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fainting rabbit

22 11:38:06

Question
Hello,

Last week we became first-time rabbit owners of a wonderful 9 month old male French Lop.  During the last few days, we observed our rabbit collapse on 4 or 5 occassions.  Standing in one-spot, he'll suddenly flop over on his side as if losing consciousness; eyes closed and breathing quickly.  Each instance this "fainting" has occurred, he gets up within 4 seconds (one time he stayed down for 30 seconds) as if nothing happened.  His health otherwise appears normal:  eating & drinking well, very active, friendly, curious, and regular toileting.  We are concerned that he has health problem and are wondering if we should take him to a vet immediately.

Thanks

Answer
Dear Mr. Beech,

AWW!  :)

You are the lucky witness of the "fwop".  A rabbit who is very happy and contented will often simply *throw* himself to the ground on his side, and sometimes even onto his back, and just lie there in bliss for a while.  As long as he's not showing any signs of having spasms or anything, you're not seeing a sign of a health problem.  You're seeing a very happy bunny.  

It's not a bad idea to take him to a good vet for an overall wellness check, and to develop a good professional relationship with a rabbit savvy vet before you need one!  Good rabbit vets are hard to find, but we do have a list here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope that helps!  Please write back if you have any other questions, and give your bunny a big head noogie for me.  (French Lops are the cuties!)

Dana