Too much simethicone??

[Abigail Ray]

About two weeks ago my bunny experienced her first episode of gi stasis. Since then I have been monitoring her very closely and I have also learned more about gas and how to potentially treat it. I have made a habit of feeling and listening to her belly and I am wondering how often you can give simethicone to rabbits. I know that most people seem to say that it is not something harmful or that they could overdose on.

I have noticed more lately that my bunnies tummy will feel slightly harder than normal and will also making more of a popping gut sound rather than the typical gurgling. Other than this, there are no other signs of her being gassy. She never seems to be in pain and she still eats and hops around. 

I am wondering if it is ok to give her simethicone before the bigger tell tale signs of gas, I don’t want to give her something too much that could cause harm over time.  How often can you give them gas meds? I have been giving her the chewables because she will take it easier since it is fruity. 

Any info for gassy rabbits is greatly appreciated!!

THANKS!

[DesertBunny]

My last rabbit was very gassy and received lots of Simethecone with no ill effects. In fact he thought it was a treat. I gave him the liquid from WalMart through a syringe and he gobbled it down like candy.

[Q8bunny]

Buns can’t really OD on it. So a few drops every hour until bun has relief (or uf you just have good reason to suspect) is fine

[jerseygirl]

Yes, it isn’t absorbed into their bloodstream so they can’t overdose. Often people will continue to give it for a few days after a gi stasis episode as part of the recovery.

I would only use it when a rabbit is showing symptoms of having some gas though.  Did you find it helped when she had the gas episode?

It probably wouldn’t hurt if you gave some when they just seemed a bit “off”. I wouldn’t give as a daily thing like a preventative personally.

It’s better to try work out what is making then gassy in the first place. 

Tummy massage is beneficial too and a gassy bun will accept it readily.  Carrot tops and dill are supposed to be good when a rabbit is a bit gassy too. I don’t know if that is myth or truth but its not anything that would hurt to offer them.  I tried dill for my rabbit who was off her food a few weeks ago and it was one of the things she accepted. 

[jerseygirl]

Just want to add, I have found simethicone has helped my rabbits in the past and have only had to use a few doses. There are a lot of different products that contain it. I think some of the other ingredients in the products could become an issue if they were receiving it too regularly, so that is something to be aware of.

[Abigail Ray]

Thanks for your replies! Any information is always appreciated and this was definitely helpful!
It is good to know that it will not do harm but I will still do my best to not over do it, just in case!

Thanks again!!

[Abigail Ray]

I think that it helped her gas episode. She has never shown any signs of being in pain, even in the midst of stasis when she wasn’t eating or pooping she still seemed perfectly happy. I have been going by feel and sound of her tummy. The gas meds seems to bring her tummy back to normal.

I am still a bit new to having a bunny so I am trying my best to do things right!  

She loves carrot tops and I will keep dill in mind!

Thanks!

[Q8bunny]

That’s great to hear

[jerseygirl]

This video shows some ways to massage that can help. http://youtu.be/LbyC6CWbm5M?list=PLLALQuK1NDrjnjAFAcbvUg4tmT_jxnjTU

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