December? and I have two bunnies currently, one is 7 to 8 month old and other one 2 to 3 months old. I wouldn’t worry about the ” laying down” part. Bunny lays down often just relaxing taking his naps. Ehehe. He might not be eating if hes full. He did eat afterwards right? 

Normally bunnies are most active at dawn and dusk. Other time they will be taking their naps, grooming or just laying like a meat loaf or lay like side way you mentioned. Its just mean hes comfortable and don’t be alarmed if hes doing his lay dead position. A lot of bunnies lay looking like they pass out. lol! in the end it turns out they are just sleeping. hehe but it wouldn’t hurt to check once in a while if they are okay.

I hope this was helpful and someone else might come with a better explanation.

[MissGabbster]

If he’s eating like usual then I wouldn’t worry about it. Like Tokii said, rabbits are mostly active during dawn and dusk and many like to spend their day sleeping.

If he isn’t interested in food at all, is sitting hunched (like loafing but not so relaxed), and is grinding his teeth then he could be suffering from gas. If it is gas you could try giving him some simethicone and gently massaging his belly. It also helps to keep them moving.

You mentioned that his pellets have seeds? He should be fed a plain pellet, such as Oxbow, as pellets with treats are not good for bunnies.

[Roberta]

I think a vet visit is the best idea at the moment. Simethicone is great to help clear gas as are tummy tubs but if it is the onset of stasis bun might need some gut Motility and pain meds. Try offering aromatic herbs like parsley, basil and coriander. Make sure bun is drinking and pooping.

[Mev08]

Thanks everyone! I checked again when I woke up this morning, and he had eaten a lot more and used his box regularly again! He’s playing around like he usually does, and eating a bit of his hay too. Last night he would be laying down and then all of a sudden “hunch” up like MissGabster said, which is when I started to get more worried. He also grinded his teeth a little. He seems so much better right now, but I’m definitely going to keep an eye on him to see if anything happens again. I will look into the plain pellet food, I’ve just been feeding what the previous owner fed. And I will take him to the vet if it continues, but let’s hope it doesn’t! Thank you all for your help!

[MissGabbster]

Eating and pooping are good signs!

[Mev08]

Here’s an update for everyone! My bunny, Rodger, is pretty much back to normal! He’s been eating more than he was yesterday and using his box regularly again. I’ve been continuing with a little tummy rubs, he seems to like that. I think it may have been a little upset stomach, maybe a little gas, but it was definitely a scare! I’m planning on taking him in to the vet in a few months for a check-up and to see about neutering him, I think he gets a little lonely during the day and needs a buddy. Anyway, thanks for all your help!!

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