Rabbit stomach

[Alex]

Hiya guys I was wondering what a normal rabbits stomach should feel like. My 2 and a half year old lion head has more of a firm stomach, but I’m pretty positive she’s a bit over weight. My mini lop has more of a soft stomach but she’s just started to put on weight. Which one is normal and should I be concerned about my lionheads firm stomach?

[Bam]

You should look at their appetite and stools and general behavior. Rabbits’ stomachs should be soft and squishy. But in general, there are other signs when a rabbit’s stomach is out of order, like diminished amount and/or size of droppings, reduced appetite, reduced consumption of hay, symptoms of discomfort (activity level is lowered or the bunny even sits hunched up or actively presses the stomach to the floor etc).

[Alex]

She’s never been a huge fan of hay. Always more of a pellet bun, but her appetite is normal and so are her poops. She’s never liked being held and since she’s shedding more than usual I have to hold her still for extra brushing and I just noticed it. She’s always been lazy but she still comes running when I shake the treat can. Would you be concerned? And thanks so much for the insight

[Xxventanaxx]

Not trying to scare you but when my 10 week old baby had that we lost her. Her stomach might be bloated and that’s like a death sentence to rabbits. If you can bring her to the vet as soon as you can.

[Bam]

Have you felt her stomach before so you know if she usually has a firm stomach? Is she spayed?

[Alex]

She is spayed. Her stomach has been like this for about a week. I was just curious if it could be a lion head thing or if she could have a hair ball. I wasn’t too concerned since she’s eating drinking and going to the bathroom normally. I mean it could have happened earlier I just haven’t paid much attention honestly. Since my other rabbit had gi stasis I’ve been a bit on edge. Haven’t had much sleep lol. I know when my other bun had a squishy stomach I was seriously concerned. Interesting it should be the other way around. Maybe I should get her to the vet..

[Bam]

If you have a regular vet, you could call them and ask. You can try to do a little tummy massage as in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnuxGLa2reg

Is she drinking water like she should?

I don’t have any experience in lionheads, so I can’t say if they have different tummies.

[Alex]

I suppose she is. I refill her bowl every morning. I may do that and get her a check up asap. I dunno if I can handle any more sick babies. thank you guys so much. It’s really great to have someone to ask these questions.

[Bam]

When you’ve had a sick animal, you tend to see signs of illness even when there aren’t any, so this may be absolutely nothing. But it’s always good to be vigilant, they do have sensitive tummies. I don’t think this is an emergency so I think you should call your regular vet on Monday and ask what they think. They may just tell you to monitor her.

I find it helpful to change all litter in the litterbox so I can see exactly how much new poop there is and size and amount. Here’s a guide to bunny poop, it has great pictures:
http://imgur.com/a/5N4lD

[Alex]

Thanks I’ve called the vet quite a bit about twix so they probably have my number down lol. I hope that’s the case. Still it’s been about a year since her last visit. I’ll call in the morning and see if I can get an apt in the next couple of weeks. thanks again I really appreciate you guys.

[Author]

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