our rabbit has an upset tummy

Question
our rabbit is 7 years old and is showing signs of fatigue and recently he is using his sleeping area as his toilet (which is very unusual)today his bottom area needed cleaning a little and his tummy is making gurgling sounds constantly. What can I do to ease his tummy as it is bank holiday and the vet is closed for a couple of days, thanks

Answer
Dear Jeanette,

Your rabbit could be in very serious condition, and it is very important that you read and follow the instructions in the following articles:

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

and

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

The gurgling is likely from gas, which is painful. So he'll need pediatric simethicone and gentle tummy massage to help him through that.  To find a good rabbit vet (and you'll need one to find out why he is having incipient GI upset and/or ileus), please use the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Please also read:

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

which explains the messy bottom problem, and some of the possible causes.

I hope he will be fine soon, but do not take this lightly.  Signs like this could mean he is very ill, and in need of emergency veterinary help.

Dana