Signs of Heat Stroke?

[Felica Dickerson]

My rabbits are kept in a temperature controlled environment. However, we had a very bad storm roll through this morning while I was at work, and it caused the power to be out most of the day at my house. The temperature outside was approx. 85 degrees and extremely humid. I have 1 Holland Lop kit (the only survivor of the mom's first litter) that is 3 weeks old. She had wetness around her mouth, she was breathing heavy, and her ears were a darker pink then normal. As soon as I came in the door and noticed the signs, I grabbed her and went outside with her to get fresh air and a good breeze. She was acting perfectly normal, but I know the signs of heat stroke, and it sure resembled them to me. She dried up around her mouth and nose, her ears went back to their normal light pink color, and her breathing is back to normal. She was still acting lively though, and continues to act normal, but I am worried... I do not get paid for 2 days, so I can't take her to the vet until then. I also have the power back on and the rabbit room back to its normal temperature (67 degrees). The kit is acting normal still, and is very alert. Do you think she will be alright?

 

[JBun]

If she's not acting lethargic now, or showing any other changes of behavior or signs of illness from being overheated, my guess would be that it hadn't progressed too far and that she'll be ok. With severe heat stroke you are likely to have continuing symptoms even after the rabbits body temp has cooled. But if in doubt, always best to consult your vet.

Here are some tips and info concerning heat stress in rabbits if you want to read up on it.
http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-health/recognizing-heat-stroke-in-your-pet-rabbit/

 

[Felica Dickerson]

If she's not acting lethargic now, or showing any other changes of behavior or signs of illness from being overheated, my guess would be that it hadn't progressed too far and that she'll be ok. With severe heat stroke you are likely to have continuing symptoms even after the rabbits body temp has cooled. But if in doubt, always best to consult your vet.

Here are some tips and info concerning heat stress in rabbits if you want to read up on it.
http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-health/recognizing-heat-stroke-in-your-pet-rabbit/

Thanks for the link. The kit seems perfectly fine... She is hopping around in her hutch, she is very active, she is running to me when I approach the hutch, and she is eating good... I just am so worried about her. I feel so bad bc I knew it was going to storm and didn't take the right precautions... And this little thing is just the cutest and sweetest baby!

 

[Bella's mom]

@Felica Dickerson thank God you know the signs and symptoms! I’m glad your bunny is well!! Great fast thinking!!

 

[Felica Dickerson]

My little kit, whom we have named Dotty, is still doing good today so far. I will most likely be on edge until I can get her to the vet tomorrow, but she seems to be doing perfectly normal. I am so scared, but very very hopeful! It has been about 16 hours since I got off work yesterday and started the cooling process for her... Idk how long it takes before a bunny is in the clear after a heat exposure like that. I called took 2 days vacation for today and tomorrow so I can keep an eye on her and get her to the vet first thing in the morning.

 

[majorv]

She is most likely okay if she isn’t having any problems

 

[Bella's mom]

My little kit, whom we have named Dotty, is still doing good today so far. I will most likely be on edge until I can get her to the vet tomorrow, but she seems to be doing perfectly normal. I am so scared, but very very hopeful! It has been about 16 hours since I got off work yesterday and started the cooling process for her... Idk how long it takes before a bunny is in the clear after a heat exposure like that. I called took 2 days vacation for today and tomorrow so I can keep an eye on her and get her to the vet first thing in the morning.

You're a GREAT bunny mom. Keep us posted as to how Dotty is doing xoox I'm sure she is well!!

 

[loraukaegbu]

Sounds like she is doing great! Good job!!!!

 

[Felica Dickerson]

It has been over 2 weeks, and I am happy to say that Dotty has pulled through beautifully! Such a relief!!! Thank you all for your responses...