ams1786
Well-Known Member
My rabbit was totally normal all day. An hour or so ago, my bf noticed she was sitting in her house and breathing more quickly than usual (not labored, just fast breathing that made her little ears shake). Thought we were making stuff up but when I offered her some food, she refused. She even turned down her favorite food (an oat) which she would normally draw blood for. Then we realized her tummy was gurgling. For the past hour, I've been watching her closely and something is definitely up. She isn't grinding her teeth or totally hunkered down (she's been alternating between loafing and sprawling out) but something is definitely off. She won't eat (and she is VERY food motivated), she's gurgling and she just seems uncomfortable. She also looks like she's grimacing a bit (I don't know if other rabbits do this but she has a very definite face she makes when she's anxious/uncomfortable, almost like a sneer, though it's v subtle right now). I gave her some simethicone 30 min ago (.6 cc of a 20mg/.3ml suspension). I guess my question is should I rush her to the vet ASAP? Or should I give her an hour or two to see if things chill out on their own? My vet is closed now (Sunday night) but I can take her to the emergency clinic, and I know if this continues its a medical emergency. I'm just hesitating because she gets EXTREMELY stressed by car rides and vet visits - like hyperventilating, panting, fear shedding everywhere, etc - and I've always heard you should keep them calm during gas/stasis incidents.
Also I have no idea what could have caused this. She's a Rex with a sensitive stomach (excess cecal production) so she's on a VERY restricted diet - just hay, limited plain oxbow pellets, and an occasional pinch of oats (which I know aren't ideal for all rabbits but seem really calm her stomach down in her case). She gets no fruit/vegetables and we've never had this happen before.
And to be clear, if this doesn't start eating she's def going to the vet tonight. Just debating leaving right now v waiting a few hours.
Also I have no idea what could have caused this. She's a Rex with a sensitive stomach (excess cecal production) so she's on a VERY restricted diet - just hay, limited plain oxbow pellets, and an occasional pinch of oats (which I know aren't ideal for all rabbits but seem really calm her stomach down in her case). She gets no fruit/vegetables and we've never had this happen before.
And to be clear, if this doesn't start eating she's def going to the vet tonight. Just debating leaving right now v waiting a few hours.