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cow poop syndrome

22 9:52:42

Question
I have a three-year-old 5-pound lop with cow-poop syndrome (Pooka) and am currently fostering a 6-month-old 3-pound bunny from the NY HRS with the same condition. I did some research about the condition and came across your postings on AllExperts. I found two links with conflicting information regarding the use of laxatives.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Rabbits-703/2010/3/Cow-Poop-Syndrome-1.htm
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Rabbits-703/2009/11/Abnormal-Rabbit-Poos-Cow.htm

I wasn't sure whether you do recommend the use of laxatives or not. Could you please clarify? Thank you!

Sabine

Answer
Dear Sabine,

In a true Cowpoop Syndrome bunny, osmotic laxatives such as lactulose can help keep the intestinal contents hydrated and soft, which is essential to helping them pass.  But as I say in the posts above, these must be used with caution to avoid adverse side effects.

Ask your vet about this, and see what s/he says.  After a while, even the osmotic laxatives may not help in this situation.  It's about palliative care and staving off bad problems for as long as possible.

Hope this helps.

Dana