rabbit w/ gas

Question
my rabbit's stomach is making gurgling noises (he is eating and drinking) I think he has gas! I got phayzme w/ simethicone softgels how would i go about giving this to him? thank you Audra  

Answer
Dear Audra,

It's not unusual to hear gentle gurgling sounds from your bunny's gut. But if the sounds are very loud, and especially if he shows signs of pain, then he may indeed be suffering from gas.  Please see:

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

to read a primer on possible GI problems and how they get started.  

You can administer pediatric simethicone suspension with a small syringe.  Give about 1-2 cc's for a medium-sized rabbit, and accompany with gentle tummy massage, as per the instructions here:

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

Be sure to squirt slowly and carefully, and sideways so that he doesn't aspirate.

Hope that helps.

Dana