In terms of critical care nutrition, there are various options. The main ones discussed throughout the literature are syringe feeding and nasogastric tube feeding. All ill rabbits require analgesia. This is a fundamental rule of rabbit medicine. Pain is stressful and stress kills rabbits. NSAIDS and opioids are well tolerated and can be used in a number of combinations.

Both acute and chronically stressful situations can confound even the best attempts at care, so the question “Does the likely end outcome justify the means required to achieve this?” is a crucial one. Despite the problems with interpretation of measurable parameters, monitoring the mental state, heart rate, rectal temperature, mucous membrane colour, respiration and blood pressure are all useful to assess a critically ill rabbit and its response to treatment. All three Critical Care formulas are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of their intended species – herbivores (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, tortoises, iguanas, and others), carnivores (ferrets, cats, hawks, monitors, snakes, and others), and omnivores (bearded dragons, rats, hedgehogs, birds, reptiles, and others). Knowing how much critical care to feed a rabbitdepends on their weight and health status, always consult your vet for guidance.A further method of administering nutrition involves the placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube. In a critically ill patient, or one undergoing surgery, this can be an extremely useful way of delivering nutrition and fluids when other methods are not feasible. In addition to rabbits that are impossible to syringe feed, or are not taking food from a syringe, animals with anorexia for more than 24 hours, jaw trauma, acute trauma, hepatic lipidosis, and those that will undergo oral, pharyngeal, oesophageal, gastric or biliary tract surgery are all candidates for placement of an NG tube (Brown, 2010). As well as being able to eat, drink and swallow around the tube, thus promoting the return of normal feeding, this tube also provides a way to deliver calories and fluids, and thus helps to rehydrate the stomach contents (Brown, 2010). Keto acidosis and hepatic lipidoses can develop in rabbits that have been anorexic (Rosen, 2011; Harcourt-Brown, 2011) and especially in overweight rabbits (Brown, 2010). Again, each bunny is unique, and its recovery process will vary. Always consult your vet to make the best decision for your furry friend.

Consider antibiotics. Although there may be no specific indication for antibiotic therapy, it is often advisable for anorexic rabbits without an obvious diagnosis. Dogs and cats with sepsis show a raised body temperature and although this can happen in rabbits, body temperature is not a reliable indicator of infection. Peracute pneumonia can present as sudden onset anorexia. Few drugs are licenced for use in rabbits, meaning that many are prescribed under the cascade when treatment is needed. Some medications must be avoided or used with great care as they can affect the microflora within the gut and may result in overgrowth of bacteria such as clostridium, enteric dysbiosis and/or enterotoxaemia (DeCubellis and Graham, 2013). Prokinetics are also often used in conjunction with treatment to help try and increase and encourage gut motility (Mayer, 2015). It is important to converse with the leading clinician regarding the medical treatment plan and its potential implications for the patient. Implementing critical care nutritionYou could also experiment with your critical care timing. In humans, some people tend to eat more total when they have a large breakfast and dinner, as opposed to 3 smaller meals combined. Maybe see if doing only 3 feedings in a day makes him eat more in general. Constantly being satiated will make each feeding portion small, but having time to get hungry in between may amp up and lead to some over-eating, which is kinda what he needs to do to gain weight. Reduce stress by providing a warm, secure quiet environment and gentle handling. Consider the stressful effects of catheters, bandages, cannulae and collars and only use them if absolutely necessary. Oxbow critical care herbivoreis a popular product designed to meet the nutritional needs of herbivorous pets during times of illness or recovery. Understanding how long critical care takesdepends on the individual rabbit and the nature of their illness or stress. CCF is a complementary feed energy supplement for reptiles, birds, and small animals. It is comprised of a unique blend of energy supplying dextrose with protein concentrate, which can be used in all species in instances such as loss of appetite, starvation, surgery, and periods of recovery.

Dyspnoeic rabbits require minimal handling as any exertion makes it harder for them to breath. It can be difficult to control their body temperature. Hyperthermia occurs readily because rabbits cannot pant effectively to dissipate the heat and is made worse if the rabbit cannot move away from a heat source. Grind up 1 cup of timothy hay pellets into a powder consistency. You can use a food processor, blender, spice grinder, or coffee grinder.

Critical Care: There for Pets in Life’s Critical Situations

Oxbow’s critical care at Tractor Supplyis one place to find this essential product for your pet’s nutritional needs. In addition to the importance of the caecum and colon, the stomach is also vital to rabbit digestion. This is always partially filled, as rabbits need to constantly ingest food to ensure continued gut motility. It has a weak muscular layer, and after caecotrophy, another compartment known as the fundic region acts as a storage cavity for caecotrophs (Carabaño et al, 2010). The stomach itself is linked by a small intestine with a coiled caecum (Figure 1), and is important for the secretion of bile digestive enzymes and buffers (Carabaño et al, 2010). Through passive or active transportation throughout the mucosa, the small intestine allows the greater part of digestion to take place (Carabaño et al, 2010). There are many other tissues associated with the gut, and various factors such as pH levels that contribute and assist in digestion; however, it is beyond the scope of this article to go into extensive detail (see Blas and Wiseman, 2010). Pour pellets into a bowl and stir in the oats, ground timothy hay, chopped greens, and chopped fruits/veggies until fully blended. Critical care rabbithealth includes providing a nutritionally complete diet and immediate veterinary attention when needed. Local pet stores like PetSmart and Petco usually carry a selection if you’re looking for critical care rabbit food near me.

Here are step-by-step instructions for how to properly syringe feed critical care formula to your rabbit: Critical care rabbit foodoften includes a mix of essential nutrients to support rabbit health during challenging times.

Implementing critical care nutrition

Take your rabbit to your veterinarian. GI stasis in rabbits can be life threatening, [14] X Research source so do not delay in getting your rabbit to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will physically examine your rabbit and run several diagnostic tests to confirm GI stasis. During the physical exam, your veterinarian will palpate your rabbit’s abdomen and put his or her stethoscope on the abdomen to listen for gut sounds. [15] X Research source How are his poops by the way? Focusing on weight gain a lot, but does he seem to be doing all right? While administering critical care rabbit food, gradually reintroducing their usual diet is essential. That’s where rabbit recovery food comes into play. Can rabbits eat applesauce? They can, but they should only be offered in moderation due to the high sugar content. Step 7 – Prepare your pet for feeding Wrap your pet in a soft towel so that they are gently restrained and comfortable for the feeding procedure. Have someone assist you if needed. There is a demonstration of how best to wrap the pet in a towel in the video below.