Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > Heat stroke

Heat stroke

22 11:17:04

Question
We have a 2 year old female Dutch bunny.  It has recently
suffered through some extremely hot days.  My wife found her
lying on her side barely able to move.  She brought her to a Vet
and they took some blood and urine tests and found nothing.  
They also gave her fluids and steroids which seems to have
helped slightly beccause the bunny can now lift its head.  We
have a couple other bunnies in the same room but they seem
fine.  The sick bunny seems to have trouble controlling its hind
legs now.  We have had her in a cooler environment for a couple
of days and she eats, drinks, poops, and urinates fine.  She has
also been outside lately.  Any ideas what might be wrong and
how can we help her?

Thanks,
Jim

Answer
It could be a delayed effect from heat exhaustion, or she could have another issue that wasn't evident at the time you took her to the vet.

You can read more about overheating and treatments at http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html#summer

I would keep her inside for now to observe her to see if she is getting better.

Kim