My Rabbit is shaking unconrtollably

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dana:
I've got my bunny about 2 and 1/2 weeks ago from a local country market...I know it's not the best place to get a bunny but looking at them made me so sad so I bought the smallest/youngest one. Unfortunately just till today when I let it out for an exercise on the couch it mainly laid there and shaking it's whole body. I'm pretty worried because it normally doesn't do that because it's always so excited when it's let out from it's cage. Please tell me why her body is shaking so much.I'm very worried.

ANSWER: Dear Judy,

Was the bunny running around before you put him up on the couch and saw him doing this?  It's possible that he's just panting from the exertion and/or excitement of being out.  Check the movement.  If it's quick and rhythmic, and in time with the movements of his wiggly nose, he's probably just panting.

If this is a very young rabbit, he may also just be breathing fast and hard because of his quick metabolism.

However, if the bunny is lethargic and not wanting to move at all, he could be panting from a fever.  Please see:

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

for tips on how to tell if he's sick, and what to do if he is.  You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

The vet will be able to observe the shaking in person (which I can't do, so I can't really know what's causing it) and let you know what must be done, if anything.

If the bunny is not eating/pooping, or has runny stool, please read:

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

and

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

I hope this helps get you started, and that your bunny will be just fine.

Good luck,
Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No it was not running when I put it down on the couch but right after you replied my bunny started hopping and jumping and running really fast like hyper child on a sugar rush,is that natural?

Answer
Dear Judy,

It sounds as if your bunny is just a rambunctious baby who has a high metabolism and is breathing very fast and hard to keep up with his energy needs!  :)

If you are not sure he's having a breathing problem, though, it's best to have him checked by a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

That way, you'll have a good vet for when you really need one.  Which I hope is not very often!  Just for regular checkups.

Hope that helps.

Dana