dana my mini rex is sick

Question
Hi,

I am sorry i have loaded you with so many questions before but please reply to me on this one as i am very concerned...

just to refresh your memory
MY RABBIT: MALE, BLACK MINI REX ONE AND A HALF YEAR OLD
FROM A WEEK NOT EATING HAY OR PELLETS POO IS COMING BUT TWO OR THREE TIMES A DAY..I SEE HAIR ON POO AND ITS DRY AND LONG IN STRINGS
Hes been sheading hair and lick a lot...

I consulted an exotic vet who checked him and said his teeth, ears, body weight etc are fine but hey may have a hair ball issue in his gut...the vet asked me to hospitalize him for 3 days where they will examine him, take a few x rays give medications and surgery if nothing seem to work...i wanted to ask for an advice if this is a good idea as i lost my female rabbit earlier due to hospitalization and vets gave her dairy fluids....also the hospitalization costs around $1000....

The vet gave critical care to be fed to him until he starts eating hay but he doesnt seem to like it...shoul i use syringe to feed critical care and force feed him???

Hi tummy is grumbling a lot right now...is this a bad sign??

Please help me out i am waiting for your responce immpatiently..

Thankyou!

He is given 4 injections three for vitamins and one is a pain killer named: METACAM  

I brought my rabbit back to home since i didnt want him to panic or stress...

He is still drinking plenty of water and is very active by the blessings of God...

I read all about G1 STATUS IN THE ARTICLE YOU SENT ME and through the link of rabbit vets you sent me i found the exotic vet...

Answer
Dear Nidz,

If this were my rabbit, I would *not* hospitalize him, and I would certainly not allow surgery.  Medical treatment of hair passing through the gut is usually all that's necessary here.

If you read the article, then you know that the most critical thing to do now is to HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE the GI contents.  Ask the vet to show you how to administer subcutaneous Lactated Ringers Solution, and for lactulose to help bring liquid to the gut.  The enema described in the article also can help, but must be done very carefully to avoid injury.

Tummy massage, simethicone...it's all described in the article:

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

I cannot give you more information that that:  you must follow the instructions in the article to make your bunny well.  That is up to you.  I cannot do it from here.

Dana