Max is my beautiful, nearly 6 month old French Lop buck. He was my first living baby out of breeding my pair. They only had the one baby and he definately is ONE IN A MILLION! Standing at the counter with him at around 4 weeks old just after finding out he was a boy, we were stumped on picking a name for this special boy! I had held a contest through Milo & Me's facebook page to get one and nothing seemed to fit him.... And it hit me from absolutely no where! MAX! It wasn't until WEEKS later that someone called him Maxamilion and I thought PERFECT! Maxamilion is one in a million! Believe it or not, his adopted sister, (Fostered to his mom Mailey to help save him) is only 2.5 pounds and 2 days older! He still has a ways to grow but he is working his way up the weight class very nicely! His personality is absolutely the best and I am soooo glad I decided to keep him instead of getting a puppy! He is my pride and joy in every aspect. Something odd that I see NOW were all signs he was meant to stay.... I only Owned Milo and Mailey at the time of his birth, He was my 3rd French Lop EVER. Born on March 3rd, Milo and Mailey's birthdays are both on the 9th day of the month and 3 multiplied by 3 is 9. He had 3 still born siblings in the litter before him and 3 siblings in the litter after him. Mailey fostered 2 polish babies in with Max putting the total litter at 3 babies. Mailey fostered in 3 babies to her third litter. Just a fun little coinkydink!
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I have been working on colonizing my French lop does curently and have found it to be trying. Individually they are potty trained but if you throw others in the mix they are not as potty trained, still trained just not fully.... This to me is frustrating.... But it is going well otherwise! Tessy is making a full recovery after her Bloat and fluid in her lungs and Max is absolutely having a ball with full run of my room! Maybe Milo and him will be willing to share my room and I can cut back to NO CAGES AT ALL! We shall see in the weeks to come. This weekend we will be experimenting on if the father son duo will tollerate eachother as Max can be a bit much at times like his mother ;) My grandpa and cousin's husband celebrated their birthdays together Sunday! Max got to come along and celebrate with the family :) He didn't stray very far from his new besty Keely! She was feeding him watermelon and he wouldn't let her out of his site! Here are some photos I took on my cell phone of the day... I will be adding more of max from my camera later <3
Little Tessy can't seem to catch a break at all lately! UGH!!! The poor little french lop just turned 14 weeks old and after recovering from bloat last week has developed fluid in her lungs so back on antibiotics she goes to fix her up again! day one was last night and it will be another 7 to 10 (most likely 10) days on the Baytril.... Lots of love, cuddles and yogurt and treats from me, grandma and her momma! Hoping to have her back in tip top shape before too long :)
Will you think of me inside my hutch, That tiny starter pack. That does not let me hop around, And starts to hurt my back? Will you think of me tomorrow, When you go to work or school. With a lovely lunch packed in your bag, Cause I get hungry too.... Will you think of me, just sometimes please? My hutch, it smells so bad, I'd love some water in my bowl, And some hay, I'd be so glad! Will you think of me when the sun shines bright, And it's wonderfully hot, But I can't get cool, this heart is so cruel. Don't tell me you forgot! Will you think of me when the north winds blow And my hutch floors turn to ice, And I'm shivering cold while you're all warm, underneath your quilt so nice? Will you think of me? Please think of me! I'm helpless and at your mercy! Why did you buy me on a whim? Why did you desert me? I can binkie over rainbows now, I am happy and free. But I wonder now that I am gone, Will you ever think of me? After my over a week long battle trough Bloat with my 12 week old French Lop Doe, Tessy, she is finally on the right track and better. After compiling information from other Blogs and websites in a previous Blog, I asked many questions to those breeders I can trust on how THEY deal with this horrible
ailment if one of their rabbits falls ill with it. In response I heard many good outcomes unlike the horrific ones stated online! First, you should know the signs and symptoms of Bloat in rabbits: A rabbit suffering from Bloat will be listless and uncomfortable;they will stop eating and may be thirstier than usual. They will also not lay down or stretch out due to them being in pain and or uncomfy. They may also grind their teeth if pain is severe enough. They will also quit pooping due to their tummy not functioning properly. Their tummy may make a gargling sound or also sound as though fluids are moving around in there. Second, you should always seek veterinary/professional help BEFORE trying to treat it on your own. I am not telling you how to treat your rabbit only ways that myself, and other breeders have had success with treating them. Things you can do to relieve and get rid of Bloat in your bunny: 1. Remove food from cage and replace with Timothy Hay to help get their tummy moving again 2. Give them infant gas relief drops found at any drug store 3. Pedialyte can be given to help keep up their electrolytes, strength and help calm their tummy 4. Yogurt with no less than 3 active bacteria in it is a great way to get them back up and going if anti-biotics are needed to get good bacteria back into their tummy 5. A good probiotic paste is also good to help get them on track again, you can find these at any local tractor or farm supply store 6. It is also important to keep them active and moving. After gas drops and yogurt, let them run or make them hop around 7. Feed Gripe water 8. Pineapple juice and cat hairball relief will help if it is caused by a hairball 9. Feed regular oatmeal, old fashioned not instant 10. Feed plenty of fiber as found in Hay, grains, seeds and berries 11. Apple cider vinegar in the water 12. Neomycin 13. Whole rolled oats or regular oats 14. Entracare aqua 15. Pro C 16. Infactol 17. Canned pumpkin, regular not pie filling 18. If back bones are very pronounced and noticeable, try worming them 19. A warm bath will help alleviate their pain from the Bloat and following it by a nice gentle massage by laying them on their back and massaging their tummy Diet essentials A Good Rabbit Diet Should Include Daily Fresh Vegetables Include a variety of vegetables from the list below. (Those containing a high level of Vitamin A are indicated by an *. Feed at least one of these each day.)
Pellets: Pellets are most important in the younger stages of rabbit development because they are highly concentrated in nutrients, helping to ensure proper weight gain. A quality pelleted food should be high in fiber (18% minimum) and nutritionally balanced. As a rabbit reaches maturity, however, pellets should make up less of the diet – replaced with higher quantities of hay and vegetables. Overfeeding pellets in mature rabbits can lead to obesity and other medical conditions. Hay: Rabbits should have fresh hay available 24 hours a day. Rabbits less than 7 months old may have alfalfa hay, but older rabbits should have grass hays such as timothy or oat hay. Hay is essential to a rabbit's good health, providing the roughage that helps reduce the danger of hairballs and other blockages. Water: Fresh water should be available to your pet around the clock, as well. Each day, change the water in the dish or water bottle with fresh water. On a weekly basis, sanitize the water dish/bottle with a mild dish detergent and rinse thoroughly before adding drinking water. Vegetables: Vegetables provide valuable roughage, as well as essential vitamins. As early as 3 months of age, you can begin to offer vegetables. Introduce new vegetables one at a time. This way, if a digestive upset occurs, you will know which food may be the culprit. Eliminate those that cause soft stools or diarrhea. Continue to add new varieties, including both dark leafy vegetables and root vegetables, and serve vegetables of different colors. Once your rabbit is used to several vegetables, feed him or her at least three different kinds daily for a mix of nutrients. Kale, mustard greens, and spinach contain high levels of oxalates (the salts of oxalic acid), which can accumulate in the system and cause toxicity over time. Rather than eliminating these veggies from your list (because they are highly nutritious and loved by most rabbits), limit your use of them to 1 or 2 meals per week. Chewing items: In addition to nutrition, hay and vegetables are also important to your rabbit's dental health. A diet that requires little chewing produces uneven tooth wear, causing enamel to grow on the sides of the teeth. These spikes can cause severe oral pain and excessive salivation (often called "slobbers"). They also cause reluctance to chew, inability to close the mouth, and reduced food intake. The situation deteriorates as the teeth continue to grow, and, if it is not treated, results in severe malnutrition. In addition to hay and vegetables, you will want to provide your rabbit with chew sticks or gnaw "bones" of untreated wood of various sizes and shapes. Cardboard tubes and untreated wicker can also be used. Treats: Treats, including fresh fruits, should be given sparingly because of their calorie content. Rabbits can digest small quantities of oats and barley, but again, they generally provide more calories than necessary. And, too much carbohydrate has been associated with enteritis in rabbits. Feeding rabbits through their stages of development Like human beings, rabbits need to be fed differently at different stages of their growth to ensure healthy development, digestion, and weight. Throughout a rabbit's life, avoid any sudden changes in diet; new foods should always be introduced gradually. Remember to keep fresh clean water available at all times, too. Water bottles versus dishes are recommended. Baby rabbits: A baby rabbit, or kit, feeds solely on its mother's milk for about the first three weeks. During the first few days, the milk contains high levels of antibodies that help protect the kit from disease. After three weeks, the kit will begin nibbling on alfalfa hay and pellets. By 7 weeks of age, baby rabbits can handle unlimited access to pellets and alfalfa hay in addition to mother's milk. Kits are usually weaned from their mother's milk by 8 weeks of age, depending on the breed. Juveniles: Between weaning and 7 months of age, the young rabbit can have an unlimited amount of pellets and alfalfa hay. At 3 months of age, start introducing small amounts of vegetables into your rabbit's diet. Introduce one vegetable at a time. If any vegetable seems to cause digestive problems, avoid feeding it in the future. Young adults: Young adult rabbits from age 7 months to 1 year should be introduced to timothy, grass hays, and/or oat hay, and it should be available all day long. The fiber in the hay is essential for their digestive systems to work properly. At this point, they will require little alfalfa hay, as well as fewer pellets. Alfalfa hay has more calories and calcium than rabbits need at this stage of development, and the high calorie content of pellets can also begin to cause weight problems. Instead of offering unlimited pellets, a good rule of thumb is 1/2 cup of pellets per 6 lbs. of body weight daily. To make up for the nutritional loss, you must increase your rabbit's intake of vegetables and hay. You can feed your rabbit some fruits during this stage, but because of calories, limit them to no more than 1-2 ounces per 6 pounds of body weight daily. Mature adults: Mature adult rabbits should be fed unlimited timothy, grass hay, and oat hay. Once again, you should reduce the pellet portion of the diet. A standard guideline is 1/4 cup of pellets per 6 lbs. of body weight per day. Several servings of vegetables are required (2 cups per 6 pounds of body weight daily). Make sure to choose dark, leafy greens, and feed at least three different kinds daily. Iceberg or other light-colored varieties are NOT nutritious. Also, make sure you are offering dark yellow and orange vegetables. Treats, including fruits, must be fed sparingly. Seniors: Senior rabbits over 6 years of age can be fed the same diet as mature adults if they do not have weight loss problems. You may need to increase pellet intake if your pet is not able to maintain his or her weight. Alfalfa can also be given to underweight rabbits, but only if calcium levels are normal. Annual blood workups are highly recommended for senior rabbits to determine the level of calcium and other components of the blood. Plants and Herbs That Are Safe For Rabbits To Eat
Fruits That Are Safe For Rabbits To Eat
Vegetables That Are Safe For Rabbits To Eat
Feeding Guidelines Feed fresh food in moderation, particularly fruit as it has a high sugar content. Any new food should be introduced gradually, as a sudden change in diet can upset your rabbit’s digestive system. Make sure that any plants, fruit or vegetables you feed to your rabbit are clean and free from chemicals such as pesticides. Do not leave fresh food to go mouldy. If your rabbit does not eat the fresh food while it is still fresh, remove it. Apple (not seeds) Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Banana Basil Beet tops Blackberry (leaves, stems, fruit) Blueberry Broccoli Brussel sprouts Cantaloupe Caraway Carrot (tops and root) Celery Chard Chives (in moderation) Cilantro Clover Collard greens Cucumber Dandelion (leaves, stem, flower) Dill Endive Escarole Fennel Zucchini Grapes Green pepper Honeydew Melon Kale Lemon balm Lettuce (romaine, red & green leaf) Lilac Marigold Marjoram Mint Mustard greens Papaya (no seeds) Parsley Peach Pear Pineapple Radish Tops Raspberry (leaves, stems, fruit) Sage Savory Spinach Strawberry Tomato (fruit only; greens are toxic) Watermelon Watercress Fruit should always be given in moderation as the high sugar content may cause diarrhea. Introduce fruits and vegetables slowly over several weeks. Remember no pesticides Rabbit Bloat is a condition which is only too familiar to the breeder. It is a condition where the animal becomes 'blown-up' by the accumulation of a large amount of gas in the abdomen. There are undoubtedly a number of causes which produce this disorder. It may be produced by feeding an excessive amount of fresh young Lucerne or clover, and it has been suggested that young white clover will always produce the condition, although this is not proven. The condition is certainly not infectious, but there appears to be, in some cases, an inherited predisposition. The rabbit sits huddled in a corner and is very inactive. The coat appears dull and the eye glazed. In some cases the rabbit is exceptionally thirsty and will consume quantities of water, although all food is refused. The abdomen becomes swollen with gas and the animal often grinds its teeth in pain. Death usually results after a day or two from excessive pressure on the lungs and heart. In some cases the stomach may rupture. A second form of the disorder is known as mucoid enteritis, and in this form a quantity of mucous is produced in the intestines and forms a gelatinous mass. Although a considerable amount of research has been carried out, the causes of the disease have not been traced, and no reliable treatment has been discovered. The rabbit will benefit if made to take exercise, and massage with a good liniment which produces a slight irritation on the belly has been found to help. The most reliable treatment, which has been efficacious in more than half the cases in which it has been tried, is the use of an enema of soft soap and water. Pure green soap is dissolved in warm water, and the solution injected carefully into the anus with a rubber bulb ear syringe. The recent use of antibiotics has been found to reduce the amount of bloat greatly, in some cases by as much as 75 percent. A rare disease, which has as its main symptom, the production of bloat is enterotoxaemia, which is a bacterial disease in which the kidneys become soft and pulpy. This trouble almost always occurs when animals arc being grazed in Morant type hutches and in cold weather. The eating of frozen food appears to cause some damage which enables bacteria to gain entrance into the intestinal wall. No treatment is available for this condition. http://www.petcaregt.com/rabbits/rabbitbloat.html True bloat (not to be confused with stasis/ileus – reduced motility of the intestine, or the presence of some gas in the digestive system caused by food) is a dreaded condition in rabbits, with poor prognosis. True bloat is probably the most painful disorders that a rabbit can suffer from, and rabbit savvy vets often opt to humanely put the rabbit to sleep, to spare it more suffering. Bloat is due to an abnormal collection of gas that leads to an extreme distension of the stomach, and/or or cecum. The stomach feels hard and the rabbit looks like a “balloon”. It can make noised like a “waterfall”. The rabbit shows signs of terrible pain and has difficulties to breath properly. When bloat reaches a certain point in rabbits, it becomes irreversible. This is due to the facts that the stomach wall of rabbits is not as elastic as in many other animals. The distended stomach (its volume can double) will compress the main blood vessels that lead blood to and from the heart. Blood flow becomes irregular, and rarely blocked, causing disturbances of the cardiac rhythm. At this point, the condition is fatal. Causes of bloat remain unknown. It may related to overeating, exercising immediately after eating are suspected in most animals, lack of fiber in the diet, change of diet, excessive drinking or stress, or result from a pyloric blockage or other digestive problems. Once fully bloated, most rabbits do not survived longer than a few hours to a day after diagnosis. Opioid pain drugs, fluids, antibiotics and simethicone bring little to no relief. Putting the rabbit on its side may help. A handful of rabbits were saved by intubation with a rubber catheter and aspiration of the content and gas of the stomach. The majority died within 24 hours after relief of pressure on the stomach. Rarely, when intubation is difficult, excessive vagal stimulation caused a rapid death of the rabbit. When in uncertainty about bloat, if the rabbit is hypothermic or not, refrain from feeding it, to avoid overload an already distended stomach, a compromised digestive system, and contact your vet asap. http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/GI_diseases/Mechanical_diseases/bloat.htm Bloat is a condition where the stomach becomes stretched by excessive gas content. The gas is caused by the bacteria in a rabbit's stomach multiplying excessively as a result of incorrect feeding. This may be because the rabbit has eaten wet green food or grass clippings, mouldy hay or simply as a result of irregular feeding. - hard, swollen stomach - shortness of breath - restlessness Bloat can be fatal within a very short space of time and can only be treated by a vet. Avoid feeding your rabbit wet green food and keep to a regular feeding pattern with lots of hay. Never feed your rabbit grass clippings. http://www.bunnyhugga.com/bloat.html One of the most disturbing conditions any bunny parent will face is GI Stasis. This condition usually develops gradually, is marked by a slowdown in GI motility, and now offers a good prognosis since a proven medical protocol has been established. The best advice I can give anyone is to follow Dana Kremple's guidance in her article, "GI Stasis: The Silent Killer." This article provides crucial and lifesaving information for anyone helping their buns through this ordeal. I contend there is an even greater threat, and one that is more difficult to recognize: Bloat. My husband and I faced this frightening ordeal with our 5-year old minilop Pokey in July 2002. One day he was fine and the next day he almost died. Since then, I have made it my focus to learn everything I can about this poorly recognized and usually fatal condition. I have seen more buns succumb to bloat in the past year, making me realize how important it is to educate as many people as possible. I have conducted a literature review, albeit limited, and spoken with many people in an effort to understand and try to make sense of this condition. The only mention of bloat in the literature is from the UK, most notably by veterinarians Paul Flecknell and Frances Harcourt-Brown. I have based this paper on this literature, but have also taken some liberties based on my personal experience, and my professional education and training. The rabbit's GI tract is subject to many threats by its very nature. It remains my belief that bloat is an entirely different phenomenon from GI Stasis, one that requires immediate veterinary intervention. Here's our story. One day, our minilop, Pokey, was eating, drinking, eliminating and playing normally. The next morning we noticed he had not eaten his 11PM salad from the night before. He was hunched up in the back of his room and didn't want to come out and run which was very unusual for him. I immediately checked for bowel sounds (which were diminished), gave him some simethicone that he did not respond to, and called our vet. Our vet examined Pokey that same morning and confirmed my suspicions of GI Stasis. Pokey's temperature was 99.4F with an ear thermometer (this was a significant finding, but was not addressed at the time). His abdominal x-ray revealed an overly distended stomach with a huge, well-defined gas bubble inside the stomach. In comparison, this x-ray was a lot different looking from Pokey's previous x-ray during an episode of GI Stasis. I had never seen anything like this in rabbits despite looking at years of rabbit x-rays in my vet's office. And it developed overnight! Pokey was sent home to reduce the stress of being at the vet's. We gave him subcutaneous fluids, simethicone, and limited his food intake to just hay and water. Pokey continued to lie around for a few more hours and then we heard his teeth chattering. It was such a loud noise, I didn't realize what it was at first. I grabbed him out of his room, took his rectal temp, which was 97.7F, placed him on a heating pad, and called our vet. Within minutes we were sure Pokey was going to die. His eyes were dull, he was having trouble regulating his temperature, his breathing was fast and labored, and the pain was overwhelming him. My husband and I rushed him to the vet, wrapped in towels. They were waiting for him and immediately gave him a shot of Torbutrol (butorphanol) for pain. His rectal temp had increased to 100F. That's when my vet told me if Pokey were a dog, she would think he had bloat. This condition is a medical emergency that many dogs and cows succumb to. The prognosis is poor in rabbits. Fortunately, and rather miraculously, with continuous at home care aimed at relieving the symptoms, Pokey recovered. Other buns have not been so lucky. I believe this is because most vets in this country do not realize or understand that bloat exists in rabbits. Pokey's story is not unusual. Since his bloat episode, many people from across the country have contacted me with similar stories. After 2 foster rabbits developed bloat and died within hours of its onset in September 2003, I realized how imperative it is to get this information out. GI Stasis VS Bloat: Having cared for many rabbits through the years, I have witnessed GI Stasis and Bloat. There are subtle differences between the two conditions, but prompt recognition and treatment determine the outcome. Whereas GI Stasis has a prognosis of fair to good, the prognosis for bloat is poor to guarded. GI Stasis develops slowly, and it is usually several days before you suspect that something "isn't right" with your bunny. You may begin to notice that he eats his food more slowly, or may even leave his food and come back to it later. Food preferences may change and you may find him preferring hay to his usual meal of pellets and fresh veggies. By the time this happens, your bun is most likely on his way to developing stasis. In my experience the first real indicator that your bun "isn't right" is in his litter box. Subtle changes in fecal pellets, that is, a smaller size, a change in shape from perfectly round to oval, a change in consistency or quantity, often indicates a disruption in digestion. This is the reason it is so important to know what is "normal" for your bunny. It helps you identify the "abnormal" more quickly. While there are many reasons for GI Stasis to develop, you usually have time to get to the vet and initiate medical treatment of subcutaneous fluids, simethicone, analgesics for pain, and possible motility drugs if there is no indication of an obstruction. Unlike GI Stasis, bloat happens suddenly and without warning. One minute your bun is eating, drinking, eliminating, and playing normally, the next minute he is depressed, moribund, and stops eating, drinking, and playing. Just like that. A bunny rapidly decompensates with bloat, and immediate veterinary intervention is crucial to his survival. A lower than normal body temperature (under 100F) usually occurs causing the bun to go into shock. Current literature from the UK reveals bloat is caused by a blockage or obstruction in the GI tract, that may be due to a foreign body (carpet) or tricobezoar (hairball). During postmortem exams on rabbits whose cause of death was GI Stasis or bloat, Dr. Paul Flecknell found an obstruction at the exit to the stomach (pylorus or duodenal flexure). The tissue at this site was often dead (necrotic). He also found instances in which the lining of the stomach had eroded with bleeding present. While not specifically documented, this creates the possibility that ulcers and/or scar tissue could be precursors to bloat. A study by Hinton (1980) showed 7% of all rabbits necropsied had gastric ulcers. Considering the nature of rabbits as prey animals, it makes sense that rabbits could and do develop stress ulcers. It is known that gastric ulceration in rabbits can develop form pain and fear due to catecholamine (epinephrine) release, and also with reduced gut motility such as repeated episodes of stasis. I realize this is mere speculation on my part, but believe this is possible and that more research is needed. Diagnosis: Upon physical exam, symptoms of bloat include dehydration, an "abnormal" feeling abdomen, that is, distended from an accumulation of gas (tympany), and a low body temperature. While blood work may be also be done, an abdominal x-ray is the most diagnostic tool. X-rays carry a significant risk in bloat because the rabbit is often on the verge of cardiovascular collapse due to the pressure the gas places on the chest cavity. Care must first be taken to stabilize the rabbit with fluids and pain meds. It is my experience that rabbits often become non-responsive due to the electrolyte imbalances, pain and shock associated with this condition. Harcourt-Brown states electrolyte imbalances may cause the rabbit to experience twitching, blindness and convulsions in the terminal stages of this condition. The x-ray of a rabbit suffering from bloat reveals a hugely distended stomach located in the upper abdominal area, and may also reveal gas shadows in the small intestine closest to the obstruction. The enlarged stomach places pressure on the chest cavity and compromises lung and heart function. The compression of the chest cavity makes it difficult for the rabbit to breathe, and often leads to heart failure (cardiovascular collapse). However, heart failure is usually secondary to the gas buildup in the stomach and may be the reason bloat is often misdiagnosed. Treatment: Since Pokey's bloat episode, I have been fortunate enough to have my personal vet research and establish a medical protocol for bloat that increases the rabbit's chance of survival. While treatment is not always successful, it provides the rabbit with relief from the gastric distention, and pain medication to deal with the excruciating pain of bloat. This is a comfort to me and I am very grateful to her. None of the other vets in the Washington, DC-Metro area, including the many emergency vet hospitals that treat rabbits, provide this life saving treatment. When the diagnosis of bloat has been determined, the rabbit needs to be given warmed Lactated Ringers solution,preferably intravenously. Rabbits cannot absorb subcutaneous fluids when they are in shock. In addition, an external heat source to regulate body temperature, and analgesics for pain are also necessary. Once the bunny's condition is stabilized, a stomach tube is placed to decompress the stomach. My vet usually uses a red rubber catheter (Fr 15). A 20 cc syringe usually provides enough suction to withdraw the stomach contents manually. A rabbit's mouth and esophagus limits the size of the stomach tube that can be inserted, so that in many cases the small sized tube becomes clogged with food particles and fur. If this happens, the tube needs to be repositioned and gently irrigated until the stomach contents are withdrawn. A rabbit's stomach should never be decompressed with a needle puncture, or peritonitis and death can occur. When the rabbit responds to treatment, he can be given simethicone and have gentle abdominal massage to break up the gas bubbles. As improvement continues he should be encouraged to engage in some mild exercise to reestablish normal GI movement, and provided with a wide variety of veggies to encourage eating. Interest in exercise and eating is a good prognostic sign. There is a possibility that gastric distention associated with bloat can recur. I know of one bun who re-bloated 2 more times during a two-day period and eventually succumbed to this condition. Usually if a rabbit bloats a second time within a two day period, my vet encourages euthanasia. Surgery to remove the obstruction should only be used as a last resort. What To Look For: This article was originally written in layman's terms so everyone would be able to understand the phenomenon of bloat. I now realize the importance of sharing this information with your vet and have included more comprehensive and technical information. However, if you are unable to get to a vet in time, or unable to find a vet willing to tube your bunny, the following is what I learned when Pokey went into bloat and the symptomatic treatment I provided. 1. Be alert to a very sudden change in eating habits. If your bun stops eating his usual meal of pellets and veggies without warning, give him simethicone and call your vet immediately. 2. Check your bun's temperature with a rectal thermometer. The ears regulate the the body temperature. If they start to feel cool to touch, chances are his body temperature is falling. A normal rabbit temp is 102-104F. Any temp under 100F is a medical emergency. This usually means the rabbit's system is shutting down and he is going into shock. Grab a heating pad (on low), and wrap it around your bun. When you transport him, wrap him in warm towels to maintain his body heat. 3. Get your bun to the vet immediately! Often the pain is so great, the bun gives up. A shot of pain medicine was crucial to Pokey's recovery. 4. Fluids are necessary to keep the bun hydrated and to help overcome shock. The quickest and least stressful way to accomplish this is with subcutaneous fluids. Your vet can show you how to do this at home. If your rabbit's condition is too far deteriorated, IV fluids are necessary because subcutaneous fluids cannot be absorbed. Simethicone is necessary to relieve gas buildup. Laxatone is often prescribed but its use is controversial. We gave Pokey a small amount of Laxatone after he was hydrated and it seemed to help. Additionally, Metaclopramide or Cisapride activates the GI system. DO NOT give this without your vet's knowledge because the stomach can rupture if an obstruction is present. 5. Keep your bun in a warm environment. We placed Pokey in a small room upstairs and closed the vent to the AC. The room temperature was 81F all night. I believe this helped him to stay warm. 6. Give your bun a small area to run. Pokey was allowed to roam around if he wanted to, which he did. Exercise encourages the GI System to move. In addition, a gentle stomach massage can help break up the gas as well. The next morning (Day 2) Pokey's temperature was 102.4F and he started to eat hay and passed tiny, misshapened fecal pellets. As previously mentioned, I gave him a large dose of Laxatone, which helped him. By noon, he passed a few blobs of foul smelling goop and then passed gas the rest of the day. His bowel sounds became more active and the next day we started feeding him pellets that he ate directly from his food bowl. His diet was gradually advanced and by Day 4, Pokey was back to normal. In comparison, it took 2 weeks of constant home care and daily treatment before he recovered from GI Stasis last year. Having been through these two medical situations with Pokey in the last 1-1/2 years, I firmly believe Bloat can be a primary disorder which can occur suddenly and without warning, as well as a complication of GI Stasis. A special thank you to Wendy Behm, DVM at Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates in Purcellville, VA (540-338-7387) for reviewing this article. For a completed article and a list of references, please email: // Change User Name and Domain Name username="health" at="@" domainname="bunnylu.org" document.write(""+username+""+at+""+domainname+"") [email protected] http://www.bunnylu.org/bloat.php GI Stasis: What Everyone Should Know What is it? Bloat: From: http://www.bunnylu.org/bloat.html Having cared for many rabbits through the years, I have witnessed GI Stasis and Bloat. There are subtle differences between the two conditions, but prompt recognition and treatment determine the outcome. Whereas GI Stasis has a prognosis of fair to good, the prognosis for bloat is poor to guarded. Unlike GI Stasis, bloat happens suddenly and without warning. One minute your bun is eating, drinking, eliminating, and playing normally, the next minute he is depressed, moribund, and stops eating, drinking, and playing. Just like that. A bunny rapidly decompensates with bloat, and immediate veterinary intervention is crucial to his survival. FROM DANA KREMPELS, Yahoo Answers: No one is really sure about the ultimate cause of bloat. It may be bacterial at first, with Clostridium species (possibly perfringens, which produces a lot of gas) producing gas. But because the rabbit intestine just posterior to the stomach takes a very sharp turn, it appears that if the stomach has even a slight blockage or gas buildup that pinches that turn just the wrong way, an irreversible bloat can occur. The only relief is gastric gavage (sticking a tube down the throat to suction out liquid and gas) or even puncturing the stomach with a needle through the body wall. ... Dana Krempels, Ph.D Gas: From: http://www.ontariorabbits.org/hot_topics/hint_9.html Rabbits can - and do - suffer from gas. If ignored, painful gas can cause a rabbit to stop eating and go into gastrointestinal stasis, the slowing or complete cessation of normal intestinal movement. This can be fatal if not treated. Gas can also be the result of stasis. Rabbits that have gas often exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: loud gurgling noises coming from the rabbit's stomach; hard, taut stomach; lethargy; and significant decrease in appetite. Often, this is the first sign of gas. When suffering from gas, some rabbits sit hunched up, with their eyes partially closed, some will sit with their stomachs pressed into the floor, or upright with an unnaturally straight posture. Important: Gastric Dilation (Volvulus) or severe 'bloat' is not the same as a gas episode. With bloat, the stomach becomes extremely hard and grossly distended which can cause the blood supply to be cut off from the stomach or intestine. Bloat can quickly lead to shock and death. If you suspect bloat, do not massage the rabbit's abdomen, which could make the situation worse. Seek immediate veterinarian attention. How To Treat ? *Please note: This protocol is not appropriate for a rabbit suffering from bloat (very hard, distended stomach). Bloat must be immediately resolved by a veterinarian. Do not attempt to treat bloat yourself. Do not attempt to massage a bloated bunny: can lead to lethal complications. Basic At-Home Protocol for Rabbits with Gas - Simethicone: Baby gas meds. Required. - Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: If they will drink on their own, try spiking water with a bit of apple juice or vanilla extract. If they aren't feeling cooperative , syringe some water into their mouths. If you have the knowledge to do sub-cutaneous injection, it is more efficient and faster than oral rehydration.
- Make with the Fibre: Break out the canned pumpkin, and let them eat on their own. Again, uncooperative buns can be coerced with a syringe. - Pro-biotics: Bene-bac will help balance internal systems (gut flora). - Get some exercise: Let bunny out for a scamper, play an active game together to get the body moving both inside and out. - Vibration therapy: When a bun is gassy (stomach distended, but nothard), a gentle tummy rub or massage with a vibrating toothbrush can make break up the gas quite a bit. Plop them on top of the washing machine or dryer for more vibration. - Keep warm!: Methods include towels warmed in the dryer, a Snuggle Safe, a pop bottle full of warm water, a hot water bottle, a rice sock (fill an old sock with rice and microwave a few minutes), or supervised use of a heating pad (to make sure bunny doesn't chew on it). As always, be sure to consult with your veterinarian should the situation not improve significantly. Remember, no gut motility drugs(Propulsid [Cisapride]/Reglan [Metoclopramide]) should be given without an x-ray for blockages. Such administration may have lethal consequences. Read a more in-depth version of the protocol here: GI Stasis: What Everyone Should Know Articles Rabbit References: Gas, Ileus and Stasis, Bloat http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#stasis Relieving Gas Episodes http://www.ontariorabbits.org/hot_topics/hint_9.html Bloat http://www.bunnylu.org/bloat.html When A Rabbit Stops Eating: Gas Remedy http://vrra.org/gasremedy.htm http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=11931&forum_id=10 Simethicone
U.S. Dosage: Simethicone Liquid: 1 cc by mouth 2 times daily will help keep the gas moving through your bun's digestive tract. French lop rabbits can be characterized by their rather oversize shape and their endearing personality. These pets thrive on attention and they are the result of a cross breeding between the Normandy Giant, the Flemish Giant and the English lop. These rabbits are very popular in rabbit shows. In the United States, they are commonly referred to as “king of the fancy”. These rabbits make extraordinary pets because of their kind nature. These rabbits love to play and be cuddled, which makes them perfect for young kids. French lops can be recognized by their rather large bone structure. Even though the French lop’s ears are not as long as its English cousin’s, they are still big enough to make them stand out. Their coat is usually longer than on most rabbits and they develop what are often called dust ruffles or trousers around their bottom. French lops can be found in all kinds of solid colors, but also broken patterns as well. It is recommended that you do not breed your French lop until it reaches 9 months of age. But it’s very important that the female French lop has her first litter before she reaches her first year. After the first year, the doe’s pelvic bones begin to merge which could make natural birth more difficult. Female French lops tend to have big litters that can range between 5 to 12 kits, so make sure that you are prepared for that. Since French lops tend to be larger than most, they are rather sedentary and don’t require too much activity. They are social pets and they make wonderful family pets when bred right. It is always recommended that you pair your French lop with a partner for company. Like most rabbits, the French lop’s diet is mainly composed of hay and pellets. You can also give your rabbit commercially manufactured treats made especially for them. French lops enjoy veggies such as romaine lettuce, basil and coriander. However, you should never feed your pet gas inducing foods such as cauliflower and broccoli, that could be fatal t them. All in all, French lop rabbit’s make great family pets and they usually require less care than other breeds of lop eared rabbits. If you want to learn more about French lop rabbits, you should attend a rabbit show near you and ask breeders for advice. This way, you’ll know what your pet needs to grow happy and healthy. |
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AuthorI currently Volunteer through Dark Star Wildlife Nursery wildlife rescue to aid in saving the lives of wildlife who would otherwise be left motherless or worse. Archives
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