Any Advice to Help My Bun Through Stasis

[Mike W]

Hi All, I was wondering if you can offer any advice, as my bunny Cottontail is currently going through GI Stasis. She's a 3 year old New Zealand White.

I first noticed when she went off her pellets and mood changed in general. I did notice fur in her poops and some stringy ones.

Took her to the vet who had a feel around and also checked the teeth. The teeth looked fine in general and her diet helped avoid spurs. Seems like a fur ball could be an issue.

Cottontail is out in the garden during the day and inside my home at night. She didn't eat many pellets in general anyway as was out munching grass and hay all day.

She is eating a drinking a little, and still pooping (although small) and weeing. She is on 2ml of Metoclopramide twice per day and I'm also using a syringe of water a couple of times a day to keep her hydrated. This is a 10 day course. I'm also trying my best to give abdominal massages.

Cottontail spends most of the day hiding away, although does come out and about sometime to graze on grass, along with dandelion leaves, cleavers and plantain that I gather.

Is there anything else I can do from my side to try and help her during this uncomfortable time? Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Shimmer]

Some pain relief would help eg metacam. You would have to talk to your vet as it's prescription only, but it helps to improve the appetite once they feel more comfortable.

I would look at extra grooming to remove loose fur in future, especially around moulting time (which does seem to be forever this year).

 

[InspectorMorse]

Pain relief is an essential.

Working together on gut stasis

Gut stasis is one of the most serious conditions a rabbit could have, and it deserves to be taken seriously by both the owner and veterinary staff. Because there are many possible causes (many of them external to the gut itself), it must be highlighted that it is a symptom and not a final...

www.veterinary-practice.com

 

[bunny momma]

In addition to adding a pain medication, I recommend you ask your vet about giving her fluids. Syringing fluids may not be enough unless she is eating a lot of wet greens.
Fluids can hydrate gut contents and make them easier to pass.
Depending on how much she is eating, you may need to try syringe feeding her a recovery food or softened pellets. Eating will help increase gut motility.
Sending positive vibes she makes a full recovery.

 

[Mike W]

Some pain relief would help eg metacam. You would have to talk to your vet as it's prescription only, but it helps to improve the appetite once they feel more comfortable.

I would look at extra grooming to remove loose fur in future, especially around moulting time (which does seem to be forever this year).

Thank you. Cottontail started her pain relief meds today - Loxicom, which I believe is the same as Metacam. I'm UK based.

 

[Mike W]

Pain relief is an essential.

Working together on gut stasis

Gut stasis is one of the most serious conditions a rabbit could have, and it deserves to be taken seriously by both the owner and veterinary staff. Because there are many possible causes (many of them external to the gut itself), it must be highlighted that it is a symptom and not a final...

www.veterinary-practice.com

Thanks. Pain meds were started today - Loxicom

 

[Mike W]

In addition to adding a pain medication, I recommend you ask your vet about giving her fluids. Syringing fluids may not be enough unless she is eating a lot of wet greens.
Fluids can hydrate gut contents and make them easier to pass.
Depending on how much she is eating, you may need to try syringe feeding her a recovery food or softened pellets. Eating will help increase gut motility.
Sending positive vibes she makes a full recovery.

Thank you so much for your advice, kind words and support

 

[SarahP]

Peppermint tea can be so helpful. Obviously cooled down, but slightly warm can be helpful. Sometimes they enjoy it and will drink it voluntarily, but you can syringe it if not.

 

[Mike W]

Peppermint tea can be so helpful. Obviously cooled down, but slightly warm can be helpful. Sometimes they enjoy it and will drink it voluntarily, but you can syringe it if not.

Hi Sarah, thanks for the advice. I'm trying this today. Cottontail hasn't drunk it, so I've stringed it. How often a day should I give this to Cottontail? 2 or 3 times per day perhaps?

 

[SarahP]

Hi Sarah, thanks for the advice. I'm trying this today. Cottontail hasn't drunk it, so I've stringed it. How often a day should I give this to Cottontail? 2 or 3 times per day perhaps?

Yes, I'd say about 3 times a day if you're syringing. Always impossible to know for sure what's absolutely safe and you can overdo anything.

 

[InspectorMorse]

What is her poo output like now?
What meds is she now on?