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My dwarf bunny ( 7 months old) has contracted a cold. I had to use a moist kleenx and decrust his nostrils and then tried to get any mucus out that I could, wrapped him up and he slept with me, this morning the nasal passage seems to be better, but he still souns congested with no appetite and taking only a little water. No problem with urinating or defecating. Just seems weak, miserable, and congested. Is there anyway I can treat him at home? I have already isolated him from the other bunnies who are showing no symptoms. Please advise. Thank You, XXXXXX

Submitted: 1285 days and 19 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $8
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Posted by michele 1285 days and 19 hours ago.

Info Request

Is he willing to take any type of jarred baby food if you syringe or dropper feed him?

1285 days and 18 hours ago.

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Reply to michele's Post: Thank you for such a quick response, I did not know to try baby food, only tried alfalfa hay, a piece of apple and banana. I am trying to do my best for him today since our bunny doctor is not in on Wednesdays. I will send someone right now for baby food, I am assuming something on the lines of a jar of carrots?

Posted by michele 1285 days and 18 hours ago.

Answer

That should help to get something in him until you can see his doctor.
You can also try to steam up the bathroom shower and allow him to breathe in the steam vapors to help with the congestion. (Obviously, don't wet the rabbit:)
He does need to be seen by a vet though as he could be developing pneumonia. He could be lethargic from low blood sugar from not eating. If so, the food will help. I would try to find someone today to help him as tomorrow is pretty far away when you have a sick,letahrgic bunny.
If your vet is "on call" or has an answering service that can recommend someone to see your pet, that would be best.

1285 days and 18 hours ago.

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Reply to michele's Post: Noone available today, that was my first course of action, I sent someone for baby food, what type would you suggest and would you suggest buying one of those nose bulbs that are used on infants to suction out their passageway or just keep using kleenex for him?

Posted by michele 1285 days and 17 hours ago.

Answer

I would suggest baby foods such as carrots or apples with oatmeal(jarred) You can also try something like Gerber baby cereal in a box and prepare it as directed on the package. You will need an oral dosing syringe(purchase in drugstore where they sell medications for infants) and feed him slowly. Don't buy too much food, you will gently,slowly, syringe feed him over the course of the day. Rabbits don't eat all that much, most only weigh about 5#, but some are much larger.
I would not suggest sticking anything up his nose, and I am not quite sure how large the openings on those nose bulbs are. If you let him breathe in the steam, it will help to loosen up the congestion.

Answer

Another thing, when you give him the food, make sure he is in "normal position" Do not cradle him on his back to eat. Let him be in the same position that he would normally eat in.VERY IMPORTANT

Expert: michele
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 5/17/2006

veterinary assistant

15 yr work experience, 20 year pet owner, rescue work

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