Accepted Answer

I'm sorry for the triplicate info request - it was a glitch in the system. You apparently didn't see the info request before going offline. Your kids' rabbit is in an emergency situation. The best thing to do is take her to a vet right away. Being bloated is a sign of gastrointestinal stasis. Appetite loss and failure to pass droppings are other symptoms. This is one of the leading causes of death in rabbits, if it is not treated. There could be gas in her stomach that she cannot pass or there could be a blockage in the intestines causing food to back up. You need to get her to a rabbit vet as soon as possible. If you don't, it's likely that she will die. Here's a site where you can read more about GI stasis and steps you can take:

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

Here is where you can find a rabbit vet:

http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

As a first aid step, you can give the rabbit some children's liquid simethicone. That may help break up the gas in her stomach so it can be passed. Use a syringe to put the simethicone in the side of her mouth. don't put it straight down her throat - that can lead to aspiration into the lungs. Don't worry about giving too much - you won't overdose her. You can also turn her over and gently massage her stomach. There are details on how to do that on the site I gave you above. These steps are first aid measures only, and won't take the place of a vet visit. If you have more questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope your rabbit will be fine.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	3/31/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant