Has anyone had a vet recommend alfalfa hay to get a bun eating during stasis? Along with critical Care, our vet prescribed Reglan and ANY kind of hay he could possibly...
Claire P. replied:
I would emphasise the pain relief AND the baby gas drops. My Simba was so ill with GI stasis about 20 months ago. The vet was basically preparing me for him to die. I found this article online which is where I learned about INSISTING on pain relief from vet and of giving baby gas drops (which my vet had never heard of). I am convinced the advice on this page saved Simba's life - certainly the vets did not as they were clearly out of ideas. http://www.mybunny.org/info/gi_stasis.htm
Christie T. replied:
From Dana Krempel's article on stasis: D. Fresh, wet, leafy herbs. The fiber and moisture in fresh vegetables also will help stimulate the intestine. Kale is a good choice. If the rabbit refuses to eat, try fragrant, fresh herbs such as mint, basil, dill, cilantro, tarragon, sage, fennel, parsley and others. Sometimes it helps to nip off the ends of the stems and wave the fresh, juicy stems under the bunny's nose or even gently insert the stem into the corner of the bunny's mouth. You can even lightly pat the herbs against the bunny's face until she gets annoyed with you and grabs the offending sprig. Sometimes all it takes is a little taste to get the bunny nibbling. Try a variety until one of them gets the bunny to eat. You never know which herb will stimulate the appetite, so it's best to have a variety on hand. http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html
Dan M. replied:
I love this Article... http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html
Gene M. replied:
Don't know if this helps but yes, I've had a small animal vet that I've trusted for years recommend that offering alfalfa hay as the rabbit is coming out of GI stasis does help. I've been down the road you are on now and stayed up all night syringe feeding Oxbow Critical Care every two hours so I know what you are going though. Did the vet prescribe Metronidazole? That helped jump start things with my Lucy when I almost lost her. As far as the vet was concerned yes the vet was right in saying things are shutting down but I would be more optimistic in getting this started again. It will take time patience and a lot of lost sleep, but in the long run I would have gone thigh it again if were to save the rabbit. Id still offer greens because you never know when that eat switch is going to get thrown again. All my best to you and to your rabbit. Do keep us posted out here.
Morning, what could be causing a rabbit not to eat? Anyone knows a Vet around Gathiga area?
Robert C. replied:
SIGNS OF ALARM – GET TO THE VET IMEDIATELY Not eating, not drinking, not urinating, not defecating Listlessness Straining to urinate; blood in the urine Drinking or urinating too frequently. NOT eating or drinking at all Loss of coordination, head tilt, unable to move properly Grinding the teeth (often accompanied by dull eyes and a tight uncomfortable posture) is a sign that your rabbit is in great distress or pain. ALL of these situations warrant immediate veterinary attention! Do not wait a few minutes; do not “wait until Monday when the regular vet is in” – go to the vet NOW.