As some of you know, one of my Netherland dwarf rabbits has been struggling with GI stasis and dehydration. I have taken her to the vet numerous times and am now administering fluids at home, too. Within hours of receiving fluids, she starts hopping around, drinking water, eating a few strands of hay, ingesting some greens, producing loose stools, etc. Later in the day, however, I notice her chewing incessantly and slightly grinding her teeth. For example, it takes her a good minute to finish chewing just one pellet, and oftentimes she appears to be chewing on nothing at all. I can even hear her trying to swallow something at times. I'm wondering if she has fur stuck in her mouth or throat. Has anyone dealt with this problem before? Could it be a larger dental issue? Any suggestions?
Incessant chewing
- Thread starter L I Z
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Grinding teeth can be a sign for pain or discomfort.
My first thought would be a dental issue, did the vet check the teeth properly? Any tests for internal parasites?
You can try to feed soaked pellets, and grass and weeds instead of hay (introduce new greens gradually over some days if not used to it) to help with the dehydration issue. What is normal diet?
Since you have been to the vet several times I would consider looking for a good, rabbit savvy vet if your current one just treats the symptoms.
My first thought would be a dental issue, did the vet check the teeth properly? Any tests for internal parasites?
You can try to feed soaked pellets, and grass and weeds instead of hay (introduce new greens gradually over some days if not used to it) to help with the dehydration issue. What is normal diet?
Since you have been to the vet several times I would consider looking for a good, rabbit savvy vet if your current one just treats the symptoms.
Thanks for the advice. I agree that the teeth grinding is likely a sign that she's in pain.
My rabbit's normal diet is a mix of Timothy hay, pellets, and fresh greens. Soaking all of the above in water is a good idea. The vet also recommended syringe-feeding her very watered-down critical care, so I've been doing that as well.
Unfortunately she still has yet to pass any more poop since I first posted this inquiry. She looks very uncomfortable, and I can hear her stomach gurgling. The stuff's in there; it's just not coming out.
I booked an appointment with a different specialist tomorrow morning, so hopefully she will offer some additional insight. Stay tuned for more info.
From the symptoms you describe, a dental problem is what it sounds like to me too. If your vet did do a quick visual dental exam and nothing was found, you may need a more thorough one done under sedation, including xrays of the head.
