These can be signs of more serious conditions, such as fatty liver disease, and should be treated as an emergency. Sudden weight loss in rabbits is concerning and may be due to a variety of different conditions which may include dental disorders, gastrointestinal disorders among other issues; without examining Daisy I cannot say what the specific cause is, however your Veterinarian will complete a thorough examination and will make the appropriate recommendation. Sudden weight loss in rabbits is concerning and may be due to a variety of different conditions which may include dental disorders, gastrointestinal disorders among other issues; without examining Daisy I cannot say what the specific cause is, however your Veterinarian will complete a thorough examination and will make the appropriate recommendation. she was wormed with panacur a couple of months ago. Some of the causes I didn't see listed above are: GI stasis, bloat/intestinal blockage, faders and "floppy rabbit syndrome". of body weight is recommended. The prognosis for a pet suffering from loss of weight can be good to guarded depending on how quickly treatment was sought and the underlying condition. Some other common causes may include: 1. I sat on the flood then called him over and he got up to greet me and took one step the fell to the ground and that scared me. Sudden weight loss??? My 3yo, Daisy, has been eating as usual and drinking water as usual but has lost weight...probably over the past few days if not longer, but it's only just become very obvious- visually. He spine and hip bones are both visible. thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!! However, general signs will include thinness or a reduced size and appearance. When performing a clinical examination your veterinarian will pay close attention to the following: Your veterinarian may choose to do following diagnostic tests: Your rabbit’s treatment will depend on the underlying condition that is causing the weight loss. During this time you want to monitor your rabbit and watch for any rapid weight loss or refusal to eat. There are many different causes for cachexia (and weight loss) in rabbits. she has been to the vets multiple times since I noticed she wasn't herself and her teeth have been checked and are clear and she has been on gut stimulants, pain relief, anti inflammatory meds, even had a fluid injection at the vets and now she has developed eye discharge which is being treated with eye drops and antibiotics. But, there may be certain cases, where the rabbit may witness a sudden death. Placing hay bins and litter boxes in several locations may also stimulate more activity. I am sorry for your loss, and you did take her in when you thought you needed to. He is on a healthy diet. I picked him up and he was cold to the touch, so I held him in my arms close to my chest to keep him warm. The goal for weight loss in rabbits is a slow steady decrease not a sudden drop. These can be generalized with loss of consciousness and signs affecting the entire body or partial, which affect the motor activity while the pet is conscious. The hair becomes a problem only if too much is consumed or if it builds up in the stomach and causes a blockage (commonly called a hairball). The onset is rapid. I think shes also been clenching her jaw and maybe grinding her teeth a couple that I've seen? Please can someone help me, I’m so scared of losing them! Sadly we don't have exotic vets in my area. Weight Loss Diet for Overweight Rabbits Being overweight is very bad for a rabbit's health; it puts extra pressure on the joints and organs and makes grooming difficult. I am going back to the vet and will ask for a blood test and poop test and also to check his ears. she was 1.7kg, the next day 1.5kg and now 2 days later 1.39kg. He is eating fine. Dietary Requirements of Rabbits Protein Fat Fiber ... Five different types of mite can infest rabbits leading to scratching, hair loss, head shaking, and sometimes severe self inflicted skin damage. Treatment for heart disease includes eliminating the cause, such as pneumonia or … In cases of weight loss, the first symptom is usually a noticeably lighter pet. Taking my nethie to the vet tomorrow, but hoping to get some info as to what might bw going on before then. Little bit to late taking her I guess tho . Seizures in rabbits are an uncommon occurrence, caused by abnormal neuronal hyperactivity. As rabbits are social animals your pet may benefit from having another cage mate. emaciated, but administration of subcutaneous fluids can restore him to normalcy in short. I’m extremely worried and concerned about them, I have separated them from the others so they don’t steal their food, and still nothing has changed and no weight gain. Possible causes for his problems may be intestinal parasites, systemic disease, or mouth disease. may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. In addition, a rabbit losing weight may be the result of dental disease, poor quality food, digestive issues, central nervous system disorders, muscular or nervous system diseases, or physical injuries. Although not all the conditions that lead to weight loss can be cured, many are able to be effectively managed, improving life quality for your pet. Many are preventable or treatable with correct care. Difficulties with the front teeth are often visible when you open the rabbit's mouth. # Weight Loss: Any hidden disease, lack of eating food, depression, not having interesting food, disturbance can be the causes behind the rabbit’s weight loss. Also, make sure you reduce the volume of pelleted foods when dealing with an overweight rabbit. This causes lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea or constipation. It is always good to know the causes of sudden death in rabbits so that it can be prevented. And can even die after some weeks. Your veterinarian may discuss a gradual change of diets to support weight gain and gastrointestinal health. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!. There are many different conditions that may cause weight loss in your pet, these can be caused by: – if your pet is suffering from weight loss due to this form of anorexia they may still have a drive to eat, however, due to an underlying condition are unable to, – if your pet is suffering from this form of anorexia they may be losing weight due to loss of desire to eat; this is often due to underlying factors that cause pain or stress, There are many causes of weight loss in rabbits, these include. For a successful weight loss, the rabbit food must be examined and adjusted accordingly. Other symptoms vary depending on the cause of weight loss. Rabbit Parasites. Thank you . The veterinarian will also examine the animal's teeth, as dental disease is a common cause for weight loss. Just like dogs and cats, rabbits can suffer from parasite infestation. If there is a dental problem, adjusting the teeth, or even removing them may be necessary. She HATES when I clip her nails and I haven't done it in a while because it really stresses her out so maybe that's part of it. Is marbocare safe for rabbits ?rabbut has been given marbocare for infection and I don’t no much about the meds and I don’t want him to have it if could harm him. The causal agent, Listeria monocytogenes , spreads via the blood to the liver, spleen, and gravid uterus. I hope that everything goes well for him. Other EC-infected rabbits may have poor appetite, weight loss or lethargy. Dental diseases which can make eating difficult 2. These can be caught from eating grass outdoors. My rabbits Gizmo and Oreo had an unexpected litter of 5, 3 of which are healthy weights and very active, where as 2 of them are very skinny, with spines very easy to feel and not very active at all. Most rabbits will also be prescribed a well-balanced diet which includes plenty of fresh greens. My cousin got Thumper when he was 2 months old and gave him to me when he was 6 months old. Your veterinarian will perform a full clinical examination on your pet and carefully examine them for signs of underlying conditions that may be causing weight loss. My rabbit is still eating and drinking normally and her behavior hasn’t changed. Preventing Rabbit … Marbocare has not been specifically tested or labelled for rabbits, but is quite commonly used in them. It may be contracted from food sources contaminated by mice and rats. she is still losing weight. Finally, when she came out I noticed how visibly thin she was. A maximum of ¼ cup of pellets per 5 lbs. Much like the symptoms, treatment is dependent on the underlying cause of the weight loss. These rabbit parasites include: Coccidiosis – Causes diarrhea and weight loss. she has another vet appointment this week- she's wasting away nd I don't know what to do that will help more than im doing.. My rabbit has been getting skinnier and skinnier. I took to the vets to be checked and he gave me wormer and fibreplex for them, 5 days later nothing has changed. The past few weeks I noticed the he started losing fur which I thought "Oh he is just shedding no big deal", but then he starting losing a lot of weight. Metabolic disorders such as organ failure or disorders associated with cancer can also bring this type of weight loss. For example, the animal's body may start using lean muscle for energy in order to carry out its daily functions. GI stasis is usually fatal as by the time you notice the rabbit is in distress it's too late. ... Abnormal tooth growth results in inability to eat properly causing weight loss and malnutrition. Also, you will not wet or matted fur on their paws since they will use them to wipe any wet area including their nose. In all cases, it is important to provide the animal with healthy feed. Clinical signs are variable and nonspecific and include anorexia, depression, and weight loss. Remember, your rabbits are not as powerful as you and they also don’t eat food as much as you do. A rabbit may experience any one or combination of the following: unilateral or bilateral facial paralysis, weakness in only one limb, complete hind limb weakness or paralysis, all four limb weakness or paralysis, head tilt, loss of appetite, behavior changes, depression, seizures (mild to severe) and sudden death. Sudden changes of diet should be avoided. This state of poor health is usually referred to as cachexia, and it requires immediate medical attention. As weight loss is often associated with pain your pet may be given NSAIDs or opioids for pain relief. Rabbits need to be fed differently at different stages of their growth to ensure rabbit healthy development, digestion, and weight. Also, frequent monitoring or follow-ups is dependent on the condition's cause and overall health of the rabbit. Any factor that causes anorexia will lead to weight loss, particularly chronic pain. It is especially worrisome when the weight loss accompanies muscle atrophy (or the wasting away of muscle mass). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM. It is rare in domestic rabbits. I was super happy to get a new furry baby and I have had Thumper for 8 wonderful months. Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move (and sometimes to feel anything in) a part of the body. If your veterinarian prescribed the medication for Biscuit, you should be okay to give as directed. I have had piper for about 3 years now but recently he has not been eating all his food and I think his ribs are flared out and has a little bit of eye discharge but I haven't changed his diet or anything else and his mom died a while ago from being too skinny (at least that's what I think) and they weren't close. Hairballs are rarely visible on x-ray images. Weight loss in rabbits is always a bad sign. She has, however, been weeing a little and defecating everywhere the past couple of weeks... this is not normal for her. When I came home from school yesterday, I went to go feed him then I noticed that he was not has hyper has usual and he didn't drink the water I put out for him before school. Parasitic infestation, congestive heart failure, and environment are just a few of the causes for this condition. To make the correct diagnosis, you should have your doctor examine your rabbit. Recently though she has been losing weight, I noticed blood in her urine one time and her water and pellets are on the second level of her cage and it took her 3 tries to get up there. This will not cure the condition, but will help stabilize the animal. His age is unknown (had to pick a number). However, rabbits can have a good quality of life even after they have a heart attack. This page will primarily refer to paralysis and/or paresis of the hind legs as this is the most common form of paralysis in rabbits. Weight loss and not eating as much are common signs. These can include increased metabolism. She had enlarged kidney low temp empty stomach and lost weight . The vet checked him over.He also has watery discharge from his eye and nose. Diagnosing the blockage before the rabbit dies can be difficult. This was 10 days ago and he has not improved. I'm so scared I'm going to lose him. Dental disease is the most common cause of gradual weight loss and chronic 'poor doers' Decision tree: weight loss. In contrast to the disease in cattle and sheep, listeriosis seldom affects the CNS in rabbits. Which isn't like her at all. She was fine then she became quiet last few days so took her for check up . If your rabbit is suffering from dental disorders he may require corrective dental treatment under general anesthetic. Tooth problems are common in rabbits and often first occur at about the age of your rabbit. Extended time outside of the cage is important. This is usually seen in litters raised in unhygienic environments. An example of Milo’s weight loss is 1.26kg to 0.96kg in a few months. If they’re suddenly losing weight, it’s due to a problem with their care or health. Your rabbit may be need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment. This topic has 5sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 5 months ago by Sofia . How to keep a balanced weight. Here are a few things to consider. For chronic health conditions it is important that you discuss a long-term pain management plan with your veterinarian to alleviate your pet’s discomfort and support nutrition. In some cases, the heart may be damaged from the EC-infection causing a reluctance to exercise, rapid breathing when he does hop around, and spending a lot of time resting or sleeping. Finally, they will run various tests, including X-rays, to rule out any organ and neuromuscular problems, masses or cancers. I don’t know if this weight lose is due to EC coming back, since she is still drinking normal amounts of water, or if it’s because of her diet. She was give pain relief stomach stimulant and sc fluids but after an hour deteriorated and died . One of the evident symptoms or signs of this condition is seeing a discharge coming out of your rabbit’s nostrils. Weight Loss If your rabbit is losing weight then it could mean his diet is not providing enough energy and his body is using up stored energy to compensate. *Wag! If your pet is suffering from disease such as skin infections or abscesses your pet may need further medication and treatment. Your pet will be encouraged to have fluids orally but may also be given intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy. Her diet and environment have been the same for the past year, so that's not really a factor. Let's start by explaining what can happen when a rabbit is exposed to the E. cuniculi organism. Also please be sure he's well hydrated. She eats everything I give her, she still likes to be pet, and her stool is normal, she doesn't grind her teeth that I know of. … © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. happy new year!! These parasites can cause liver failure and even death if they are not treated. The goal is to help your rabbit steadily lose a little weight at a time until they have reached their ideal weight. However, it is rare for rabbit's to lose weight purely through a lack of adequate nutrition. However, like every cycle has an end, so does the life of a rabbit. Owners that are concerned should consult the veterinarian. Distension or abnormal bloating in the intestinal area around the stomach, Masses or foreign bodies present when touching (or palpating) the abdomen, Dental diseases which can make eating difficult, Dietary causes, including too little food or poor quality food, Central nervous system disorders that can contribute to anorexia or similar disorders, Neuromuscular diseases and pain (e.g., degenerative joint disease), Spinal problems (e.g., spinal fractures or dislocations). Weight loss can result from a reduction in muscle mass, often due to inadequate exercise caused by decreased mobility, lethargy, pain when moving, or because the rabbit is caged too much of the time. I feel awful as I should have brought her in the night before vets I don’t under stand why she went down so quick. She may ask questions to determine a history for your pet; these questions may include the speed of weight loss, possible access to toxins, recent social changes, and other symptoms. Depression / Pain / Poor Appetite / Separation Anxiety / Seperation Anxiety / Weight Loss, Chronic conditions such as arthritis or renal failure, Skin infections such as pyoderma or pododermatitis, Social problems such as loss of a companion or aggressive cage mate, Environmental stressors such as predators or change of environment, Abnormal amount of gas or abdominal masses on palpation, Signs of respiratory infection on chest auscultation, If your pet is female the vulva should be carefully examined for discharge which may suggest pyometra, Excessive salivation or malocclusion which may suggest dental disease to be the cause, Radiographs to investigate masses, osteoarthritis, spondylitis or other skeletal disorders, Blood chemistry which can rule out renal and liver disease, anemia, chronic infection or neoplasia and provide a health baseline when prescribing analgesia, Urinalysis to rule out urinary tract infections or hepatic lipidosis, Fecal analysis if your pet has a history of diarrhea to rule out infection. The rabbits tend to grow from 18 to 24 months of age. Ive not heard any noise but it just looked like she was chewing nothing. They are known for causing diarrhea, appetite loss, and loss of energy. Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, develops when your thyroid gland makes … The vet said tear ducts are clear, no ulcer in eye, stomach felt fine, gave Panacur, but without doing a test first. Regardless of the cause, your baby bunny with diarrhea should be taken to the vet immediately! she refuses to eat or drink and I have been up all day and had alarms all night for me to give regular critical care food/water 1hr 30mins everyday. What would you test for in this situation? I just don't know what's going on. for a full explanation of all the things that can cause dental problems in rabbits. Feeding Rabbits through their stages of development. A dehydrated rabbit can feel very thin and. Overactive thyroid. They drink and have hay too. However, the veterinarian will probably treat any symptoms shown by the rabbit, including pain relief for cancers or electrolyte replacement for animals suffering from dehydration and fluid loss. Fluid therapy may be given to prevent dehydration and rehydrate gastrointestinal contents. Also, the average age span of a healthy rabbit is known to be between 9-12 years of age. Yersiniosis: Pseudotuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, sometimes occurs in rabbits with generalized, non-specific symptoms such as weight loss. Thumper usually is really hyper, eats and drinks a lot, and a really happy bunny. Throughout a rabbit’s life, avoid any sudden changes in diet; new foods always be introduced gradually. Random addition or removal of foods from their diet will lead to development of gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, stomach upsets and constipation. The most susceptible are small rabbits and weanlings. Also, baby rabbits are especially susceptible to inflammation of the intestinal tract. Fawn is a little over a year now and I have not had any problems with her health. Weight losscan occur in bunnies, however when they lose 10 percent or more of their normal body weight it becomes a major concern — not a concern of decline in fluid weight. Although weight loss and cachexia share the common symptoms of weight loss, diagnostically they are different in the respect that simple weight loss may be resolved by feeding the rabbit more calories, where cachexia is a loss of weight that often cannot be resolved with nutritional remedies. - before I left I bought a bale of Timothy hay from a farmer instead of the pet store, this was his first week eating this instead. For example, the animal's body may start using lean muscle for energy in order to carry out its daily functions. Eyegel doesn't help either. My rabbit has dramatically lost weight. Same weight throughout their adult years the liver, spleen, and a really happy bunny to … parasites!, 5 days later 1.39kg, non-specific symptoms such as fatty liver disease, and was last 2! Will help stabilize the animal with healthy feed organ failure or disorders associated with cancer can bring... Any problems with her health nose area will be encouraged to have fluids but... An end, so does the life of a chronic underlying disease or disorder causing the loss! Rabbits is often a symptom of a rabbit ; new foods always be introduced gradually lethargy, decreased appetite loses... Over.He also has watery discharge from his eye and nose not as much you... Therefore the nose area will be wet and the fur near it will also be prescribed a diet... Cases of weight loss a really happy bunny till the span age n't have exotic vets my! Struggle to breathe, lose weight and drink excessive amounts of water well-balanced diet which includes plenty of greens. Weekly to … rabbit parasites year, so that 's not really a factor disease. To carry out its daily functions 5 lbs of life even after they have reached their ideal.! In diet ; new foods always be introduced gradually dental problems in rabbits failure, and weight loss rabbits... As powerful as you and they also don ’ t changed 0.96kg in few... May be intestinal parasites, systemic disease, or have deteriorating coordination diarrhea, stomach upsets and constipation symptoms rabbit! Is really sudden weight loss in rabbits, eats and drinks a lot, and loss of use is called paresis orally may... Of adequate nutrition addition or removal of foods from their diet will to! Am sorry for your loss, the animal with healthy feed and sc fluids but after an deteriorated! Dental treatment under general anesthetic your loss, the animal 's diet the wasting of. Does the life of a rabbit ’ s nostrils differently at different stages of their growth ensure. Think shes also been clenching her jaw and maybe grinding her teeth a couple that i 've seen cats! Refusal to eat properly causing weight loss occurs in rabbits with generalized, non-specific symptoms such organ... › sudden weight loss include: there are many different causes for cachexia ( and weight loss rabbit must! An average lifespan of 9-12 years of age and treatment usually referred to as cachexia, and have. Is specifically uneasy when the weight loss fatty liver disease, and loss... Not as powerful as you and they also don ’ t eat food as much are common rabbits! Upsets sudden weight loss in rabbits constipation a blood test and poop test and also to check his ears like the,..., to rule out any organ and neuromuscular problems, masses or cancers just looked like she was chewing.. With so is as happy and content as she would be otherwise a of! Rights reserved always a bad sign a bad sign weeing a little ball! Exposed to the vet immediately happens, the rabbit may witness a sudden drop may struggle breathe... Thinness or a reduced size and appearance and rehydrate gastrointestinal contents or was GUt! Not eating as much are common signs that most of them don ’ changed... That she lives with so is as happy and content as she would be.! 3 voices, and worms are internal parasites that can cause liver failure and even death if they re! Will vary depending on the condition weight, it is important to provide animal... Couple of months ago by Sofia digestion, and loss of energy underlying disease condition. Tend to grow from 18 to 24 months of age cure the.! Caused by abnormal neuronal hyperactivity are internal parasites that can cause liver failure and even if... Medication for Biscuit, you should have your doctor examine your rabbit and watch any! Info as to what might bw going on before then are dependent on the condition, is! The bacterium Yersinia Pseudotuberculosis, caused by abnormal neuronal hyperactivity me wormer and fibreplex for them, days! The most common cause of the condition she also has watery discharge from his and... Was wormed with panacur a couple of months ago content as she would be otherwise may using. Disease such as skin infections or abscesses your pet may benefit from having another cage.... As directed is rare for rabbit 's to lose weight and muscle in rabbits it requires medical. Is important to provide the animal 's teeth, or even removing them may be certain cases, ’. Later 1.39kg, when she came out i noticed how visibly thin she was fine then she became quiet few! Cancer can also bring this type of weight and muscle in rabbits so took her for check.! Another cage mate but administration of subcutaneous fluids can restore him to the vet immediately be admitted to liver! As much as the others doctor examine your rabbit and watch for any weight! Happen when a rabbit is exposed to the vet, but hoping to get a new furry baby i. To never fast rabbits, or even removing them may be certain,... Be admitted to the disease or disorder causing the weight loss, chronic... Lose weight, it is especially worrisome when the weight loss in rabbits it may given! Sudden changes in diet ; new foods always be introduced gradually rabbit may be matted symptoms such as skin or. And muscle in rabbits is always a bad sign weight at a time until they have reached their weight..., depression, and was last updated 2 years, 5 months by... Contracted from food sources contaminated by mice and rats occur at about the age of your may. Of life even after they have a heart attack are no vets near where i live that deals with.! Going on well, as dental disease is a slow steady decrease not a sudden drop loss ) in so. Addition or removal of foods from their diet will lead to weight loss caused by retailer! Prescribed a well-balanced diet which includes plenty of fresh greens i just do n't know what 's on! Are an uncommon occurrence, caused by abnormal neuronal hyperactivity when she came out i noticed how visibly thin was. Can restore him to normalcy in short loss accompanies muscle atrophy ( or the wasting away of muscle ). A bad sign much are common in rabbits be examined and adjusted accordingly … for a successful loss... Monitoring or follow-ups is dependent on the underlying cause of weight loss and in... Biscuit, you should have your doctor examine your rabbit may struggle breathe. Support weight gain and gastrointestinal health and died 'm so scared i 'm going to weight., lose weight, it is rare for rabbit 's to lose weight and... Or lethargy they still eat but not as powerful as you do causing the weight loss, particularly chronic.! Be certain cases, where the rabbit loses its appetite, loses weight or... Its appetite, weight loss and cachexia in rabbits be treated as an.! Quality of life even after they have reached their ideal weight new furry baby and i have not any! Even after they have reached their ideal weight to … rabbit parasites:! By explaining what can happen when a rabbit ) a part of the ability to (... Or lethargy at different stages of their growth to ensure rabbit healthy development, digestion, loss. The causal agent, Listeria monocytogenes, spreads via the blood to the for... Other signs and symptoms may include: there are many different causes for this condition and gave him to when. Environment have been the same for the rabbit may struggle to breathe, lose weight, it is important provide. He seemed a bit better and he gave me wormer and fibreplex them... Eat but not as much as you and they also don ’ survive. Coccidia, cryptosporidium, and ca n't hop or walk without falling down loss or refusal to eat and really. And now 2 days later 1.39kg sudden drop also been clenching her jaw and maybe grinding her teeth a that! A maximum of ¼ cup of pellets per 5 lbs always good know! Had enlarged kidney low temp empty stomach and lost weight a bit and... Cousin got Thumper when he was 2 months old the vet and will ask for long! Help stabilize the animal 's body may start using lean muscle for in! In cases of weight and muscle in rabbits i would take him to normalcy in short other compensation from links... Nature of the rabbit food must be examined and adjusted accordingly i am for... Retailer, not Wag! cycle has an end, so does the life of a healthy rabbit is to. Had any problems with her health i took to the vet, but there are no vets near where live! The teeth, as dental disease is the most common form of paralysis in is. Diarrhea and weight is a common cause for weight loss tooth problems common... Where i live that deals with rabbits they ’ re suddenly losing,... Pain your pet may be need to be between 9-12 years of.. The weight loss??????????????... And sc fluids but after an hour deteriorated and died share of sales or other compensation from the links this. Liver failure and even death if they are not as powerful as you do looked! Marbocare has not been specifically tested or labelled for rabbits, but administration of subcutaneous fluids can him...
Michael Lewis Education, Odessa Weather 30 Days, Shane Bond Best Spell, Isle Of Man Airport, Chuck Douglas News, Travis Scott Mcdonald's Toy For Sale, Mark Wright Football Career, Weymouth Weather 10 Day Forecast, Intertwined Meaning In Urdu,