Are you worried that your rabbit may be sick? The first thing you should do is get him to a vet as soon as possible. Read on to find out how to treat your rabbit before visiting.
Steps
Step 1. Wrap the paw in a clean towel and apply pressure if the rabbit has a bleeding nail
Take the pressure off when the bleeding stops. Afterwards, keep the area with the broken nail clean. Clean the litter box and the bottom of the cage often so bacteria don't get into the wound.
Step 2. Take your rabbit to the vet immediately if he has a broken bone
If the vet is not available, take him to an emergency clinic. Until the injury is treated by a professional, try to keep the rabbit from moving.
Step 3. Do not treat a severe eye injury with any medication
Wait for him to be examined by the vet, who will be able to direct you to the right medicine. The thing you can do is wet a cotton ball with warm water and gently wipe its eyes to remove secretions.
Step 4. Remember that if your rabbit is not eating, there can be a variety of reasons, and each can be caused by very serious conditions
Since rabbits have very delicate digestive tracts, drastic changes in their eating habits could endanger their lives.
- If he has problems with his teeth (the rabbit is hungry but cannot eat) you can temporarily stop the problem by feeding him with a syringe or giving him fluids subcutaneously (only if you know how to do it).
- If he suffers from intestinal gas, and it is evident from very loud stomach noises and the hunched position he assumes, you should give him a gentle massage and check his temperature. If the temperature is low, heat it with your own body heat or with a heating pad (but be careful!).
- Gastrointestinal problems are usually accompanied by a drastic, sometimes total, reduction in fecal production. Give your rabbit some comfort and keep him hydrated until you take him to the vet.
Step 5. If the rabbit seems to be twisting its head towards the ceiling, learn about this condition, called “torticollis” (or turning of the head)
Since he is disoriented, you need to stuff the cage so he doesn't get hurt.
Step 6. If the rabbit excretes a watery brown discharge, it is a sign of severe diarrhea; if you know how to do it you have to give him fluids subcutaneously
Otherwise, there's not much else you can do but get him to a vet as quickly as possible.
Step 7. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure if the rabbit has suffered a severe bite
Keep your surroundings clean so the wound doesn't become infected.
Step 8. Do your best to cool the rabbit down if he has a high fever by placing cold objects against his ears until the temperature drops below 40 ° C
Advice
- Symptoms are difficult to spot. Since they have always been preyed upon, rabbits instinctively hide their symptoms well, so as not to be recognized as easy prey. You will need to be especially vigilant, and know what to look for, to keep your rabbit healthy.
- Keep electrical cables away from its cage; since some rabbits like to chew a bit of everything, they could be electrocuted.
- Before an emergency arises, ask your vet to give you a personal crash course on how to apply the above tips, especially how to control your temperature and how to administer fluids subcutaneously.
- A few centiliters of pineapple juice (check with a vet to determine the exact amount) will help you in case of blockages due to hairballs. Pineapple juice contains an enzyme that breaks down hairballs. Some rabbits are more prone to suffering from it than others (it depends on the type of coat, the frequency of grooming, etc.). If your rabbit is not expelling any balls, this could be the problem (again, check with your veterinarian).
- Make sure your vet is familiar with rabbits. Not everyone has it.
Warnings
- If you don't closely observe your rabbit's behavior and intervene properly, you could unnecessarily endanger his life and spend hundreds of dollars on general treatment.
- You may also have to pay a very hefty fee to the vet.
