Excessive pain can prolong recovery time from illness or injury. It can cause a rabbit to stop eating, with the consequence being a slowing and eventually shut down of the gastrointestinal tract and death.
Often a rabbit in pain will sit hunched up, unwilling to move. A rabbit that sits hunched up, with eyes half closed, and firm teeth grinding is likely in pain and needs a vet check form filled out and supervisor notified.
Signs of pain include: > grinding teeth > rapid and shallow breathing > pulling hair > decreased grooming > hunched posture > lethargy > increased thirst and urination > a reluctance to move > bulging, strained, staring, or unfocused eyes.
The most urgent symptoms of a sick rabbit include not eating and not pooping. A rabbit in this condition should be brought to the emergency room. Other serious symptoms include a sudden decrease in energy levels, mouth breathing, or a snotty nose.
Even though a rabbit may be handled frequently, he will respond to pain and stress in the same manner as his wild ancestors and as seen above if moderate to severe pain is not managed it can have serious consequences.
A rabbit may bite if it's in pain. If you suspect your rabbit is in pain, take it to the vet immediately, but be sure to protect yourself.
When a rabbit is extremely ill or dying, it will first stop eating and drinking. When its condition becomes critical, it may flop over onto its side. However, this won't be a leisurely or comfortable “roll” onto its side. A sick rabbit will literally 'flop' or drop in a haphazard and sometimes dramatic fashion.
NSAIDs are the most common analgesics used for chronic pain. They have both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties so they are often used with mild to moderate pain. NSAIDs appear to be well tolerated in rabbits for long periods of time. They can be given orally or by injection.
While you seek treatment, try to keep your rabbit hydrated and warm. A syringe with water or soft foods (applesauce or baby food) can assist. Depending on the condition, your vet may prescribe prescription medication to help your rabbit's condition.
Contact your vet immediately if you notice your rabbit not eating properly. It's important to have them examined as soon as possible to prevent them developing any further complications. Emergency - if your rabbit has stopped eating, it's important to contact your vet as soon as possible.
If your rabbits look tucked up and quiet with their chins tucked in and noses not twitching this can be a sure sign of them feeling unhappy or stressed, as this is not a normal position for a rabbit. Moving or running away. Your rabbits may turn and move away from you (or each other) if they're unhappy.
Rabbits with GI stasis often look bloated, pass little to no stool, and have big, gas-filled stomachs and intestines on x-rays. Blood tests often reveal evidence of dehydration and abnormal electrolyte values. There may also be changes associated with other underlying diseases (such as kidney or liver disease).
Anorexia in rabbits is a symptom of an underlying condition, the most common causes are dental disease and gastrointestinal disorders. As anorexia is often caused by pain you may notice your rabbit showing other signs such as hunching, refusing to move or increased respiration.
What is Floppy Bunny Syndrome? Floppy Bunny Syndrome is a condition that usually presents with acute onset of generalised weakness or flaccid paralysis of the body, resulting in the rabbit's inability to hop around or, in severe cases, not do anything but lie on their sides.
If the rabbit remains comfortable, it will make a big difference to sustaining their well-being. Our rabbits have high pain tolerance so it is important to work closely with a vet to determine if the rabbit is indeed suffering.
Rabbits will typically take 2 days to 2 weeks to adjust to a new living environment. During this time, help your rabbit feel safe by keeping them in a quiet location and sticking to a consistent daily routine. You can also encourage confidence by rewarding your rabbit for being brave and exploring new areas.
The short answer is NO. You should never attempt to treat your pets with human medication, precautions should be taken to keep household medications out reach of your pet to avoid a potentially harmful or fatal reaction.
Most of the time when a rabbit is laying down, it's actually a sign of relaxed body language. It means that your rabbit feels safe and comfortable in their environment. This is especially true if your rabbit is sprawled with their back legs stretched out or flopped over on their side.
The most common drugs we see being given incorrectly to our pets are over the counter pain relief, like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Both of these medications can be exceptionally toxic to our pets, causing liver and kidney failure, and potentially even leading to death.
Ibuprofen is currently used routinely in rodents and rabbits for the relief of mild to moderately painful conditions such as skin lesions, fight wounds and skin abscesses. Generally the dose for oral administration is between 7.5 and 30 mg/kg b.m. every 6-8 hours (JENKINS, 1987; LILES and FLECKNELL, 1992).
Meloxicam. The most important arthritis drug for rabbits is meloxicam. It is a very effective anti-inflammatory and should make an obvious difference for rabbits in pain. It's also very easy to give as it comes as a palatable liquid.
Infections, an allergy, passive smoking, heart disease and tumours are all conditions that cause breathing problems in rabbits. Pain can also cause fast breathing. Book an emergency appointment with your vet if you are worried about your rabbit's breathing.
Screaming among rabbits indicates alarm associated with fear, pain, and psychological distress. Your rabbit may scream because it is scared of being attacked or dying. Rabbits also scream when they're in excruciating pain, or when they're having a seizure. A rabbit may scream just before it dies as well.
Rabbit nipping or biting
A bunny nip is gentler than a bite. Bunnies will nip to get your attention, or to politely ask you to move out of their way. Rabbits usually do not bite, but if one does, generally it doesn't mean that he hates you.