rabits heath/how to track a vet survival ratio

Question
2 times I used an emergency clinic, after hours when I noticed my bunny's were sick---the 1st dies & I had multiple answers of why she asked--I swore I wouldn't use this place again...but now Autumn didn't eat all day last Saturday--on Sunday I morning I went to this 24 hr vet again, who specializes in exotics--I was advised she had GI--(didn't eat or poop for 24hrs) & was given all the med's for home treatment.  The next day my vet still wasn't available & I returned because she still wasn't eating, vomiting--just sitting still-They took add't x-rays & was advised she died while taking the rays of a seizure--I was then told it was anemia, she ate something she shouldn't so I should detox my home & then I was advised of kidney failure--I feel like I got the run-around 2x & when I went to my vet w/ the paperwork--he advised it was GI & if she was admitted, most likely she wouldn't survived under vetinary care, not me doing so @ home. What are your thoughts & how can I find out what this vetinarian survival rate is?

Answer
Hi Melody,

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your rabbits.  What you have experienced is pretty common with "exotics".  In fact, the reason it has taken me so long to answer your question is that I have been working with senior vets students at a major vet school tonight.  I started my rescue, and my focus on "special needs", due to the fact that there are precious few skilled rabbit vets.  But things are imnproving.

Your questions are most interesting.  Fact is, by the time a rabbit stops eating and pooping, the damage is done and it is very difficult to pull them back from the brink.  To try to make a very complex explanation in a condensed version...a rabbit's gut is a very specialized and delicate operation.  It requires a diet low in protein (which means no treats and very limited pellets) along with high fiber (unlimited grass hay).  This allows a proper balance of beneficial bacteria to grow in the digestive system.  If something happens that upsets this balance, a condition known as GI stasis or ileus will occur.  Stasis by definition means a slowing of a function...in this case, GI stasis means a slowdown in the movement of the gut.  Ileus is the complete stopping of movement in the gut.  This can happen from anything ranging from stress to illness, to injury, to infection, to dental issues, etc.  Stasis/ileus is a symptom of a much larger problem....and in most cases, it is diet or something they ate (such as carpet fibers) that has interferred with the proper operation of the gut.  A huge concern now is mycotoxins in hay products....it is caused by mold and is very toxic.  Some drugs, mainly certain antibiotics, can be fatal if improperly administered....amoxicillin, clindamycin and clavamox are a few of them.  When this condition happens, the dying bacteria start to decay and become toxic.  This die off of beneficial bacteria also allows additional toxic bacteria...usually clostridium and e coli...to grow.  This changes the pH in the gut.  This results in gastric ulcers in the walls of the GI.  Under certain conditions....such as a complete blockage and food is forced in....the pressure can build to the point that the thin wall gives way...the ulcer ruptures and that is fatal.  Many vets still prescribe gut motility drugs such as metaclopramide, reglan or cisapride.  The contractions caused by these drugs can also rupture these ulcers.  The toxins produced by these events can lead to organ failure....and it's usually the kidneys.

Honestly, based on my many years of experience and my judgement call based on your comments....I tend to agree with your vet that your rabbit would probably not have survived even under vet care at that point.  I don't intend this to be upsetting or to blame you or anyone else...I have seen these things happen way too often.  Usually by the time they stop eating completely, the event has matured for several days and the toxins are beyond the point of recovery.  Even here, and I can do anything short of radiology and surgery right here in my house....if we have any hint of stasis, we are treating immediately and aggressively.  Rabbits are prey animals (even domestics) and they do everything they can to hide pain so they won't appear weak to a predator.  It is sometimes difficult to see when something is wrong until it is too late.

If you have other rabbits or you are thinking about getting another rabbit....review your husbandry protocols carefully.  Adult rabbits should have no treats, limited high quality pellets, limited greens/veggies/fruits and unlimited amounts of various grass hays.

Sorry I can't give you better news....but I really don't think the doctors are responsible or that they could have done anything to have saved her.  Sounds like they were going in the correct direction with diagnosis.

Randy