rabbit reccurent pain leading to ileus

Question
Dear Dana,
Our rabbit seems to have become very prone to ileus over the
past few months. We have gone through just about everything
and are wrecking our brains trying to understand what is
happening. The mystery is only a couple of hours after the
standard painkiller and gut stimulant treament he is earing and
within half a day, bouncing around full of life and really happy
eating away. Our vet cannot find anything particularly wrong but
has gone right through having a good diet etc. We have
exhausted all of that. He eats grass and hay, tiny cup of pellets,
and fresh vegetables. That makes us conclude that it may be
nothing more than just pain.
What can one do about maybe a gas prone bunny that gets his
life threatened simply because a bit of pain leads to ileus in
rabbits?
It seems to happen about every 10 days to 2 weeks at the
moment and scares us in a way that we are getting a bit
paranoid. We love this rabbit too much.
Any thoughts?
Judy

Answer
Dear Judy,

One of the leading causes of ileus in rabbits with a good diet and who seem otherwise healthy are dental problems. Particularly molar spurs.  Please read:

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

If the teeth are absolutely fine (and it takes a very experienced vet to be sure; some rabbits are so sensitive that the slightest little buccal spur can send them into chronic ileus!), then I would ask about a full body radiograph series to see if there are bladder stones, kidney stones, arthritis problems, or other things evident that could be causing chronic pain.

If the problem is merely gas, then try removing any brassicaceous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc.), as some rabbits are very sensitive to those.  

I hope this helps with the diagnosis.  But in the meantime, keep that simethicone handy, and the electric massager!

Dana