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Carpet eating

Sky-O

Wise Old Thumper
Hi,

What health issues may cause carpet eating?

He has major gut issues (dysautonomia), but hasn't ever exhibited this behaviour. He is acting completely normal, eating normally, although possibly a little less hay, but we're working on this with different hays (so yes, am considering dental, but no one seems overly enamoured with this hay, so this isn't just him).

I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Thanks in advance.
 
Hi,

What health issues may cause carpet eating?

He has major gut issues (dysautonomia), but hasn't ever exhibited this behaviour. He is acting completely normal, eating normally, although possibly a little less hay, but we're working on this with different hays (so yes, am considering dental, but no one seems overly enamoured with this hay, so this isn't just him).

I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Thanks in advance.

I expect you've ruled out an impacted cecum ? Craving 'inappropriate' sources of fibre (eg carpet/cardboard) can be one symptom. In the early stages cecal impaction is very insidious in onset.

A sluggish cecum is often an issue with Dysautonomia, as I know you know

A bit of info re cecal impaction here

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

Sending vibes xx
 
Thanks Jane. I’ve not taken him to see a vet yet, so no one has had a rummage to see if there are any signs. He typically craves stuff just before an episode but poor little chap has been moulting solidly for nearly three months and, due to all the plucking I’ve done, he’s only had one episode. He certainly could be brewing or it may be his gut is just a little slower due to the fur.

Fluids for cecal impaction? Can’t go any higher with gut stimulants though.
 
Thanks Jane. I’ve not taken him to see a vet yet, so no one has had a rummage to see if there are any signs. He typically craves stuff just before an episode but poor little chap has been moulting solidly for nearly three months and, due to all the plucking I’ve done, he’s only had one episode. He certainly could be brewing or it may be his gut is just a little slower due to the fur.

Fluids for cecal impaction? Can’t go any higher with gut stimulants though.

Definitely, IV or SQ + Oral

Not sure if he is already on Cisapride ? In some Dysautonomia Bunnies this can be more beneficial than just Ranitidine and Metoclopramide

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Chem/ChComplex/Cisapride.htm
 
No, he’s not on that. He’s on both Zantac and Metaclop. Would he need to stop one or both of those to go onto cisapride?

Sub q fluids no problem. Thank you.
 
How’s your bunny now? Did you get any further with finding out the cause? Phillip has started eating carpet more than ever this week!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Sorry to hear Phillip is also carpet eating. Is he moulting too?

Thank you for asking. We’re working on hay and fluids. I am treating him with fluids for the times being but I’m aware he may now need a dental.
 
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