rabbit worms

Question
Dear Dana,

I have read the articles carefully. I thnik the rabbit definitely has the GI stasis.

Ok, my question is, in the article, it says 1-3 cc of pediatric simethicone. For how long will that dose be enough? Do I give him all of that immediately or? What do I do later, some other day when this happens? Because it happens too often!

How many days should there be between one dose and the other?

And this is very important: why did this condition obviously get worse after taking the Ivermec?

Thanks so much.

Ana

Answer
Dear Ana,

The simethicone should be given until the stasis is resolved, but it won't do so on its own.  Simethicone can be given every 4-6 hours, without harm, but don't use it long term, as it can affect the intestinal villi (temporariliy) and interfere with proper digestion.  

You'll need intestinal motility drugs and all the protocols outlined in the article, and it might help to give that veterinary version to your vet:

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

Why is the problem chronic?  My first guess is incorrect diet:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html  (please read!)

followed closely by undiagnosed dental problems, which are very common in rabbits:

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

Either of these can cause chronic ileus and gas and pain, as you describe.  

I'm not sure why the condition got worse after the ivermectin, but it's possible that because the shot stings like crazy, the bunny was stressed even further, and the visit to the vet didn't help, either.  Reducing stress and keeping bunny comfortable and pain free are *critical* to reversing the ileus.

I hope this helps get her back in gear!

Dana