bizarre bunny muscle contractions?

Question
Hey there,

I have a 3 and a half year old, entire male netherland dwarf. I moved him inside about 2 months ago. I took him to the vet for an eye/nose infection on the left side of his face 4 weeks ago, and he was prescribed baytril antibiotic which cleared it up. However tonight I noticed extremely odd behavior with his abdominal muscles? He sat in a "peeing position" slightly stretched out and all his tummy muscle contracted in a "rolling" motion.  His back end then "spasmed" like when a tom cat sprays on stuff, then he tucked his feet under him and snuggled on the ground. I checked the area and there was nothing there, however he was extremely affectionate after wards, climbing on me and asking for cuddles etc. He didn't seem to be in pain, and moved off to use the litter box as normal afterwards with no straining. Does this sound like something to be concerned about?

Answer
Hello Lisa

I have witnessed my one rabbit do this. When he eats sometimes his back will twitch. If he doesn't seem uncomfortable and is eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally then I wouldn't be concerned at this point.

However, if he slows his eating or stops then yes, I would be concerned. Sometimes rabbits will sit like that if they are in pain. stomach issues especially will cause the rabbit to stay and remain in this position and the twitching might be because of abdominal pain. You can give him a drop of oval for babies. Rabbits are terribly prone to gas and bloat and the oval will help with this. This or a single drop of pepto bismol. You can also crush 1/16th of a pepto tablet and sprinkle it on his food. It is safe to use and if he is having any abdominal pain it will help. If his stool is loose I would try the pepto. If he has had a lot of veggies and fruit lately then sometimes they will get loose stool and gas. Try him just on pellets for a few days and just watch him while he's eating and see if he continues this behavior.

Hope this helps,

Alice