Bun mom

[Julisa2004]

Hello. My name is Julisa!
Recently my bunny named waffles died on 12/12/24. He was my world my everything… he was always there for me in the good and bad times and I blame myself for the reason of his death. That morning everything was going downhill for me.. I was over stimulated and didn’t check for the signs until it was too late. Waffles has had GI stasis about 3 times in the last 3 years. I was able to spot the signs very easily but sadly I wasn’t there when he was going through it…
Around 7pm I took a shower and notice him bawled up in a corner but didn’t think much about it. I got out of the shower and fed him his favorite treat everything seemed to be fine. But after an hour I didn’t hear him run around the house like usual so I went to check up on him and he was inside his cage bawled up again. So I took him out his cage and notice he couldn’t keep balance he kept wobbling from one side to another. That’s when my heart dropped and I knew something was wrong…
I proceeded to give him critical care since he usually recovers when I syringe feed it to him. But sadly he kept spiting it out. I did notice his poops were very small and looked like the last GI stasis episodes he has had before.

FYI he has never been vaccinated nor been to the vet since my nearest exotic vet is 3 hours away.

I proceeded to wrap him in a blanket and talk to him to stay with me since he kept losing all his balance. I started panicking and crying so much because I knew he was going to die in my arms right in that moment. I kept sweet talking to him to make sure he stayed with me (he would move his little mouth when I would sweet talk to him that’s how I knew he was still with me) and luckily he did for an hour and a half but at 9:35 pm he passed away. My heart shattered into pieces that day and I can’t forgive myself.
I feel so guilty because the signs were there but I was such an ignorant human that didn’t realize he was in so much pain.

I know I could’ve done something different to save him that day. And I am here today to hear any opinion of what I could’ve have done differently…

After he passed away I have done extensive research’s about GI stasis and many owners say that baby gas drops, tummy massages, forage helps their babies fight GI stasis any thoughts?

I’ve been considering getting a new bunny because I feel so lonely and empty since my baby passed away. No bunny could ever replace waffles but I’d like to give another bunny a home and be prepared if something like this ever happens in the future.

Sorry if this was too long..
Thank you, xx Julisa

 

[bunny momma]

I am sorry for your loss. Waffles was very cute. I lost two bunnies this year and I understand how you feel. They become a part of our family and give us joy.

There usually is an underlying cause for GI stasis such as diet, pain, dental issues, or a medical problem. Bunnies can go into stasis if they stop eating for any reason.

Bunnies are prey animals so they hide their pain so we have to be vigilant and watch for other signs.

IME pain relief is the most important thing for a bunny with gi stasis. Syringe feeds, motility meds and, often rehydrating gut contents with oral, subQ or IV fluids; along with warmth are usual treatments. Unfortunately most of these things require a prescription and intervention from a vet.

Some people still use baby gas drops, though my vet and some others do not suggest them.
Be aware that some suggestions you read on the internet may be more harmful or are no longer practiced.

Perhaps you can research any vets used by animal rescues in your area. While an exotic vet may not be near you, other vets may be able to handle some rabbit care.
I hope you know this is not a criticism, just a suggestion if you are looking at obtaining another bunny.

 

[joey&boo]

Waffles was a very sweet looking bunny who was clearly a good friend, I'm so sorry he passed.

I agree with Bunnymomma's post. Pain is a really common reason for bunnies to stop eating. G.I. stasis is a symptom, not a condition. It means gut slow down & is an inevitable consequence of a bunny eating less. It useful to work out what was the cause - there are so many reasons, pain, fear, stress, dental problems & a whole multitude of illnesses.

You really do need a vet on board to manage any pet responsibly in my opinion. i get 3 hours is a long, long way - I'd be reluctant to take a seriously ill bunny that far. There will be compromises though, vets who have experience with rabbits, are interested in rabbits, who are willing to seek specialist advice, research about them...you get the idea. Certainly vaccinations I'd trust to be done be any competent vet over not having them done at all. Most of my answer is based on an assumption you are in the UK, I'm sorry if this isn't the case.

 

[Pets mum]

I'm so sorry you lost your lovely bunny, he looked very sweet. I can't add to the excellent advice that you have already been given, by bunny momma and J & B above.