Is my rabbit in shock?? Please help!

Question
Last night something tried to get into our rabbit hutch.  It is right outside my window so I heard him screech.
I ran outside and found him in the grass. He was scared but not injured.  After comforting him a covering the hutch he seemed fine.  Today I noticed he was very quite.  Not his usual self. He has eaten and drank water.  I held him most of the day.  He seems okay besides being very reserved and quite.  Any suggestions?  I am a M.D. myself and I am not convinced he is in shock. Thanks!

Answer
Dear Cindy,

If he were in shock, he would probably be showing worse signs.  But he may be showing something akin to post-traumatic stress.  Please be sure to keep a close eye on him and make sure eating and pooping remain normal.  If he seems out of sorts, please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

and if he stops eating or pooping, please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html

If you suspect a cat might have been the culprit, note that even a *small* scratch or bite from a cat can kill within 24 hours if left untreated.  Pasteurella and Bartonella bacteria are just seething on cat teeth and claws, and a small inoculation--especially in a stressed (read:  immunocompromised) bunny--can be deadly.  A fluorquinolone antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) or injectable dual-acting Penicillin-G Procaine/Benzathine (do NOT use any other type of penicillin, as it can be deadly to rabbits) should both be effective against most of the potential pathogens a cat might deliver.  You can find a rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who will know the best course of action.

I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way that it's not safe to leave a bunny outdoors at night, especially in a hutch.  I'm glad your bunny survived the ordeal, but now would be a good time to make him into a house rabbit.  You can find good information on how to make that transition here:

http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html

I hope your bunny will recover uneventfully and be safe inside with you from now on.

Take care,

Dana