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My rabbits are lethargic with gastro after vaccine. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 13 days old

My two male rabbits just got their first vaccine against calicivirus yesterday but today they don't seem themselves shadow has really bad gastro. They are eating and drinking but not doing anything but sitting there. My younger male has urine on its fur near his bum its like they are not cleaning themselves. I managed to wipe their bums. But what else can I do? Is it a side effect to the vaccine?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 12th, 2018

Hello. The incidence of adverse effects after vaccination are generally pretty low but can happen. The most common reaction is hair loss & pain at the vaccine site, but lethargy & gastrointestinal stasis have been reported. Most adverse effects are generally mild & self-resolving, & significantly lessen with age, but if they do continue to show symptoms, you will want to contact your veterinarian. As long as they are eating & drinking, though, I would give them a bit more time to let the symptoms subside. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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