Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > bunny got fever and not eating much

bunny got fever and not eating much

22 9:51:32

Question
Hello I'm from India.I've a male bunny aged just over 2 years.
He was healthy but 2 days ago just stopped eating and released liquid stools for a couple of times.Though he gets fresh herbs and fibre(mainly biscuits) and grass hays in daily meals but even stopped drinking water.I was anxious and quickly met with a vet.The doc checked and measured the temp which was over 104F.He gave two medicines,Acetaminophen oral suspension USP(calpol) and Amoxycillin mixture I.P.
By giving these medicines the temp quickly dropped and after one day he was eating some vegs and hays and water although not like earlier routine.
Also his belly was not so much soft and it seemed to be some gastrointestinal problem.Currently he is half OK and eating a little-bit, but stool is not normal.
I want to know if it is GI problem then what to do?Should I ask the vet to prescribe cisapride/metoclopramide.And what are the ways that can ensure the bunny has an acute GI or not?

Answer
Hi Sunny,

You need to find another vet immediately.  Any vet that gives a rabbit Amoxicillin does not know how to take care of rabbits.  It is dangerous to give it to them and it could kill  your rabbit.  

I can't tell you what is causing your bunnies fever but it does sound like he is having some GI problems.  Did the vet test the stool for parasites?  Did they do any blood tests to check kidney and liver functions?  Has your bunny been passing any normal poops at all?  If he is not he could have a complete blockage in which the cisapride could kill him.

I do not know how you can find another vet in your area but do the best you can to find one that understands rabbits.  You can also read these articles and take them with you, they may help.

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/1/amoxicillin-warning.html

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/squirts.pdf

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


I do not know how else to help you.  Besides finding another vet I suggest that if you have any further questions that you contact Dr. Krempels for further assistance.

Pam