Critically ill bunny

[Fluffy Bunny]

My dear little bunny Belle recently developed GI stasis, I think due to the grief of losing her very close bunny friend Fluffy. The vet put her on Baytril and Loxicom and I was feeding her critical care and syringing water. She dramatically improved and I assumed we’d turned a corner. Three days after she’d finished the Baytril she developed severe diarrhoea (I’m talking complete mush, not ill formed cecotropes). I rushed her to the vet and we were given more Baytril and Loxicom and today we are getting an antibiotic for coccidiosis. I can see my bunny has become critically ill incredibly fast. She’s starting to refuse the critical care and water feeds but she is still nibbling on hay, celery leaves and kale and taking very small sips of water.

I’m doing everything I can to help her survive, I’m just feeling so lost and terrified that she’s not going to make it. Has anyone else had experience with a critically ill bunny, possibly from coccidia, and they’ve survived? I haven’t taken my eyes off Belle for almost 24 hours now and I’m so exhausted and I’m just praying she improves.

Any experience you can share would be wonderful!

x

[LongEaredLions]

I am sorry to hear your bunny is ill.
It’s great that she is still munching on food-a very good sign. You can try mixing plain canned pumpkin, or puréed carrot with the critical care to try to make it more interesting, getting food into your bunny is truly the best way to help them recover. How was the coccida diagnosed-bloodwork, fecal tests? Due to the ability of coccida to “relapse” in a sense, I would keep your bunny’s habitat as clean as possible. It is also my understanding that the infection can damage the digestive system-I wonder if giving probiotics such as benebac could help?

[sarahthegemini]

I’ve no experience with this but wanted to send positive vibes for Belle. Come on little one!

[Fluffykins]

Hi fluffy bunny

I’m so sorry to hear of dear little Belle my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please take a break, ask a close friend or family member to watch Belle while you get at least a 10 or 20 minute nap. Longer if you can stand it! Belle needs you at your strongest right now.

I don’t know of any technical advice I can give you only, I know my fluffykins finds comfort when I’m holding him in my arms and stroking him (moreso then on the floor) so if it’s the same for you and Belle maybe pick her up and hold her safe. Only if you know it’s what works for you.

Keep us updated when you can, you’ve got a whole army of family back here wishing you and Belle all the best

[bunnybuns]

My rabbit also refused critical care during statis so i would just get some of his favorite veggies or fruit (first i would mash it up, just to be in a liquidy form)and add it to the critical and it enticed him to eat.Force feeding is really something that i don’t like doing, hate seeing a bunny do something he doesn’t want to but in these cases it’s necessary and really the key if they want to survive. As LEL said, try some canned pumpkin/baby food, or just steam some veggies if that’s your desire then mash them alongside with the critical care. Give her soaked vegetables so she can get some extra water if possible, in her stomach. I’m no expert for sickness in rabbits, i really do hope your bunny makes it through this!

(((((Healing vibes for Belle))))

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