rabbit seizure, no urination

Question
We are a preschool with a rabbit as a pet, the bunny is staying at a family's house during Xmas break and is now acting unusual, one seizure type behavor, not urinating, nibbles on food and drinks water....inactive.

Answer
Hi Angel,

That sounds like something that needs to be considered an emergency and should be addressed by a rabbit savvy vet.  Not all vets are capable or trained to treat rabbits.  My first thought here is some type of urinary infection.  Those can be very painful in rabbits.  Sometimes it can related to a diet high in calcium.  Rabbits metabolize calcium differently than any other animal.

Exactly what is the rabbit doing when it is experiencing the neurological issue?  A detailed description might be a huge clue into what is going on here.  What is this rabbit being fed?  Check him for signs of dehydration...which I suspect since he is not urinating.  A quick check is to scruff the skin right above the front legs in the should area.  It should pop back into place immediately.  If not, he is dehydrated and needs supplemental hydration.  If possible, try to get some water into him....a good choice would be unflavored Pedialyte....like you would give a sick human baby.  Offer him wet leafy greens like romaine lettuce or dandelion greens....they are mostly water and will help with the hydration.

There are several conditions which will cause the symptoms in your rabbit.  It could be a digestive system issue, could be a dental issue, could be an infection somewhere in the body.  Give me as much info as you can that I requested previously...and the age, sex, breed and weight of the bunny.  I would really like to see this rabbit at a vet as soon as possible.  These symptoms have me very concerned.  I will be checking back here several more times this evening for updated info.

Randy