Dutch Rabbit ate palm frond and is now sick

Question
My rabbit (2 years old) ate a palm from Palm Sunday, on Wednesday night.  Thursday, he was fine, today (Friday) he won't eat and hasn't gone to the bathroom.  His stomach is gurling and he is lethargic.  Will he be okay??  What should I do????

Answer
Dear Tarie,

Unless the palm frond was treated with a preservative or pesticide, it might not be the palm that's the problem.  But the bunny is definitely ill and in need of the help of an experienced rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Please read the following articles so you'll know what to do until you can get him to the vet, and what to ask once you get there:

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

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

For now, gentle tummy massage and about 1cc of pediatric simethicone suspension (available at any pharmacy in the baby section) will help alleviate gas pain and make him feel better. But waste no time in getting him to the vet, in case this is something very serious and even life-threatening.

I hope this helps.

Dana