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Small pets

I think my rabbit is stressed.

5 replies

Hoolahoophop · 22/01/2024 16:21

We haven't had our rescue bunnies long. Our 1 year old wasn't eating any food offered Saturday so I took him to the Vets, they couldn't find much wrong bit his gut sounds were a bit sluggish so he was given pain killers, and something to stimulate the gut. We were given some nutrition to syringe feed until he was eating again. So did that Saturday. Sunday morning he was fighting his mum for spring greens and normal, perky and feeding all day Sunday. Today he's off his food again. Eating his favourite treats, dandelion and parsley but not taking offered hey or pellets or the broccoli stalk I put in this morning. I'm worried the wind last night stressed him. Is there anything I can do other than keep offering treats, and give him places to hide in his hutch? He has been out in the run today aas well aas his hutch. But less bouncy than usual. Thanks

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bunnygeek · 23/01/2024 12:08

When you were at the vets did they check his back teeth with a scope for molar spurs? These can be very common in rabbits and even the smallest spur can stop them eating - it's basically a sharp dagger from your own tooth stabbing into the side of your cheek or into your tongue, ouch! Fortunately a quick fix for a good vet but will require anesthetic.

I would definitely be back to the vets though, there's something going on.

Are they usually in just a hutch or do they have 24/7 access to their run as well? Movement is as important to keeping their gut going as hay is so they need lots of space at all times.

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busybanana · 23/01/2024 12:13

Agree that you may need to go back to the vet. Both of mine have had the occasional episode of not eating, and the vet has either wanted to see them again within a day or two, or at the least have had a follow-up phone call to see how they're doing.

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Cookie77777 · 23/01/2024 12:49

Second the suggestion to check teeth.

Also, if he's had gut stasis this can persist over a few days so might need the gut stimulant for longer.

Avoid cabbage and broccoli in favour of less gassy veg like herbs. Use Timothy hay vs other variants as they're better for motility too.

Hope bun feels better x

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Hoolahoophop · 23/01/2024 13:08

Thank you, the vet did look for molar spurs. But couldn't find anything. He said the gut was working, just a bit more sluggish than he would have liked.

They have access to their run from about 10pm when I go to bed to 6.30am when I get up! It's attached through some tubes but I've been closing them off overnight as we have had foxes in the garden. Maybe I'm being over cautious with the foxes and stopping them getting so much exercise.

They have only had Timothy hay so far. He has been gobbling up dandelion leaves and parsley today. Also had some spring green this morning, and has been grazing on the lawn so lots more eating today. I will keep and eye and get him back to the vets if he is not back to his usual patterns. Seems lively again today.

Rabbit parenting is stressful! His Mum seems her usual self, but she does keep pinching his food!

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Hoolahoophop · 23/01/2024 13:08

Thank you all for all the advice. I'm still learning, a lot has changed since I first had rabbits years ago, and I want to do the best for them that I can.