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Bloat or GI Stasis??

LindandRay

LindandRay

Young Bun
My mini lop Napoleon has recurring problems where he sits hunched up, doesn't eat, drink, wee or poo and doesn't want to come out of his cage. He can be like this for a number of hours, but is always fully recovered by the morning. Just lately though it is happening more and more often. I mentioned it to the vet last week when he had his vaccination and she just asked me the usual questions about his routine, diet etc and then no more was said!

He had a bout last Thursday after his vaccination, but as usual was fine in the morning. I am not sure if it was the journey that was stressful for him or the vaccination. However, he had a bout last night as well that last for a very long time. I didn't want to take him to the out of hours vet as I just felt that the journey and them messing him about when he was already unwell would have 'finished him off'. Don't know if I did right or wrong, but my gut instinct said to keep him with me. I nursed him and massaged his sides, but he asked to go back to his cage. I hardly slept all night, but once again he is absolutely fine this morning.

I don't know whether to take him to a rabbit savvy vet which is over an hour away while he is well to get him investigated or not. What should I do??? He is 8 months old.
 
LindandRay said:
My mini lop Napoleon has recurring problems where he sits hunched up, doesn't eat, drink, wee or poo and doesn't want to come out of his cage. He can be like this for a number of hours, but is always fully recovered by the morning. Just lately though it is happening more and more often. I mentioned it to the vet last week when he had his vaccination and she just asked me the usual questions about his routine, diet etc and then no more was said!

He had a bout last Thursday after his vaccination, but as usual was fine in the morning. I am not sure if it was the journey that was stressful for him or the vaccination. However, he had a bout last night as well that last for a very long time. I didn't want to take him to the out of hours vet as I just felt that the journey and them messing him about when he was already unwell would have 'finished him off'. Don't know if I did right or wrong, but my gut instinct said to keep him with me. I nursed him and massaged his sides, but he asked to go back to his cage. I hardly slept all night, but once again he is absolutely fine this morning.

I don't know whether to take him to a rabbit savvy vet which is over an hour away while he is well to get him investigated or not. What should I do??? He is 8 months old.
Click to expand...

As it's an ongoing problem personally I would definitely want to consult a Rabbit Savvy Vet about it. Especially given the fact that the 'episodes' appear to be getting worse. The problem may be Urinary Tract related (cystitis) rather than GI tract related.
 
I know I sound like your vet - but what is his diet?
I would want to take him to a rabbit-savvy vet.
 
He has unlimited hay and a handful of Allen and page pellets twice daily if needed plus greens early evening.
 
LindandRay said:
He has unlimited hay and a handful of Allen and page pellets twice daily if needed plus greens early evening.
Click to expand...

To me, that sounds a lot of pellets - I only give an eggcupful once a day. I wonder if it would be worth very gradually decreasing the pellets - which should encourage him to eat more hay. As you know, hay should form 80-90% of a rabbit's diet to keep teeth and gut in good order, and they won't eat sufficient hay if they are filling up on pellets.

I would still take him to a rabbit-savvy vet, though.
 
Thank you. I am thinking of reducing his pellets but scared up upsetting hisn system. His little tummy was so bloated last night. So scared that a trip to vets which is quite a distance away will really upset things. 😕
 
LindandRay said:
My mini lop Napoleon has recurring problems where he sits hunched up, doesn't eat, drink, wee or poo and doesn't want to come out of his cage. He can be like this for a number of hours, but is always fully recovered by the morning. Just lately though it is happening more and more often. I mentioned it to the vet last week when he had his vaccination and she just asked me the usual questions about his routine, diet etc and then no more was said!

He had a bout last Thursday after his vaccination, but as usual was fine in the morning. I am not sure if it was the journey that was stressful for him or the vaccination. However, he had a bout last night as well that last for a very long time. I didn't want to take him to the out of hours vet as I just felt that the journey and them messing him about when he was already unwell would have 'finished him off'. Don't know if I did right or wrong, but my gut instinct said to keep him with me. I nursed him and massaged his sides, but he asked to go back to his cage. I hardly slept all night, but once again he is absolutely fine this morning.

I don't know whether to take him to a rabbit savvy vet which is over an hour away while he is well to get him investigated or not. What should I do??? He is 8 months old.
Click to expand...

As this is a recurring issue, I would definitely want a very good vet to run some tests for him. Perhaps the vet who didn't pursue the issue further when you spoke with her is not the one to take this up with?

If you need recommendations (apologies if you already have your own very good vet practice) you could post another thread on here with 'Rabbit savvy vet needed' and your area ... and people will let you know of any reputable and savvy vets around.

It would be worth it from the point of view of protecting his future health and also your own peace of mind :D
 
I have done that previously and I think the closest one is in Gloucester which is just over an hour away. I will ring them first and chat to them and make an appointment for pay day as it sounds like it could be expensive! !
 
LindandRay said:
I have done that previously and I think the closest one is in Gloucester which is just over an hour away. I will ring them first and chat to them and make an appointment for pay day as it sounds like it could be expensive! !
Click to expand...

Was it Jason Burgess?

I should ring ahead of time, make sure he will be there (if it's him) and have an early morning appointment (make sure they know you are travelling a long way). Hopefully they can run tests or whatever within the day and you can see the vet in the evening with a way forward.

Yes, a huge undertaking, but hopefully it will spare a lot of heartache in the future for both of you, by identifying the cause.

Do PM if I can help further :wave:
 
LindandRay said:
Thank you. I am thinking of reducing his pellets but scared up upsetting hisn system. His little tummy was so bloated last night. So scared that a trip to vets which is quite a distance away will really upset things. ��
Click to expand...

I think that gradually reducing his pellets - and thus increasing his hay intake - wouldn't upset his system. The secret is the 'gradually'.

I can understand what you mean about the travelling: my rabbit-savvy vet is about 40 mins away but people travel a couple of hours to see him. It is always a difficult call with rabbits - they can go downhill so quickly.
 
I just worry about him so much. He is very special to us. All my bunnies are but he is so loving and cuddly that the thought of anything happening to him just doesn't bear thinking about.
 
LindandRay said:
I just worry about him so much. He is very special to us. All my bunnies are but he is so loving and cuddly that the thought of anything happening to him just doesn't bear thinking about.
Click to expand...

I know, and please don't think about the worst. Just do what you can and try and remain stress free xx

Sending good vibes x
 
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