Malnourished Rabbit

Question
I recently found an emaciated mini lop outside in a nest around my chickens on a very cold evening. She was shivering, and i could tell that she had obviously been someone's pet. After I caught her I brought her in the house and I sat with her under my jacket until she had stopped shivering. I then laid her on the couch with a heated blanket while i set up a cage in my living room next to my Californian, Lola, to keep her in for the night until i could take her to the vet to have her cared for and see if she belonged to anyone. I noticed that although she seemed alert, she didn't struggle once i picked her up.  She was very weak, and there was no meat on her - I could feel every bone. I took her to the veterinarian that next morning, and he told me that there was no electronic chip in her and that she would have died that night in the cold (30 Degrees F) in her condition. I asked him to check her for worms since a rabbit infested with them could explain her condition, but she was completely healthy aside from lack of care. He told me to constantly feed her and keep her warm, and keep an endless supply of water- but that's all I can do for her. I have had her in my care for two days now, and although she seems to be doing all right, I'm very worried for her health. I feel like there has to be something more I can do to help her. I'm concerned that she may stop eating or not gain sufficient weight. So my question to you is this:  What can I do for her at this point to help her gain weight at a healthy pace? I am desperate for a better opinion...

Thank You

Answer
Dear Serafina,

Thank you for your kindness in being this little lost soul's saving angel.  She is a very lucky bunny, indeed.

If she's doing well, eating and drinking, and acting normal, then the vet is right:  Slow and steady wins the race.  Now that she has good food, she will not starve to death, and it's better and safer for her to put on weight and become rehydrated gradually.

It may take several weeks for her to regain her muscle mass, but you will be rewarded in time.  We've seen completely skeletal bunnies become big, strapping sweeties with love and proper food:

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

If she does stop eating, please read:

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

and

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

But I'm betting that if she didn't succumb to the neglect and horrors she's already suffered, then it's all going to be easy sailing for her from now on.  Thank you for rescuing her!

I hope this helps.

Dana