RavenclawMama
Member
I got into Max's enclosure with some pellets and set them down next to me. He ran up and started scarfing them down (same as usual), and all of a sudden, he stopped and started turning in circles and standing up on his hind legs. After about 10 seconds, I realized something was wrong. He NEVER runs away from his pellets. So I watched him for a few more seconds. He was frantic and jumping around and swiping at his nose with his paws. He hopped up into the second level of his cage and I realized that I had to do something. I've had human first response training, so I decided to try a Heimlich. I was scared I would hurt him, but choking to death would hurt him, too. I basically picked him up by the sides and put the pads of my fingers under his ribs and let the force of my picking him up push into his diaphragm. I was just about to try again when he started throwing up pellets.
Honestly, a rabbit choking on his pellets had never occurred to me. From now on, I think I am going to mix them into his hay so that he has to forage for them a couple at a time.
Afterward, he laid there, sort of wheezing for a while, and sneezing. After about 15 minutes, he cleaned himself up and ate a bowl of greens and a strawberry. He seems to be feeling better, but does anyone know what I should watch for? I have to go to bed soon, but I am willing to get up and check on him. He keeps sneezing, but I am assuming he is just clearing his airway?
Thanks!
Honestly, a rabbit choking on his pellets had never occurred to me. From now on, I think I am going to mix them into his hay so that he has to forage for them a couple at a time.
Afterward, he laid there, sort of wheezing for a while, and sneezing. After about 15 minutes, he cleaned himself up and ate a bowl of greens and a strawberry. He seems to be feeling better, but does anyone know what I should watch for? I have to go to bed soon, but I am willing to get up and check on him. He keeps sneezing, but I am assuming he is just clearing his airway?
Thanks!