In case of emergency: Alvin (rabbit)

If Alvin is not eating or pooping regularly, it should be considered an urgent situation.

How to get emergency care for Alvin

First, follow the instructions in the Pet Emergency instructions. If you are able to get Alvin to a vet, this is the best option. Be sure to double check that the emergency vet has someone available that can see a rabbit.

If you are able to confirm with a vet, I will provide you with either my car or reimbursement for a rideshare to get Alvin to the vet.

If you are unable to get Alvin to an emergency vet

If you are seeing a decrease in poop and Alvin is not eating, it is most likely either bloat or stasis. Rabbits need to eat hay constantly to keep their digestive systems moving. When the digestive system slows or stops, it is a serious situation that needs immediate attention, even if you can't get to the vet. There is some care you can do at home if this happens.

First, locate the bunny emergency kit

Here is where you can locate the bunny emergency kit:

You will need simethicone, syringes, and Critical Care. You may also need metacam for pain relief.

Next, do a massage and check for bloat

Place Alvin on the wooden table near the couch with the bunny towels, and do a massage. This helps get things moving, provides relief, and gives you an opportunity to check for bloat. You are feeling for hardness in the stomach, just under the last rib and behind his front legs. If you feel hardness, go to the Bloat instructions at the end of the page. Otherwise, continue following the steps here, which help with GI stasis.

Give simethicone and Critical Care

If you do not suspect bloat, give Alvin simethicone and Critical Care via syringe. If he hunches up or appears to be in pain, also administer metacam.

Continue to monitor

Continue to monitor Alvin ever 1-2 hours, watching for an increase in poops. They may be small or malformed, but these steps are likely to get his system moving again. If you see improvement before you are able to get to an emergency vet, continue care until he is eating normally again, and watch for any decline. He may not need to go to the vet if these steps work.

Bloat instructions

Bloat is less likely than GI stasis, but does happen. If you suspect bloat, confirm that it really is bloat using this video to help:

If you confirm bloat, remove Alvin's access to water temporarily, and continue massages and simethicone.