My rabbit choked, now won't drink or pee. Should I see a vet?

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

A rabbit that will not eat should be considered a veterinary emergency. Anorexia in rabbits can slow down or stop the gut which can lead to a dangerous build-up of bacteria and gas. This can be deadly. It is critical to have Thumper examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits to get him eating as soon as possible and to diagnose the reason for his loss of appetite. Keep timothy hay and water available at all times. You can soak some pellets in an unflavored electrolyte replacement beverage to make a mash which may make eating easier also.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lack of drinking can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Walter evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery! 


A rabbit that is not eating or drinking should be seen by an exotic species veterinarian as soon as possible. She is at risk of developing dehydration and GI stasis which can lead to death. Until your appointment, you can try offering fresh, dark, leafy greens (kale, collards, etc) and other palatable greens, like cilantro, parsley, carrot top greens, to encourage her to eat. You can also soak rabbit pellets in water to make a slurry and carefully feed that to your rabbit via a syringe (baby dosing syringes can be bought in drug stores and discount stores). Make sure fresh Timothy hay and water is available. Carefully syringe feeding an electrolye replacement solution, like Pedialyte, can help with dehydration. http://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-health/gi-stasis-in-rabbits-a-deadly-condition/

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.

Thanks for reaching out about your rabbit. A veterinary visit is recommended anytime a rabbit stops eating. Ingested foreign bodies, GI stasis, metabolic disorders (liver, kidney), infections are all possible. Yogurt and crackers are not a good food item for rabbits as they do not digest dairy or carbohydrates well, and can lead to additional GI upset. Even if obstructed, they can continue to pass feces for 1-2 days. Try syringe offering water. Good luck.

I am also worried about Chiku. Rabbits will often decrease their food intake with oral (mouth) problems. Over grown teeth can trap the tongue and also cause ulcers or wounds in the mouth. Of course, other problems could be going on as well. I would encourage you to take him to a veterinarian. They will be able to help determine if it is his mouth giving him problems or something else. I hope he improves soon. Thanks for using Pet Coach.