Rabbit attacked by puppy

[fortyandfrumpy]

I came home this afternoon to find my puppy had got out into my front garden and attacked out rabbit.

I've rushed my rabbit to the vet and the vet didn't find any external or internal injuries but he's clearly in shock. The vet gave him a light sedative to try and calm him down.

She sent us home as the rabbit will be more at ease in his hutch area (the dog can't access it) than spending overnight at the vets. But warned that he's still able to die from shock.

He's got a heating pad to keep him warm (I'm in NZ and we are in the middle of winter) and he's tucked up safe into his hutch.

Does anyone know how long after the incident has happened that we are out of the woods with dying from shock? I've tried googling but I can't find any clear information. Currently 3 hours after its happened.

I'd assume if he gets through the night then he'll be fine. Poor thing

I’d assume the same tbh, if he makes it through the night you ought to be safe.

My friend’s adult dog got hold of her rabbit once (no idea how, he must have broken the door to the shed) and was shaking her like a rag doll, it was awful! No injuries just like your wee bunny, and after a sedative from the vet and lots of cuddles she was ok.

Thanks. It's going to be a long night. My poor bunny I should have protected him better.

He's looking ok. I'm hopeful he makes it through the night. Breathing back to normal and refusing to sit on the heat pad. Sitting normally too. Not very active but he has had a sedative.

I can't tell about eating and drinking.

Still early days though. 4 hours since attack.

Breathing normally is a good sign, if he was still in a state of panic his wee heart would be going 10 to the dozen and his breathing would be rapid and shallow

I so much hope so!

Does that mean if he's calm his risk of dying of shock is much decreased? Or am I being ver hopeful??

How is he OP?

The big worry with rabbits is if they stop eating. It is really important to monitor if rabbit is eating and if it isnt you must syringe feed it until it does. Ileus or gut stasis happens quickly in rabbits that stop eating and is difficult to recover from. Make sure rabbit is producing faeces and thats a good indicator that all is well.

Im sure rabbit will be fine

my friends rabbit was badly injured by a fox, but survived, much to everyones surprise, recovered, and lived a long and happy life.

I second what pp has said, make sure it is eating, if it stops eating, thats the end for a rabbit.

good luck x

How is he doing OP? I hope the night passed quickly for you with no worries.

Sorry for late reply!

He's good! So relieved! Thankfully started eating and drinking quite quickly.

I love him so much. Feel very guilty about letting him down. I should never have let him out while I wasn't here - the front door popped open giving the puppy access to the garden. Lesson very much learnt!

Poor little thing, I'm sure he'll be alright but do try to make sure it doesn't happen again. It's perfectly natural for dogs to chase and catch rabbits.

Thanks for the update, I've been wondering how he was doing. Excellent news x