Recovery after suspected GI stasis & vet overnights..injured leg from IV?

[Penelope.NDwarf]

Hello.. I have been very impressed with the wealth of information and support on this Forum. I have read many threads regarding recovery for our bunnies after GI stasis BUT could not find anything regarding possible injury to body after IV in leg, etc. My daughter's 4 yo Netherland Dwarf, whom we've only had for 9 months; stayed in an Emerg Vet Clinic for 2 nights and released back to us on the 3rd day with meds and critical care feeding instructions.

1. I'm having heck of a time getting her to syringe feed her the critical care. Any tricks of the trade? She's so tiny and fragile and obviously healing that I don't want to overdue it or stress her out more. She will happily eat fresh vegetables & drink water but that's it otherwise... no interest in her hay or pellets (btw she is pooping just not regular size yet or quantity). I have been getting her to eat/nibble on the hour mark as that brings me to my next dilemma.

2. She honestly seems injured and not using the front leg where the IV was put in and only hobbles if we stress her out too much. She leans to that side or finds something to support her like the wall or her bed. She can't or won't even get in her litter box, etc. I did lift her in yesterday but that seemed to stress her out more but I wanted to see if she'd start grazing on the hay too. But she literally lept/fell over the side to go hide in her cubby spot. She does free roam in my daughter's room.

So I'm wondering from everyone's experience with their bunnies at a vet clinic and getting IV; does it take their little legs awhile to feel normal or could something have gone wrong at vet as I know she was fine and was a very frisky happy hoppy bunny.

I really appreciate any advice on this as the Emerg Vet has simply told me now to monitor and that bringing her back into their clinic would be too stressful / detrimental to her recovery at this point; which I would agree. I don't have a rabbit specialist vet as of yet either as hadn't had the need but will be on the look out for one too now.

Cheers,
Rebecca & Maya, and Penelope the bunny

 

[John Wick]

1. See here for some different syringe feeding methods: Medicating your rabbit - WabbitWiki
2. There typically is not an injury to the extent that would cause limping of the paw from an IV for a long period of time. How does the area look? Is it swollen (you can feel both front paws at the same time to compare them)? Something may have become bruised, scraped, etc. from the IV and depending on the situation, some pain medication may be in order.

Also, here are some lists of rabbit vets: Choosing a rabbit veterinarian - WabbitWiki

 

[Penelope.NDwarf]

Hi John..thank you for your reply. I’ll watch the videos.

re: paw; doesn’t seem swollen or warm to touch. Very sensitive though and moreso limp-like..its folds under her body and my daughter gently moves into normal body position. It reminds me of dislocating a shoulder & not being able to use your arm… just hangs. She is still on pain meds for next 48 hours (2 more doses from vet). So I guess I will monitor and see if how resting at home this weekend vs busy emerg clinic does.

thanks again!

 

[JBun]

It sounds to me like they may have caused some damage to the leg when they put the IV in, or it could be the leg got injured another way sometime during her stay there. You should talk to the vet. If your rabbit still isn't putting weight on the leg or using it by tomorrow, it may need to be xrayed, as it may be broken or dislocated. Having had an IV shouldn't be causing any leg issues except maybe a little sensitivity on the skin where the needle went in. And it definitely shouldn't be causing a rabbit to stop weight bearing or using the leg.

With the eating, since all she will eat on her own right now is veggies/greens, I would offer some more of her usual ones if it doesn't cause any digestive upset, in addition to the syringe feeding. Veggies/greens will also help keep her hydrated. If she still won't start to eat pellets and hay on her own after a few more days, there could be a potential dental issue causing her reluctance to eat. Though if her leg is actually injured, pain from that could also be the cause she's reluctant to eat much else on her own.

If the emergency vet isn't particularly rabbit knowledgeable(which many often aren't), your rabbit may not be on an adequate amount of pain meds. Rabbits often need higher dosing than dogs or cats do because they metabolize medications faster usually. So a vet not very experienced with rabbits, will sometimes under dose medications basing it on what a cat or dog would get.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/medical/pain-management-rabbits/
https://rabbit.org/the-importance-of-analgesia-pain-control-for-pet-rabbits/
If you have any doubts about this emergency vets rabbit experience, I would suggest trying to find a more knowledgeable rabbit vet you can take your rabbit to. Canada listings are towards the bottom of the page.

https://rabbit.org/vet-listings/

 

[Penelope.NDwarf]

Thank you… i’m so grateful for all your words; it validates what I thought too BUT its all for nought now as she passed away since your reply. I honestly think something happened to her on dischsrge or however and i phoned them as soon as we got home & then in middle of night last night expressing my concern…

SORRY…i’ll leave it there. I found so much helpful information on her in middl of night that it was a definite solace.

RIP Penelope… i’m so so so sorry i couldn’t get you better in time. xo

my daughter visiting her at vets just Thursday night.

 

[John Wick]

I'm so sorry to hear about her passing. It is clear you all cared very much for Penelope, and how wonderful that she was able to be in your care. You did the right thing as a responsible owner to take your rabbit to the vet when she needs medical attention, and unfortunately things do not always go to plan. I hope you and your daughter can reflect on how you provided Penelope with such love. Binky free lovely Penelope.

You are not obligated to update a veterinary practice of a pet's passing, but if you are willing, it may be very helpful for them to know what happened with the IV and her sudden passing. I am in no place to draw conclusions on the veterinary practices nor to tell you how you should proceed, and I respect your decision moving forward.