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When to go to the vet

weedug

Mama Doe
When would you recommend taking a rabbit to the vet who isn't eating?

And would you recommend the initial treatment for a bun who has had a blockage, to be metacam given at home?
 
with a new-to-you rabbit, right away.
with a rabbit you know well, try your usual techniques first.
i know matthew goes off his food when he moults. i give him infacol and tempt him with pineapple juice and treats and he's usually ok in a few hours. if it lasted more than half a day, i'd see the vet.
 
It is hard to give an exact reply as 'not eating' is seldom the only symptom and needs to be viewed alongside other things such is is there any 'output', is the Rabbit 'bright within self' or depressed, is a previous history of gut and/or dental problems involved, has the Rabbit ingested something inappropriate eg carpet...etc etc

IMO it is always best to consult a Vet too soon than too late.
 
I was just a bit surprised that the out of hours vet said I should just give metacam if Honey stopped eating in the future, and keep her at home.

Considering she was very depressed, not moving, very cold, has a history of blockage, passed about 2 poos in 5 hours, and was given metacam by my vet which made no difference, I would prefer to get her checked as soon as I notice something wrong.

Just wondered if I was overreacting as usual. I have another bun, Timmy, who stops eating regularly, but his symptoms are different and I am happy to begin treating him at home. So far, that's always worked for him.
 
I was just a bit surprised that the out of hours vet said I should just give metacam if Honey stopped eating in the future, and keep her at home.

Considering she was very depressed, not moving, very cold, has a history of blockage, passed about 2 poos in 5 hours, and was given metacam by my vet which made no difference, I would prefer to get her checked as soon as I notice something wrong.

Just wondered if I was overreacting as usual. I have another bun, Timmy, who stops eating regularly, but his symptoms are different and I am happy to begin treating him at home. So far, that's always worked for him.

Go with your gut instincts. If you feel that a Vet check is needed then IMO it is. I'd far rather a Vet think I am neurotic than risk a serious problem developing.
 
I agree with Jane. Go with your gut instincts.

I normally give mine an hour after metacam to see if they improve (normally they don't :roll: ) so then go straight to the vets.
 
I give mine an hour - 90 minutes depending on how they're acting. Both have stopped eating and then started on their own before so I give them chance, and then go to the vet. I'd never leave them all night. My last rabbit died within 7 hours of stopping eating even with treatment, I'd never leave a rabbit without.
 
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