Protocol: When your rabbit’s eating changes or stops

If you notice changes in your rabbit’s normal eating, their behavior, or the size or quantity of their poop, follow the below steps and keep a notepad handy to record everything you do ie: medications you give, temperature each time you take it, etc.

Step 1: Administer Metacam

Step 2: Take their temperature

Step 3: Feel their stomach

Step 4: If your rabbit-savvy vet is open, call them. If they are closed, follow the below protocol until you reach them.

If you suspect your rabbit may be bloated, follow column A.

If your rabbit’s stomach is soft, administer reglan & simethicone & follow column B.

Step	A	B
5	If your rabbits temperature is below normal (101°-103°), place them on heat for 45 minutes. Place your heating pad inside of a carrier set to low, and layer a light blanket or towel on top of the heating pad. The bunny goes in the carrier and you can drape a blanket over it, leaving the front uncovered. This will create a little warming box. If your type of heating pad does not have high-low options, make sure to place it underneath the carrier rather than inside. Click here for heating options Tip: Water is not needed in the carrier but you may want to place a few favorite snacks in the front of the carrier. That way if your rabbit starts to nibble, you’ll know their temperature is likely normalizing, and you can take them off heat.
	If your rabbit’s temperature is above 104° you will not use heat! Instead, you’ll need to cool their ears until their temperature reaches 103. Ideally, take temperature hourly. Have them seen by a rabbit-savvy vet as soon as possible.
6	After 45 minutes on heat, retake their temp, and encourage them to move around on the floor for 10-15 minutes.	After 45 minutes on heat, retake their temp, give another dose of simethicone, and encourage them to move around on the floor for 10-15 minutes. Placing them in a room they are not used to often, encourages exploration even when they are feeling poorly. If this doesn’t work, massage their tummy. This can be done on the floor if they’ll let you, or on a counter top.
7	Repeat steps 5-7 if their temperature remains low.
8	If their temperature is still below normal, they may need to be on heat all night. It is recommended to check every 2-3 hours.

Do NOT syringe feed critical care or water. They will not dehydrate or starve if they don’t eat for 12 hours.

If your rabbit is not feeling any better by the time your rabbit-savvy vet is open, call for an emergency appointment.