Rabbit dosent move around as much

Question
I recently noticed the other day that my rabbit wasn't as active as she ususally is.  She dosen't hop around as much as she used to and lays down more often but dosen't seem in pain(no tooth grinding).  She does get up every so often and hopes around normally, grooms herself, digs up her towel and tosses it around, and drinks water.  She urinates in her litter box but dosen't poop.  She eats if I feed her but won't eat by herself.  I'm taking her to the vet but I was wondering could it be something common or something else, whats your opinion?


Answer
Dear Denise,

You're wise to be concerned.  Bunnies are very stoic about illness, and she is probably just not showing obvious signs, though something is clearly wrong.  The fact that she's not pooping is definitely a cause for concern.  Please read the following two articles immediately:

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

and

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

If you don't already have a vet who is experienced with *rabbits*, please use the list linked here to find one:

www.rabbit.org/vets

It's very important that you have a vet who is familiar with the special problems rabbits have, particularly dental problems, which are a common cause of ileus and related intestinal disorders. Please also see:

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

and

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

I will be shutting down my computer now due to the approach of Hurricane Rita (hope it misses us!), so I won't be able to answer any followup questions right away.  I hope this is enough to get you started on the road to your bunny's recovery!

Dana