My rabbit is breathing hard, not eating, and not moving. Is she sick?

Hello there! I'm so sorry to hear that Flop is sick. Her condition sounds very serious, and I strongly suggest that you get her to a veterinarian immediately. Loose stool is abnormal for a rabbit, and can cause dehydration if it continues for more than a couple days - especially if she hasn't been drinking. Dehydration may be what is causing her to be lethargic, but her symptoms are relatively vague so I can't tell you from the information provided what is wrong with her. Parasites, bacterial or viral infection, foreign object ingestion, nutritional issues, and hairball impaction could all be possible causes, and without a veterinarian's help, a diagnosis will be difficult. At the vet's office, Flop will receive a full physical exam, and they will likely recommend x-rays and/or bloodwork to determine the cause of her illness. She will likely need fluid replacement therapy at the very least. Something you can do to detect dehydration at home is a turgor test. When an animal has good skin turgor, it is hydrated - skin that snaps back into place when picked up has good turgor. Pick up a small amount of skin behind Flop's shoulders, and drop it - if it stays standing up or is slow to return to normal, she is likely dehydrated and needs immediate help. Do not force her to drink liquids as she may aspirate it into her lungs. Good luck, and I hope that Flop gets well!

Clover is a sweet name. Unfortunately the information you provided is a little limited and makes it hard to guide you. I would recommend having her spayed if you have not all ready. Rabbits run a high risk of cancer in their uterus if not spayed. However at this time if she is eating,drinking and using the restroom normally I would not be concerned. At any time if this changes I would recommend taking her to a vet for a better exam. You are more than welcome to try a pet coach consult. This will allow you to provide more information and maybe get better guidance.

Rabbits can become sick quickly with upper respiratory infections. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime make sure his cage is cleaned daily as the ammonia from the urine can cause irritation to the respiratory tract. You may also consider taking him into the bathroom when anyone showers to allow the humidity to help as well. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

It sounds like she has a respiratory infection so I suggest you take her to your vet for an exam. I don't think it's an emergency like you have to take her now but I would try to get her in tomorrow. If this is a respiratory infection she is going to need antibiotics and you can only get those from your vet. The other option is asthma/allergy but again, you would need to get medications to treat this from your vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I would have Thumper seen by a vet. It could be something as simple as a respiratory infection causing her loud breathing, which can be treated. It's best to have her checked out so she is as comfortable as possible in her advanced age. Have her seen by a vet on Monday. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Sorry to hear about Onyx! You should take her to the vet as soon as possible. I suspect she has a respiratory infection. Rabbits are very prone to infection by a bacteria called pasteurella. The vet will be able to listen to her lungs and recommend further investigations. I imagine she will need an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. In the mean time keep her comfy in a calm, draught free environment.

You could try syringing some water and mashed pellets into her mouth but be cautious as her ability to swallow may be affected also. Telephone your vets office immediately and there should be instructions as to how to access emergency veterinary care; intravenous fluids may be helpful if the injury is reversible. Be aware in rabbits that many spinal injuries are catastophic and euthanasia may be the most appropriiate option to relieve her pain if the condition cannot be reversed