Gut stasis... not pooping

[STC23]

I’m new to these forums, so just getting used to them, but hello everyone :wave:

My gorgeous bunny, Ralph, who’s 3 and a half has gut stasis, he’s been in the vets since Saturday, but hasn’t pooped since Thursday/Friday he’s on fluids, gut motility drugs, you name it! He is eating a bit of parsley and hay, and is still bright and affectionate, but I’m out of my mind with worry! He has had an x-Ray and there’s no blockage, but has anyone had experience of a bunny not pooping for 4/5 days with gut stasis? And how much longer could it take?

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Zoobec]

Hi, and welcome to the forum, I’m sorry that Ralph is poorly do they know the cause of the stasis? Have they checked his teeth etc? If they’ve ruled out a blockage are they syringe feeding him? Has he been given pain relief at all?

 

[STC23]

Hi, and welcome to the forum, I’m sorry that Ralph is poorly do they know the cause of the stasis? Have they checked his teeth etc? If they’ve ruled out a blockage are they syringe feeding him? Has he been given pain relief at all?

Thank you, I’m so worried about him! they don’t, they’ve checked his teeth and they’re fine, they’ve checked his glucose, and other organs and they all appear fine at the moment, so they don’t know if the stasis is a primary or secondary symptom. He’s being syringe fed critical care, and he’s on pain relief, fluids and gut motility agents, so the vet said they’re giving him all the drugs and support they can, it’s just a waiting game... he seems bright and happy enough, but it’s the worry he’ll just suddenly deteriorate

 

[bunny momma]

Thank you, I’m so worried about him! they don’t, they’ve checked his teeth and they’re fine, they’ve checked his glucose, and other organs and they all appear fine at the moment, so they don’t know if the stasis is a primary or secondary symptom. He’s being syringe fed critical care, and he’s on pain relief, fluids and gut motility agents, so the vet said they’re giving him all the drugs and support they can, it’s just a waiting game... he seems bright and happy enough, but it’s the worry he’ll just suddenly deteriorate

Sending you and Ralph some positive vibes. Did he have any X-rays? Is he peeing normally? Did they do blood work? Have they ruled out infections?

 

[tonibun]

Has there been a lot of stress around him, this can cause a rabbit to stop eating? Thinking of you and hoping Ralph pulls through this, and welcome to the Forum.

 

[Omi]

Could you try to find some fresh grass, Bramble leaves and/or some Dandelions? Rabbits who are not eating will sometimes be tempted by these.

 

[Jack's-Jane]

I’m new to these forums, so just getting used to them, but hello everyone :wave:

My gorgeous bunny, Ralph, who’s 3 and a half has gut stasis, he’s been in the vets since Saturday, but hasn’t pooped since Thursday/Friday he’s on fluids, gut motility drugs, you name it! He is eating a bit of parsley and hay, and is still bright and affectionate, but I’m out of my mind with worry! He has had an x-Ray and there’s no blockage, but has anyone had experience of a bunny not pooping for 4/5 days with gut stasis? And how much longer could it take?

Thank you so much for your help!

Thank you, I’m so worried about him! they don’t, they’ve checked his teeth and they’re fine, they’ve checked his glucose, and other organs and they all appear fine at the moment, so they don’t know if the stasis is a primary or secondary symptom. He’s being syringe fed critical care, and he’s on pain relief, fluids and gut motility agents, so the vet said they’re giving him all the drugs and support they can, it’s just a waiting game... he seems bright and happy enough, but it’s the worry he’ll just suddenly deteriorate

Hello

I am sorry that Ralph is not too well at the moment. Do you happen to know the names of the prokinetics (gut motility meds) that he is on ? Usually Vets use Metoclopramide and Ranitidine (Zantac). However, there is another prokinetic called Cisapride, that can be more beneficial in some cases. See pages 3/4 on this link :

http://anyflip.com/dvpt/hzvv

and a bit more info here:

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Chem/ChComplex/Cisapride.htm

The other things I would suggest is that they run a full blood profile (ie not just a blood glucose test). A FBP may throw up some clues such as signs of an infection.

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Man/LagomorphOverviews/Clinical Pathology_Rabbits.htm#Haematology

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00...s/Clinical Pathology_Rabbits.htm#Biochemistry

Urinalysis may be useful too http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Man/LagomorphOverviews/Clinical Pathology_Rabbits.htm#Urinalysis

As your Vet probably mentioned, it is unlikely that a 100% accurate view of a Rabbit's oral cavity can be achieved when Bunny is awake.

''An initial examination of the cheek teeth can be carried out
in the conscious animal, with use of an otoscope, although it
must be recognised that visibility and detection of abnormalities
will be limited. It is estimated that conscious examination will
reveal only 50% of abnormalities, however. If dental disease is
suspected or lesions are detected in the conscious examination,
examination under deep sedation or anaesthesia must be
performed. This requires the use of specialist gags and cheek
retractors to enable good visualisation ''


Full article here :

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Dental_diseases/Differential/Rabbit_dentistry.pdf

So it is possible that there might be some Dental problems that the Vet cannot see. But of course a GA for a Rabbit already in gut stasis is not ideal.


The fact that you say that Ralph remains bright within himself is one good sign and I really hope that things start to improve today x

 

[binkyCodie]

I don't have anything to really offer went through it with my little Luna herself, but hers was due to a urine infection. its a shot in the dark, but perhaps they could test for that if they haven't? really just throwing anything out there.

I'm sending healing vibes for your little man. I hope he pulls through

 

[MightyMax]

I’m new to these forums, so just getting used to them, but hello everyone :wave:

My gorgeous bunny, Ralph, who’s 3 and a half has gut stasis, he’s been in the vets since Saturday, but hasn’t pooped since Thursday/Friday he’s on fluids, gut motility drugs, you name it! He is eating a bit of parsley and hay, and is still bright and affectionate, but I’m out of my mind with worry! He has had an x-Ray and there’s no blockage, but has anyone had experience of a bunny not pooping for 4/5 days with gut stasis? And how much longer could it take?

Thank you so much for your help!

Thank you, I’m so worried about him! they don’t, they’ve checked his teeth and they’re fine, they’ve checked his glucose, and other organs and they all appear fine at the moment, so they don’t know if the stasis is a primary or secondary symptom. He’s being syringe fed critical care, and he’s on pain relief, fluids and gut motility agents, so the vet said they’re giving him all the drugs and support they can, it’s just a waiting game... he seems bright and happy enough, but it’s the worry he’ll just suddenly deteriorate

Yes I have experience of a bunny in stasis for longer than that, and it can take a while to get the guts moving again.

It's often not possible for *most* vets to completely check the back teeth without sedation, but it should be possible to get a very good idea of what's going on for him dentally. So the fact that they seem fine is a good thing.

Have they taken his blood glucose?
Some info on what that means ... It's often a good idea to check and then recheck later to see whether there's improvement. However, if a blockage has been ruled out by X-ray, then that's good also.

Blood glucose is measured in mmol/ml (millimoles/litre)

Normal: 4-8 mmol/ml

2-4 mmol/ltr – needs food – rabbit is experiencing gut stasis
If less that 2 mmol/ltr, call vet

8-15 mmol/ltr Rabbit is stressed, but can stay at home
More than 15mmol/ltr, less than 20 – Call vet, start to worry…
More than 20 mmol/ltr, needs surgery.


Some other info on stasis here:

http://anyflip.com/dvpt/hzvv/basic

http://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/ROWinter10p7.pdf

 

[STC23]

Thank you so much everyone for your extremely helpful replies and positive vibes <3 he still hasn’t pooped, and he’s been on metaclopramide, ranitidine, and an antibiotic (sorry not sure which one) but he’s still bright and affectionate bless him. The vet has found that his urea and creatinine are high, and he has protein and blood in his urine, so we are suspecting a urine infection. The vet is going to add another antibiotic so fingers crossed! I’ve also asked about adding cisapride which the vet is going to do, and also rechecking his teeth does anyone know how long the antibiotics should take to work? Hopefully the stasis is secondary to this and once this is better he’ll poop. thank you again everyone, you’ve been amazing and such a help for my little man. Hopefully he’ll be home soon! xx

 

[Jack's-Jane]

Thank you so much everyone for your extremely helpful replies and positive vibes <3 he still hasn’t pooped, and he’s been on metaclopramide, ranitidine, and an antibiotic (sorry not sure which one), but he’s still bright and affectionate bless him. The vet has found that his urea and creatinine are high, and he has protein and blood in his urine, so we are suspecting a urine infection. The vet is going to add another antibiotic so fingers crossed! I’ve also asked about adding cisapride which the vet is going to do, and also rechecking his teeth does anyone know how long the antibiotics should take to work? Hopefully the stasis is secondary to this and once this is better he’ll poop. thank you again everyone, you’ve been amazing and such a help for my little man. Hopefully he’ll be home soon! xx

It can take a very long course of abx (14+ days) to clear up some UTIs as the infection is often located deep within the bladder wall. Has the Vet sent off a Urine sample for analysis ? Identifying the bacteria causing the infection and the abx said bacteria are sensitive to would be the preferable course of action. Sending more get well soon vibes for Ralph x

 

[binkyCodie]

it can take a while for urine infections to clear they're utterly horrible things. I'm not sure if your vet is doing it already, but with a suspected urine infection the best thing is pain medication (and anti inflammatories, so metacam for instance), antibiotics and fluid therapy. one of the most important things with a urine infection is to keep drinking high amounts, to make sure that you basically flush the infection out. I'd suggest some possible fluid therapy if little bun is up for it. its important to keep drinking to help push the infection out.

sending more vibes for the little bun xx

 

[STC23]

Oh gosh that’s a long time! But I’ll wait any amount of time if it makes him better! I don’t believe the urine has been sent off for analysis so I will ask for them to do that so we know that he is definitely on the right antibiotics can he have antibiotics at home? Or are they all IV? is it ever possible to find out how they got the urine infection? Just so I can make sure he doesn’t get it again. He’s definitely drinking and the vet consulted an exotic vet who recommended increasing the amount of IV fluids he’s having, so hopefully that will help flush it out! Thank you for the good vibes! I know he’ll appreciate it isn’t it crazy how the little things just cause so much anxiety! They’re so special Xx

 

[Pets mum]

So sorry to hear about your little bunny, I really hope he responds well to the meds, and it clears up soon. Sending him get well and pooping vibes xxxx

 

[binkyCodie]

Oh gosh that’s a long time! But I’ll wait any amount of time if it makes him better! I don’t believe the urine has been sent off for analysis so I will ask for them to do that so we know that he is definitely on the right antibiotics can he have antibiotics at home? Or are they all IV? is it ever possible to find out how they got the urine infection? Just so I can make sure he doesn’t get it again. He’s definitely drinking and the vet consulted an exotic vet who recommended increasing the amount of IV fluids he’s having, so hopefully that will help flush it out! Thank you for the good vibes! I know he’ll appreciate it isn’t it crazy how the little things just cause so much anxiety! They’re so special Xx

thats good to hear! I wasn't sure if he was on any fluids, I imagined so but I figured I'd mention it anyway

antibiotics can be given at home, via a syringe by the mouth. its a bit tricky when they put up a fight, and it tastes pretty gross..I have experience :mrgreen: so the best method is to burrito them in a towel, press their head against you so they can't wiggle it about, and slip the syringe behind his front teeth at the side. after that just give little amounts (2 ml max) and let them swallow, then repeat.

of that doesn't work and you're able to get on the floor, put them on the floor and kneel over them. cross your legs at the back so that they can't wriggle out backwards. move your legs so they're on both sides, not squishing him but firm, then "sit" on him, not full weight of course but just enough so they can't try and escape. finally grab his head and slip the syringe behind his front teeth. I know it sounds complicated but its the best method I've found for feisty buns who don't wanna take their medication!! it means they don't have any means of escape.

as for why.. its really hard to say. just like in humans UTI's can be common and happen for any reason. might be one day he didn't drink enough and the bacteria built up.

I think the most you can do to prevent is just to try and encourage them to drink a lot. try wetting food before you give it to him, like herbs/veggies. run them under the tab so they're all nice and wet before feeding, as that provides more moisture too. make sure to change water daily so its nice and fresh (can also give an idea of how much he's drinking that day if you measure it out before and after). its normal for a rabbit to drink 50-100ml per KG of body weight every day

 

[MightyMax]

it can take a while for urine infections to clear they're utterly horrible things. I'm not sure if your vet is doing it already, but with a suspected urine infection the best thing is pain medication (and anti inflammatories, so metacam for instance), antibiotics and fluid therapy. one of the most important things with a urine infection is to keep drinking high amounts, to make sure that you basically flush the infection out. I'd suggest some possible fluid therapy if little bun is up for it. its important to keep drinking to help push the infection out.

sending more vibes for the little bun xx

I agree ^^

Vets often give a 10 day course, but I usually ask for it to be extended to 15 to be on the safe side.

If you can get a sample that would help the vet to identify it, with a dip stick in the surgery or sending it off for urinalysis, this would confirm one way or the other. Sometimes a vet can express pee from a rabbit's bladder in the surgery, but not if they have already had a pee. Best to also try and get one yourself.

Yes and as BC says, fluid intake is important. I'm glad they are giving fluids. When home, you could give water in a bowl if you normally use a bottle.

 

[STC23]

Thank you everyone for your amazing help and positive vibes. I got the news I was dreading this morning which was that ralph had sadly passed away. I’m absolutely beside myself, but at least I knew we did everything we could. The vet said they’re may have been an underlying issue that we never knew about. She was so positive about him last night and said he would be home today so I was so excited. I just don’t know to process this news, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for everything everyone xxxx

 

[Omi]

I am so very sorry to read this update I'm so sorry that Ralph didn't make it

Processing grief is very individual and also usually very difficult. Just be kind to yourself and give yourself time to mourn. Sending lots of hugs.

 

[STC23]

I am so very sorry to read this update I'm so sorry that Ralph didn't make it

Processing grief is very individual and also usually very difficult. Just be kind to yourself and give yourself time to mourn. Sending lots of hugs.

Thank you so much for your kind words, I am absolutely shocked and so upset. I know they go downhill fast but that was so fast and such a shock. I really thought he was coming home today.

I’ll be kind to myself and let myself mourn. Even worse that I flew out to go skiing yesterday so I wasn’t even there, my parents are sorting it all out, but I only flew out because the vet was so positive he was coming home today. Just so distraught.

Thank you, I appreciate the hugs! Xxxx

 

[MightyMax]

Thank you everyone for your amazing help and positive vibes. I got the news I was dreading this morning which was that ralph had sadly passed away. I’m absolutely beside myself, but at least I knew we did everything we could. The vet said they’re may have been an underlying issue that we never knew about. She was so positive about him last night and said he would be home today so I was so excited. I just don’t know to process this news, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for everything everyone xxxx

I am shocked and saddened to hear this

Lots of hugs for you.

Let me know if there's anything I can do xx