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Weight loss and small poos

R

Rhian33

Warren Veteran
I have an appointment booked this evening with my excellent bunny vet but just wanted some opinions here first. My bunny Lola (spayed female approximately 3 years) has started to lose weight and isn't doing poos as large as I would hope. I suspect it might be teeth related but is there anything else this could be? She's up to date with vaccinations and is lively. She's still eating veg, pellets and forage but I must admit I rarely see her eat hay which also makes me suspect teeth issues. My other pair are normal weight - possibly slightly podgier than I'd like and they are doing enormous golden poos atm so I don't think this is something I'm doing wrong diet wise.

Any suggestions appreciated.
 
Rhian33 said:
I have an appointment booked this evening with my excellent bunny vet but just wanted some opinions here first. My bunny Lola (spayed female approximately 3 years) has started to lose weight and isn't doing poos as large as I would hope. I suspect it might be teeth related but is there anything else this could be? She's up to date with vaccinations and is lively. She's still eating veg, pellets and forage but I must admit I rarely see her eat hay which also makes me suspect teeth issues. My other pair are normal weight - possibly slightly podgier than I'd like and they are doing enormous golden poos atm so I don't think this is something I'm doing wrong diet wise.

Any suggestions appreciated.
Click to expand...

I agree, teeth would be my first thought too. I would not try to run through all the myriad of possible other causes as there are several, dental issues really are the most likely. A full examination of Lola will hopefully enable your Vet to ascertain what is going on. Good luck x
 
Thanks Jane. Hopefully that's all it is. She had investigations before I adopted her for drinking a lot of water but nothing came of it and her kidney function appeared to be normal. If there are no obvious teeth issues I'm guessing my vet will start on kidneys then liver etc as that's how she approached it in the past when I've had a bun with similar symptoms.
 
Rhian33 said:
I have an appointment booked this evening with my excellent bunny vet but just wanted some opinions here first. My bunny Lola (spayed female approximately 3 years) has started to lose weight and isn't doing poos as large as I would hope. I suspect it might be teeth related but is there anything else this could be? She's up to date with vaccinations and is lively. She's still eating veg, pellets and forage but I must admit I rarely see her eat hay which also makes me suspect teeth issues. My other pair are normal weight - possibly slightly podgier than I'd like and they are doing enormous golden poos atm so I don't think this is something I'm doing wrong diet wise.

Any suggestions appreciated.
Click to expand...


Yes Rhian it appears on first glance to look like teeth issues. It's just so difficult for a vet to diagnose without sedation (unless they do conscious dentals, which many don't)

I hope you get some answers at the vet tonight :)
 
My vet is pretty good when it comes to seeing teeth issues. She used to be the vet of a local rescue so saw dental issues regularly so I'm confident that if there's something there she'll spot it.

Thanks for the help I will be back later to update.
 
Rhian33 said:
My vet is pretty good when it comes to seeing teeth issues. She used to be the vet of a local rescue so saw dental issues regularly so I'm confident that if there's something there she'll spot it.

Thanks for the help I will be back later to update.
Click to expand...

That's reassuring! xx
 
Home from the vet now. There was nothing obviously wrong with her teeth so was given fluids and will be back in for further tests tomorrow. She has lost 500g since last seen in August so something clearly isn't right particularly as she's eating. Tomorrow she will have bloods done and if that shoes nothing she will be sedated for x-rays and visual teeth checks.
 
Rhian33 said:
Home from the vet now. There was nothing obviously wrong with her teeth so was given fluids and will be back in for further tests tomorrow. She has lost 500g since last seen in August so something clearly isn't right particularly as she's eating. Tomorrow she will have bloods done and if that shoes nothing she will be sedated for x-rays and visual teeth checks.
Click to expand...

I'm glad you have a good plan in place.

I hope the bloods go well. My rabbits really hang on to their blood and the vet has an awful time of it :)
 
MightyMax said:
Absolutely, fingers crossed.

Does your vet have to send the blood away or can they process it on the spot?
Click to expand...

They can do it in house on the spot. My vet tends to have a starting point with diagnostics and moves on to the next thing once she has the results of the test.

Will post once she's called me. My OH is dropping her in with her partner and a picnic in a bit but I'm at work today unfortunately. She was bright this morning when I went out to feed them and ran in for breakfast.
 
Rhian33 said:
They can do it in house on the spot. My vet tends to have a starting point with diagnostics and moves on to the next thing once she has the results of the test.

Will post once she's called me. My OH is dropping her in with her partner and a picnic in a bit but I'm at work today unfortunately. She was bright this morning when I went out to feed them and ran in for breakfast.
Click to expand...

Topping up the vibes :love:
 
Just a quick update. Still not got to the bottom of it. Kidney function normal, liver enzyme slightly high but not hugely - no cocci found in stool sample. Protein levels low, calcium levels a little high and urea high.

Skull x-rays normal however, there are pockets of gas in the abdomen and my vet thinks that her abdomen is looking generally abnormal and thinks there is a possible blockage in her caecum. Test results and x-rays have been sent to Iain Cope for a second opinion.
 
Rhian33 said:
Just a quick update. Still not got to the bottom of it. Kidney function normal, liver enzyme slightly high but not hugely - no cocci found in stool sample. Protein levels low, calcium levels a little high and urea high.

Skull x-rays normal however, there are pockets of gas in the abdomen and my vet thinks that her abdomen is looking generally abnormal and thinks there is a possible blockage in her caecum. Test results and x-rays have been sent to Iain Cope for a second opinion.
Click to expand...

If you wanted a bit of info' about cecal impaction this link may be useful

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Caecal_Impaction.htm

I hope IC will be able to shed some light on what is going on x
 
Rhian33 said:
Just a quick update. Still not got to the bottom of it. Kidney function normal, liver enzyme slightly high but not hugely - no cocci found in stool sample. Protein levels low, calcium levels a little high and urea high.

Skull x-rays normal however, there are pockets of gas in the abdomen and my vet thinks that her abdomen is looking generally abnormal and thinks there is a possible blockage in her caecum. Test results and x-rays have been sent to Iain Cope for a second opinion.
Click to expand...

Do you know how long you'll have to wait before Iain Cope will come back to you?

I would try not to worry about what might be going on until you have a few more facts.
 
MightyMax said:
Do you know how long you'll have to wait before Iain Cope will come back to you?

I would try not to worry about what might be going on until you have a few more facts.
Click to expand...

Not sure yet. He's apparently not working Saturday and Sunday but is back in on Monday. My vet is in tomorrow and Monday so will get back to me as soon as he replies. She doesn't think Lola is in pain so has said to just make sure she has a heatpad and plenty of food and we will see what he says Monday.
 
Jack's-Jane said:
If you wanted a bit of info' about cecal impaction this link may be useful

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Caecal_Impaction.htm

I hope IC will be able to shed some light on what is going on x
Click to expand...

Jane, this doesn't quite fit. There has been no decrease in appetite. She is eating loads (we have increased both veg and dry food to try and get her through this), doesn't seem to be in pain and is producing plenty of poo although on the smaller and darker side of normal but not the sort I'd expect to see in a rabbit with reduced appetite. Thee is also no sign of pain although I'm very aware they hide it well and there is no mucous.
 
Rhian33 said:
Jane, this doesn't quite fit. There has been no decrease in appetite. She is eating loads (we have increased both veg and dry food to try and get her through this), doesn't seem to be in pain and is producing plenty of poo although on the smaller and darker side of normal but not the sort I'd expect to see in a rabbit with reduced appetite. Thee is also no sign of pain although I'm very aware they hide it well and there is no mucous.
Click to expand...

From the symptoms you posted on here I agree. But as your Vet mentioned it as a possibility I posted the link. I expect IC will have some useful advice as to the best way forward regarding diagnostics/treatment :)
 
Jack's-Jane said:
From the symptoms you posted on here I agree. But as your Vet mentioned it as a possibility I posted the link. I expect IC will have some useful advice as to the best way forward regarding diagnostics/treatment :)
Click to expand...

Hope so. I have a feeling my vet suspects more than she's telling me but is wanting a 2nd opinion before saying something. I may be reading far too much into this and I should stop worrying.
 
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