Illness Protocol
When a rabbit is behaving abnormally and you are not sure why, this is the protocol we suggest to help determine the level of care needed.
Severe symptoms need IMMEDIATE emergency veterinary care!!
Step 1: Treat Test
A rabbit that doesn’t want to eat a treat or fresh greens should be cause for concern. Continue to Step 2.
Refused treat
Step 2: Check the "Temp" of Your Rabbit
Rabbits regulate their temperature through their ears. A healthy range will be between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If you feel the ears are too hot or too cold, please call your vet for advice.
Skip to Step 4.
Check with your vet if unsure
Step 3: Treat Gas Pain
If your rabbit is bloated or is showing signs of abdominal pain, contact your vet before administering medication and treat for gas pain. Continue to Step 4. If temp is not returning to normal range and/or there are additional signs of discomfort, such as teeth grinding, make an emergency vet visit.
Repeat #3 3-4 times if needed
Step 4: Make a Vet Visit to Determine the Cause
Regardless of the severity of any of these symptoms, you will need to make a vet visit to determine the cause. Often, GI stasis is triggered by tooth pain (because it is too painful to eat), which needs to be determined by a veterinarian under anesthesia.
