I think my rabbit is dying, what should I do?

[kal9390]

My rabbit is 5 years old and yesterday began to have a head tilt. By the end of the night it was pretty severe and he was having trouble standing up. I laid next to him the whole night keeping him comfortable and giving him food, water, and medicine. We have been doing the same today but he seems to be getting worse – he has been laying in one spot for hours. I have another rabbit who is friends with this one and I’m not sure if I should let him in to see him or if that would be too stressful for the one that is ill. Please let me know what you think I should do. Also wondering if I should continue syringe feeding him water and food? Please help  

[Sarita]

You should get him to a vet first and foremost – that is the only thing at this point that you should do – he needs treatment.

[LBJ10]

Yes, head tilt can be caused by more than one thing so you need a vet diagnosis and prescribed medication. I would keep the bunnies separate, but next to each other for now.

[Roberta]

Yes, if he can’t eat keep feeding him and et him to the vet. There are a few things that can cause this and all of them require vet treatment.

[jerseygirl]

Oh yes, vet ASAP. Are you in a position to get him to one?

He’ll need an anti inflammatory first and foremost.

You can try bring the other rabbit near if you think it comforts him but often the healthy rabbit will ignore an unwell one.

[kal9390]

Thank you everyone. Already gave him the anti inflammatory and an antibiotic medication from the vet. Giving him food and water too. He is still just laying down.

[Thump]

Emergency vet ASAP. 5 years is too young to be dying of natural causes. It seems like something else is going on thats causing the tilt like infection.

[Roberta]

It will take a few days for the mediction to work. If you can, make sure he gets the anti inflammatory with food. I give Pascal his mixed in about 10ml of critical care (food supplement). Make sure he is pooping and peeing. You can roll up some towels or sheets to act as bolsters to keep him from falling over.

[Sarita]

Yes, keep hand feeding your rabbit and giving him the medication – it will take awhile as Roberta said for the meds to work. Vibes for your little one.

[kal9390]

Gave another dose of medicine this morning with food and water. We also tried giving him infant gas drops to help with digestion. Has anyone tried that before or have any other suggestions to help with digestion?

[Sarita]

I think just trying to get him to eat is best. I don’t think the gas drops actually help with digestion.

[Roberta]

I agree with Sarita, infacol is good for gas but won’t really aid with digestion. If you are using a feeding supplement like Critical Care that should hep because of its fibre content. There is a product called fibreplex that may help as it also has probiotics.

[Bam]

Infant gas drops (simethicone) are commonly used with rabbits that have gastric issues. I always use it. That said, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. It is considered virtually harmless though. If your vet says to use it, I would.

I find tummy massages very helpful. This is a good instructive video on how to do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbyC6CWbm5M

Vibes for your darling!

[Sarita]

I would allow his bonded friend to see him too – that can definitely help him not hurt him AS LONG as his friend doesn’t try to attack him – just see how each other behaves to determine if it helps or hinders.

[kal9390]

Thank you all for you suggestions and kind words! We are definitely staying hopeful. He ate a few bites of his lettuce tonight. Hoping to see him continue to improve. His name is Binx by the way, please keep him in your thoughts and keep sending positive vibes!! <3

[Sarita]

More vibes for Binx!

[LittlePuffyTail]

(((((Get Well Binx)))))

[Bam]

(((((((Binx))))))
Get well soon!!!

[AaronJ]

it’s good that he’s eating!. we’ll keep you & Binx in our thoughts here and try and send tons of good vibes

[Author]

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