Bunny lethargic and not eating

[Rebspark]

Hi All

I am looking for some advice. This morning one of our bunnies was just lying my still in her hutch which is most unusual. She did not attempt to eat her food. I took her inside and she just lay quietly on the sofa so I took her straight to the vets.

The vet has given her antibiotics as she had a low temperature and has advised to keep her warm.

Sine returning home she has just lay in a box in the lounge only moving to change positions. She has had a little water but no food even her favourites.

Should I trust the vets opinion or take her somewhere else? I’m very worried it’s something worse as the vet seemed very dismissive.

Thank you

[sarahthegemini]

Why was she given antibiotics? Was she not given a gut stimulant/drug to get her tummy moving? Pain relief? Were you advised to syringe feed?

[Wick & Fable]

I think you should take her somewhere else as well. This vet did not seem to take as much action as this situation requires.

A few things to hopefully help:

If she has a favorite vegetable, make it extra wet, cut it into small pieces so maybe it’s easier to eat, and try offering it to her.
If she has a favorite type of hay, bring it to her, fresh, repeatedly and see if she’s willing to eat some strands.
Do you have simethicone (baby gas drops)? It wouldn’t harm her to take a dose to relieve any gassiness she may be having. It can be purchased at any store with a medicine aisle typically.
Do you have Critical Care? It’s a powder full of dense nutrients typically fed to rabbits in certain conditions where nutrients is needed following a medical procedure or a condition. Feeding her some may help her build strength, as well as stop any hunger she may be having.

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.

[tobyluv]

I also think that you need to see a more rabbit savvy vet. It sounds like your bunny could have GI stasis. For that, she would need a motility drug, one of the most common ones is Reglan (metoclopramide). Vets usually also give fluids to the rabbit, and pain medication.

If you don’t have Critical Care, you can soften and mash up some pellets with water. You can add a little plain canned pumpkin or baby food to the mixture, and the rabbit may eat it out of a dish, or off of your fingers. Otherwise, you will have to syringe feed.

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