When a rabbit stops eating: Gas Remedy

A beautiful bunny died tragically, possibly due to misinformation over the phone. Please note the following information for the safety of your rabbit. If your bunny stops eating or pooping IT IS SERIOUS. You must act right away. Here's what you do before calling the vet.

1. Make sure the rabbit really isn't eating. Offer something they love and would never turn down. If they refuse it go to step 2. If they eat it, watch closely to make sure they do start eating and pooping normally or else go to step 2.

2. Go to the drugstore and buy some simethecone (medicine for gas relief). I buy simethecone marketed as "Ovol" which is gas relief remedy for babies. It is in a pink box on the stomach medicine shelf. It is not expensive. If you do not have a syringe at home (not the needle part, just the syringe) get one at the drug store - preferably one that will hold 2 cc.

3. Go home and syringe into your bunny 1cc if small and 2cc if medium or large. If your bun allows it, gently massage his stomach (gently!). Wait an hour and offer the treat again. If the bunny still does not eat, repeat the dose. (The simethecone is completely harmless and if the rabbit is not suffering from gas problems it will do no harm.) Wait 2 hours and then give some more if she still does not eat.

4. If your bunny does not respond to this treatment and start to eat and move around normally make a vet appointment immediately or as soon as you can. If this happens on Sunday, going Monday morning will probably be okay. But is this starts on Saturday you may want to get to the vet before they are closed on Sunday. It may be an intestinal blockage and not a gas problem but the bunny should be examined by a qualified vet before proceeding. Giving laxatives or force feeding could be dangerous in some circumstances.If your bunny's tummy is bloated and tight as a drum waste no time and even on a Sunday go to a 24 hour emergency clinic.

NOTES:

• DO NOT ACCEPT A DIAGNOSIS OVER THE PHONE. The rabbit must be examined.
• Do not trust your bunnies life to a vet that is not well versed in rabbits.
• The Eagle Ridge Vet Hospital has excellent bunny vets and they are open on Sundays until 2pm.
• It is a good idea to always have simethecone on hand if you have a bunny in the house.
• Keep this note somewhere handy in case you forget this information in a time of stress.

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