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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Bad bout of stasis :/

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    • MK
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        Hello all, I’m sorry I’ve been MIA but I have a problem :/

        My rabbit Ginger is going through a rough bout of stasis ( I already took her to the vet and she is getting a mobility drug and meloxicam) but it has been about 5 days, and at first she got much better, then she stopped eating again :/ I’m no novice to GI stasis but I don’t know what to do! I’ve never dealt with a relapse before :/ I’m feeding her as much critical care as she will take (which isn’t much) every 4 or so hours, and I haven’t seen her drinking so I’m going to start giving her water in the syringe too. She’s lethargic and won’t clean herself, I had to with some warm water. Is there anything else I can do? She seems to have given up and I’m really upset. 

        Any advice appreciated!!!


      • Bam
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          Give her tummy massages. You can gently massage her tummy for 15 minutes every two hours if you want. Elevate the butt slightly so any gas may escape. You can also give baby gas drops (simethicone), it helps break up gas bubbles + might have a lubricating effect.
          It’s important that she’s well hydrated so it’s good if you syringe water. Be very careful so she doesn’t aspirate. The best thing is sub-q fluids, and some vets are willing to show bunny owners how to do that themselves.
          Also keep her warm, in a blankie in your lap and/or by supplying her with a hot water bottle that she can move away from if she gets too warm. Sick bunnies often get hypothermic, which is very dangerous.
          And don’t give up. Keep us posted. Many ((((((healing vibes)))))) for Ginger!


        • MK
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            Thank you Bam!!
            I just went out to get her some gas drops. I have her a warm towel before i left and she was lying on it when I came back, so that’s good. She looks a bit perkier, in about an hour or so I will give her the drops and some more critical care and water. I will try the massages too.


          • MoxieMeadows
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              MK– I don’t really have any advice (I’ve only gone through stasis once, and I almost had a panic attack because I was so scared for her), all I can say is that I think the tummy massages helped. I had no baby gas drops, so all I could do was syringe and massage.

              {{{{VIBES}}}}


            • LBJ10
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                OMG, MK we were actually just talking/thinking about you. I wish you were returning to BB under better circumstances. =\

                Poor Ginger. I agree with Bam. She gave you some good advice. Hopefully Ginger feels better soon.


              • MK
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                  Hi LBJ!
                  Thank you so much. I’m sorry I’ve been gone, my life has gotten crazy :/ It’s so sweet of you all to remember me! That’s very comforting I’m going to go sit with her now and massage her a bit.


                • MK
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                    I was just massaging her and when I got near her belly I just felt this huge lump on one side. I think it’s cancer, and now I really don’t know what to do. I can’t believe this is happening. I can;t afford to take her to an emergency vet, and tomorrow is Sunday. How did my vet not notice this!!!!! I’ve been with him for years and he’s always been good. I’m so scared.


                  • Gina.Jenny
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                      I’ve had guinea pigs with tumours, and they can come up very fast. If it is a tumour, which you don’t know for sure, then it will depend if its benign or malignant. If it is a tumour, I don’t think that waiting til Monday will make much difference, especially given she is already getting pain relief.

                      Hoping for the best for ((Ginger))


                    • Bam
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                        I totally agree with GJ, if it is a cancerous tumor waiting until Monday would be ok. An emergency vet wouldn’t do a cancer operation or a biopsy. Try not to panic because a tumor is beyond your control. (Not super easy to not panic of course but honestly, panicking doesn’t do Ginger any good).
                        It may not be a tumor but a lump of food due to the slowdown of the intestines. My Yohio had a lump of food once and it resolved itself with sub q fluids, massages, pain killer and simethicone.


                      • MK
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                          Thank you guys, you’re right. I was just having a panic attack. I’ll take her in on Monday, and see how she is today. Hope if it is a tumor it’s benign, or maybe just a lump of food like you said Bam


                        • Jadeo09
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                            If your massaging her tummy I’ve done that before massaging her tummy then panicked when I felt a lump.it was nothing when I took her the vet and done an xray to be sure.
                            Try not to worry she won’t be in pain so all you can do it make her happy.
                            Keeping her belly warm and massaged is good
                            Strange technique to try to make them go the toilet which in turn encourages them to eat is to warm a flannel and put it on their actual bum. I’ve hear it triggers an instinct to go the toilet as their mums lick their babies bums when they are little to encourage them to poo and wee ect.
                            If your bangung your head against a brick wall with your normal vet like I did find out where your specialist is they usually sort it out in one go and cost you less vets bills in the long run.


                          • Jadeo09
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                              Does she eat nothing herself not even favorite’s like banana or small amount of rich tea biscuits?


                            • MK
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                                She’s started grinding her teeth now and she won’t eat anything. The lump is still there and it feels really hard. She’s so skinny. I’m going to try more massages.


                              • MoxieMeadows
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                                  From what I’ve encountered, tumors aren’t “hard”. My uncle has 3 old dogs and they all have benign tumors, they kinda feel a tad squishy, almost like they were stung by something and it swelled (but bigger). I’m wishing you and Ginger the best, I know how stressful this can be (back when the vets thought Moxie had carcinoma, an untreatable skin/lung cancer I was really scared). Sending you tons of (((VIBES))) and {{{HUGS}}}


                                • Bam
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                                    If she’s grinding her teeth she’s in pain. You can give up to 1.5 mg Meloxicam (Metacam) per kg body weight per 24 hours according to Medirabbit so you could perhaps give her more than you’ve been giving her so far, depending of course on what you’ve given her. If she’s in a really bad way and there’s no possibility of seeing an emergency vet, in my opinion your main goal should be to keep her as pain free as possible.
                                    Just remember that Metacam also lowers body temp so the need to keep her warm increases with more Metacam. ((((((Ginger)))))) and many vibes for you too. Try to hang in there til Monday morning when your vet is available!


                                  • Jadeo09
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                                      If you can get her to a vet they can give injectable pain relief that may get her him eating and going the toilet.


                                    • Jadeo09
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                                        GI stasis can be caused or made worse by lack of water rabbits drink lots of water and if she isn’t maybe shrine feeding some could help


                                      • LittlePuffyTail
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                                          Just want to offer some (((((Get Well)))) vibes as I have nothing new to offer.

                                          Lumps are alarming and there is something obviously going on but try to stay positive. Lumps are not always cancer.


                                        • MK
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                                            Thank you all! I made an appointment for her vet tomorrow, In the meantime one of the people at our local shelter was kind enough to give her some sub-q fluids, and we are going back in a couple hours for some more. She perked up a bit after the fluids. The person at the shelter felt the lump and agreed it should be looked at ASAP, but she noted something I hadn’t noticed, the lump is long and almost sausage shaped, not round. At any rate, she’s going to the vet tomorrow and I’ll update then!


                                          • lorree
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                                              I dont know anything about stasis but I just wanted to add my positive vibes for your rabbit
                                              I hope everything turns out ok

                                              I have a guinea pig that had a hard lump in it’s belly area and I panicked but it turned out to be a cyst and the vet was able to remove it and she has fully recovered and is happier than ever. So as others have said there’s other possiblilties to cancer and it could all be fine

                                              ((((Ginger))))


                                            • MK
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                                                lorree thank you! She is better after the fluids and mobility drug. She’s going into the vet first thing tomorrow, and hopefully it will turn out to be nothing. i’ll keep you all posted!


                                              • Jadeo09
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                                                  I’m really pleased to hear that she’s making improvement that’s a great sign.
                                                  Good luck at the vets but lots of the time like the others said it could be nothing. Best you can do for bun is stay calm because they sense your panic so stay strong together ☺
                                                  Whatever happens your doing your best and your bun will feel better for having you there. She will know that your helping and will be really grateful


                                                • Jadeo09
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                                                    By the way had a quick search of sausage shaped lump both in humans and pets and rabbits
                                                    Some say its just intestines full
                                                    And rabbits it said poo impaction, so its expected if bun not going the toilet and you keep feeding her.
                                                    So good chance its not a tumour.

                                                    If your bun isn’t going the loo maybe not feeding too much would be best because its going in and not coming out.
                                                    If your feeding every 4 hours maybe feed half of what your feeding her but still every 4 hours?
                                                    I’d ring the vets for advice
                                                    My emergency vet gives me advice over the phone maybe you could ring and try asking that.


                                                  • MK
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                                                      Jadeo09 that’s very encouraging! thank you. I was sort of thinking that was what it might be….I think I’ll not feed her very much until tomorrow. Won’t be a problem, she only takes a few cc’s every 4 hours anyway…I do want to keep her system going though. Her temp is up to normal, so that’s a good sign too


                                                    • Bam
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                                                        Many more vibes for ((((((Ginger))))))

                                                        So great that you could get her sub-Q fluids, that’s the best way to soften things up without adding to the problem.


                                                      • Jadeo09
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                                                          so glad I could help a little

                                                          I agree feeding the fluids is a good way to help without causing problems
                                                          or doesn’t she wee either?


                                                        • MK
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                                                            Good news!(ish) Jadeo09 you were absolutely right, a portion of her cecum is impacted. Her temp was low so the vet is keeping her for the day, feeding her and giving her fluids. I’m so relived it wasn’t a tumor. Thank you everyone for all the vibes and input! It means so much to me!


                                                          • Bam
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                                                              Great to hear she’s at the vet and that you know what’s wrong, thank goodness no cancer! Continued healing vibes (((((Ginger)))))


                                                            • Jadeo09
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                                                                Wonderful news
                                                                She’s in the best place to get her better now except at home with you.
                                                                She will receive the best pain relief ect so hopefully won’t be suffering.
                                                                Very glad its not cancer
                                                                I’d love to hear updates on how she goes.


                                                              • MK
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                                                                  Update: She isn’t responding to the warming up or feeding. My vet is going to run some basic blood tests and then have me take her home to rest. I’m reaching the end of my financial rope…….blood tests are expensive


                                                                • Paradigm
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                                                                    Oh no. I’m sorry to hear that. I hope that continued feeding helps. Sorry to hear you’re financially struggling. Vets bills can be so high!


                                                                  • Jadeo09
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                                                                      aw
                                                                      hope she improves soon.

                                                                      what are they looking for with the blood tests?


                                                                    • MK
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                                                                        Paradigm-they can indeed! I’ll work something out.
                                                                        Jadeo09-thank you, her vet isn’t sure…..he thinks she may be anemic. I hate seeing her so lethargic and sad.


                                                                      • Jadeo09
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                                                                          I know it’s awful seeing them suffer. she will be glad for cuddles though.

                                                                          https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/64168/Default.aspx

                                                                          saw this post maybe it may help you


                                                                        • Jadeo09
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                                                                            this is a brilliant article.
                                                                            have the vets said to not syringe feed because of. fecal impaction?


                                                                          • Jadeo09
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                                                                              http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Gastrointestinal_Stasis
                                                                              another good article.
                                                                              all say how important hydration is because when food isn’t passing through it becomes dehydrated and can’t pass through.

                                                                              and pain medication and cuddles helps bun stay fighting and not give up.

                                                                              I’ll be thinking of you both


                                                                            • lorree
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                                                                                Oh I hope she’s ok

                                                                                You can do it Ginger!!


                                                                              • Jadeo09
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                                                                                  That’s lovely loree
                                                                                  You can do it ginger!


                                                                                • Jadeo09
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                                                                                    I’ve emailed someone for help, I hope you don’t mind.
                                                                                    Here’s the emails they sent me

                                                                                    Hi Jade,

                                                                                    I would have her discuss with her veterinarian if there aren’t any improvements. Additional diagnostics (x-rays, bloodwork, ultrasound, etc.) may need to be done to find out what is causing the GI stasis. Unfortunately since we haven’t seen your friend’s rabbit, we can’t be of much help. If her rabbit is declining, she may want to consider hospitalizing her pet for more advanced care.

                                                                                    Dear Jade,

                                                                                    Since we have not seen the rabbit, it is difficult to say exactly what is going on. Everything from overgrowth of normal gut bacteria to an obstruction to dental issues to cancer can cause GI stasis. Like a fever, it is usually a sign of an underlying issue rather than an actual diagnosis. It is okay to syringe feed critical care. Reglan, also known as metoclopramide should be used with caution in rabbits if we don’t know whether a GI obstruction is present, since this can make it worse. If it has been several days since the rabbit last pooped, that is very concerning. Tests like X-rays and a direct fecal smear looking for clostridial overgrowth would be recommended in addition to blood work. If your friend cannot afford these tests, and the rabbit continues to decline, it may unfortunately be time to consider humane euthanasia, especially since this can be a painful disease process.

                                                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                                    Dr. Anne Staudenmaier


                                                                                  • Jadeo09
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                                                                                      Hi Jade,

                                                                                      She is more than welcomed to contact us. I’m not sure how close she is to us for us to help her. As for the teeth grinding, it can be a sign of pain. With GI stasis, we usually have animals on a pain medication because it can be uncomfortable for them. I would have her contact her veterinarian if she believes her rabbit is on pain. We normally send home a pain medication called Tramadol. But depending where your friend is located, it may not be approved for use in her country or allowed to be prescribed for outside of hospital use.

                                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                      Sarah Chieng, CVT
                                                                                      Avian-Exotics Technician
                                                                                      MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center
                                                                                      350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130
                                                                                      Phone: 617-989-1561


                                                                                    • Jadeo09
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                                                                                        Yes, she may contact us at that number. If she’d like, she can have her veterinarian contact us and we can consult on the case.

                                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                                        Sarah Chieng, CVT
                                                                                        Avian-Exotics Technician
                                                                                        MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center
                                                                                        350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130
                                                                                        Phone: 617-989-1561


                                                                                      • MK
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                                                                                          The blood tests came back, she has leukemia. She probably won’t survive the night, and if she does I will put her to rest tomorrow. She’s at the animal shelter with her partner, they’re trying to keep her fairly comfortable. I didn’t know until I had dropped her off and was at school. I’m trying to at peace with this but it’s too hard.

                                                                                          Thank you all for your encouragement and support. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you Jade, you are truly amazing.


                                                                                        • lorree
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                                                                                            Oh MK what terrible news
                                                                                            I don’t know what to say, I’m just shocked and saddened


                                                                                          • BB & Tiny
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                                                                                              I wish you well in your time of great sadness and a peaceful, loving cross over for Ginger.


                                                                                            • Bam
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                                                                                                I’m so sorry. You fought so bravely for her and with her. It’s so unfair.


                                                                                              • redbunbun
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                                                                                                  I’m so sorry to hear that, MK! My thoughts are with you.


                                                                                                • Jadeo09
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                                                                                                    I’m so sorry, thanks for being so lovely even when you are going through such a terrible time.
                                                                                                    It’s so hard when we try are best and hope and its so horrible to get news like that I remember getting that news too.
                                                                                                    I hope knowing you did your best will help you when the times comes. Be strong don’t be afraid to cry it actually has healing hormones to ease your pain a little.
                                                                                                    I’m terribly sorry I’m crying myself, I always believe my greatest gift to a friend is to take their pain away and by ginger going before you she never has to suffer losing you.
                                                                                                    People always say if I could take your pain away I would, now your taking her pain away.
                                                                                                    Thanks for letting us know.
                                                                                                    Your doing the right thing its what we all would want to go peacefully.
                                                                                                    Her partner is going to miss her like you do maybe you can comfort each other through both your greif.


                                                                                                  • MK
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                                                                                                      Thank you all. She passed peacefully during the night. I’m going to pick her up and give her partner time to grieve. I’m glad she isn’t suffering anymore. I’ll make a rainbow bridge post soon.


                                                                                                    • Jadeo09
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                                                                                                        I’m glad she isn’t suffering too. I’m so so sorry for your loss and pain.
                                                                                                        Maybe to help her partner grieve you could keep something that smells of her to comfort the other one.
                                                                                                        Or leave her territory droppings to make him feel like he’s not alone.
                                                                                                        Sorry if this my be interfering but it may reply help the other bun
                                                                                                        I’m here whenever or if ever you need to chat.


                                                                                                      • MoxieMeadows
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                                                                                                          Oh no MK, I’m so sorry. This is terrible news. It’s not fair, you two fought so hard. {Hugs} to you and Coco.


                                                                                                        • LBJ10
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                                                                                                            Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this MK. You loved and cared for her so much.


                                                                                                          • Jadeo09
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                                                                                                              Hope you managing ginger wouldn’t want you to feel sad after all you did to help.
                                                                                                              Just a note though to say I’m thinking of you and co co


                                                                                                            • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                                                                I’m so very sorry…..thinking of you


                                                                                                              • Deleted User
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                                                                                                                  I have missed you terribly MK and I should be happy to hear from you again, but I’m not with such tragic news – I’m super sad all over to know you lost your precious Ginger. How brave of you! But I’m not surprised…. you have always been remarkable and I hate knowing how much your hurting and I can’t do anything other than offer words of support and comfort that I doubt mean anything at this moment in time, let alone can ease your pain.
                                                                                                                  BUT on the chance my message to you helps you in your time of sorrow, please know my heart broke too when I found out – I am SO sorry MK.
                                                                                                                  Sharing in your tears and grief – hug’s to my bunny daughter during this very sad time…..

                                                                                                                  Take our love with you (((((Ginger))))) you were adored by so many.


                                                                                                                • MK
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                                                                                                                    Thank you everyone!
                                                                                                                    Thank you “mum”! I’ve missed you too. I’m better. Life goes on, I still had to go to classes and work and that helps. Coco is doing OK. He’s been hanging out with my aunt’s little poodle, they’re pals and he likes him. He still hasn’t gotten completely back to normal yet, though. A Rainbow Bridge post will be up tonight.


                                                                                                                  • Jadeo09
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                                                                                                                      Glad to hear from you mk

                                                                                                                      Maybe in the future you may get co co another friend. 

                                                                                                                      Co co is lucky to have you as a mummy and I’m sure will be fine in time. We all manage in the end.

                                                                                                                      When we feel sad and miss others it makes us human and good people, I try to embrace it. 

                                                                                                                      I can only imagine your pain, its my worst nightmare but somehow most of us me included have come through the worst of the pain even when we feel we never will at the time. Keep going and one day I hope you’ll only have the good memories when you think of her☺

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                                                                                                                  Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Bad bout of stasis :/