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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Bunny’s first vet visit – Coccidia

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    • Malia
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        I took my new 7 week old bunny Jett to the vet for his first visit. He’s been doing really well but I’ve noticed a couple of rounds of soft poop and some sticky poop. Plus I wanted to make sure he got a check up and a nail trim. So I took him and the vet was great. It’s an exotic pet hospital and they seemed to know what they are doing. They all praised Jett and said he was really cute. We discussed diet and care and when he’d get neutered. The vet said I was doing a good job so far.

        Then they did a stool sample to check on the soft poop and found coccidia. They told me not to panic or anything, it’s really common in young bunnies. But he needs to be treated. Of course, I said yes. But I’m sad that in our first few days of bonding, he’ll also be taking medicine that he doesn’t like and we’ll have to have those uncomfortable moments. 

        Like they warn you, don’t get a bunny if you don’t like vet bills! I’m glad I got him and can care for him and we caught this early. I feel like he’ll be okay. He’s eating and everything, he’s been playful and happy so far. He wasn’t super happy after the vet but he did well there. The vet told me to get him used to being touched. I’m glad he had a few other people holding him and touching him and kissing on him for a little bit.

        Other than the parasite, he’s healthy. Major organs feel good, ears are clear. She thinks he’s going to shed his baby fur and winter coat soon. His bottom is clean. He’s definitely a boy. No heart murmur. She did a thorough exam. And he weighs three pounds! We’re planning on neutering around 5 months because she said large breed bunnies (French Lop) should be neutered later so that they can get a good dose of hormones to help with bone density and stuff.

        Any advice for making sure he comes through this okay or tips on giving a young bunny medicine? They showed me how. Thanks!


      • Wick & Fable
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          Firstly, it’s great to hear that aside from coccidia, Jett is of good health. Also, it’s ALWAYS great when you have an exotic vet who you feel comfortable with.

          Wick’s first vet appointment was at around 8-9wo and he’s been on medication ever since. He’s received at least two syringes of some antibiotic medication from me per day for the past 3 months, and will continue to do so for another month, most likely. I’m going under the assumption the medication is oral-fed syringe, not injections (though Wick gets injections too).

          Right off the bat, whenever Wick successfully takes the medicine, I put the syringe down and immediately pet and cuddle him. I use the same positioning and method of holding him every time, so he knows when it’s coming. He use to kind of freeze up when he’d realize it, but now I think he knows afterwards. he’s gonna get pet like crazy, so he takes it like a champ and basks in the pet session afterwards.

          In terms of positioning, Wick is a very small rabbit. I sit, knees on the floor, bottom on my heels, and plop Wick in front of me so his bottom is in the crevice where my legs meet (preventing him from backing up). I’m left-handed, so I use my right thumb and pointer finger and gently wrap them around his neck, behind his jaw so he can jerk his head back much. Definitely do not pinch or choke your rabbit. I pet him, building up to the presentation of the syringe and approach from the side. He knows he needs to eat it, so Wick will start sporadically licking then flinch away. Lick, flinch away. It takes a bit of focus, but I have to find a window where he’s licking long enough so I don’t depress the syringe plunger when he jerks away, spraying the medication on his face or something. Once he gets it in successfully (I can tell because he’ll start licking a lot in his mouth), I say good boy over and over and pet him a lot until he relaxes into a nice bunny loaf. Then all is well!

          I was also worried about ruining my bond with him so early on because I’d be giving him bitter, gross medication, but Wick is very happy afterwards so I think as long as you reinforce his tolerance of the medication positively, Jett will still love ya!

          Unless your vet tells you otherwise, make the dosing schedule regular or else it won’t be as effective!

          The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.


        • Malia
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            Awww thank you so much. This is really good advice. Yes oral fed syringe like you. I’m glad you and Wick are still doing well and bonding through the treatment. I hope Jett and I can do the same. I’m definitely taking your advice to heart!


          • tobyluv
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              One of my past bunnies was one that we found on the street, and she had coccidia. I was given tablets (Albon) to crush and put in her water, which did the trick. Although, it seems like an oral syringe would be a better, more direct way to get the medicine into a rabbit’s system.


            • Malia
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                The lady I got the rabbit from (a breeder..) said all rabbits have coccidia. Is that true?


              • Malia
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                  Well we went back to the vet today because Jett wasn’t quite himself yesterday and he’s not interested in eating and he had a mild bout of diarrhea. The vet said that the dying coccidia was upsetting his stomach. She sent me home with critical care and probiotics and told me to stop the anti-parasitic meds early. Our first round of critical care went surprisingly well… Jett liked it (I just mixed it straight up) and he was eagerly eating it… until he was done. Then I had to coax him to eat the last few CCs. Now he’s just curled up sleeping. I hope he feels better soon. I’m keeping a close eye on him.


                • Wick & Fable
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                    Ah I should have noticed no probiotic was prescribed!! Whenever you get an antibiotic, make sure you can get the probiotic. Rabbit guts are very sensitive, so to make sure your rabbit has healthy gut bacteria, the probiotic is needed since the antibiotic will do away with some of them. I’m glad your rabbit is doing better!

                    The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.


                  • Malia
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                      Thanks! That’s a definite lesson learned. I hope the probiotic will help soon.


                    • FosterBunniesProject
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                        I noticed my rabbit’s poo was softer when they were younger. I didn’t pay much attention to it because it didn’t seem to be an issue. All three of them are older and have never had many issues!


                      • Malia
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                          awwww thanks for that. I hope after this episode, my bunny will be the same!

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                      Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Bunny’s first vet visit – Coccidia