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Advice please asap

His glucose levels were actually quite high and so were his lactate (not sure if that's the right word!) levels.
His stomach feels ok though now, it doesn't feel bloated or too distended and she can't feel a blockage so I'm not sure where we are at? They are checking his blood glucose again in the morning to see if it's gone down. He hasn't eaten yet but apparently he was hopping around the cage. Hopefully the fluids are doing him some good. She assured me that I did the right thing taking him in. Xx
 
Ok so we have good news and bad news.
The good news is that he has eaten and drank by himself and has done a couple of poops.
The bad news is that in the last few hours he has been exhibiting strange behavior. He has been paddling with his front feet. She was quick to point out that he hasn't actually had a seizure as such but obviously she is concerned and it's something that she hasn't seen before. Looking back over the last couple of days we both think that we have seen him doing it ourselves but we stupidly didn't think anything of it :( He sort of picks up his poor and repeatedly paddles it for a few seconds and then he stops. We have to ring back at half 7 because if we decide to refer him to a specialist it is obviously better to do it today than on a Sunday. His blood glucose is still high but she is pretty sure that it's not a blockage. She is watching him like a hawk and I've got to admit that I'm pretty impressed with them overall.
Any ideas what could be causing the paddling? X
 
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Have they checked that the stomach itself isn't bloated, have they taken xrays? Paddling can sometimes be associated with bloating as it puts a lot of pressure on the chest(lungs and heart) area. Bloating of the stomach is different than if the lower belly is bloated. You sometimes can't tell by just looking at their belly, but have to feel for it right up under their ribs. It will feel like an inflated balloon and is very painful for them.

Depending on what the paddling looks like exactly there are other things that might cause it like dental problems, discomfort/pain in the throat, or upper chest might cause a rabbit to sort of paddle at their chest or face area because of the discomfort they are feeling.

Though if your bun is laying down while paddling, it could possibly be something else. I know some neurological problems can cause it.
 
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They haven't done any X-rays, that was the next thing on the list if he didn't start eating.
She's had a really good feel and check of his belly area so is that something that she would be able to feel during a physical examination? She said that he doesn't feel bloated.
Thanks for your reply, I'm going a bit nuts here. X
 
roxyroller88 said:
They haven't done any X-rays, that was the next thing on the list if he didn't start eating.
She's had a really good feel and check of his belly area so is that something that she would be able to feel during a physical examination? She said that he doesn't feel bloated.
Thanks for your reply, I'm going a bit nuts here. X
Click to expand...

It is usually possible to feel a bloated stomach and/or intestines. Does the 'paddling' occur when he's lying down ?
 
She would be able to tell if she's experienced enough with rabbits. I just know how a bloated stomach can be easy to miss, and being here in the US with very few vets experienced and knowledgeable about rabbits, I guess I've just come to be more cautious about trusting whether or not a vet knows what they are really doing when it comes to rabbits. Maybe though, your vet is good and knows what she's doing. I certainly know you in the UK have many more good rabbit vets than we do here.

I know it's so difficult when you know there is something wrong but can't pinpoint what it is. I hope they are able to get your bun feeling better soon.

eta: Just saw Jane's post. She probably will have a better idea of what might be going on.
 
Please don't blame yourself, I know that's easy to say, you did your best for him and I'm sure he knew that xxxx
 
I am so very sorry. It sounds like there was something underlying but it also sounds like you did all you could. You've always come across as a lovely caring owner to me so please don't blame yourself. I know that is easier said than done. Hugs x
 
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