My rabbit isn't eating and looks sick. What should I feed him?

Hello. It sounds like your rabbit may have signs of gastrointestinal stasis, which means the GI tract has slowed down, usually as a result of a rabbit that stops eating. Rabbits will stop eating for a number of reasons - their teeth may be overgrown, their tooth roots may be infected, they could also have any other systemic disease (respiratory, urinary, infection, etc). As you can see, the causes are many and its impossible to say what is the underlying cause for sure without an exam and testing (usually radiographs, blood work, etc). Regardless of the cause, GI stasis is potentially fatal if left untreated. Therefore, I would urge you to get veterinary care ASAP. In the meantime, syringe feed Hobie with a liquid hay diet, ideally Oxbow herbivore critical care if you can get some, or soak the hay pellets in warm water to make a slurry. The best thing to keep the GI tract healthy is fiber and hydration, so hay is the foundation of health. I see in the first picture a pellet mix with maybe some oats, corn, and/or seeds mixed with the pellets. This is not an appropriate diet for rabbits as they are selective feeders and usually pick out the concentrates. These pellet mixes significantly increase the incidence of dental disease and obesity. I recommend a 100% timothy hay pellet, ideally Oxbow brand. Feed 1/4 cup timothy hay pellets, free choice grass hay, and 2 cups fresh greens a day with fresh water available in a bowl and sipper.

Look for Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores. Your veterinarian may stock it or you may be able to find it online. If Fluffy is not eating at all, this should be considered a veterinary emergency. Have her physically examined by your veterinarian, a vet experienced in treating rabbits or at the nearest veterinary ER. It is critical to get her eating normally to keep her gut moving. Gut stasis can be life threatening in rabbits.

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 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/

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry that your little rabbit isn't feeling well. I agree it sounds like it might be GI stasis or a blockage and this is very serious. If there are any 24 hour vets you can go to then I would go right away. Otherwise, you can dilute the critical care with water as it says on the package, and feed it every 2 hours. You can try adding a bit of pineapple juice as well. If the abdomen isn't bloated you can try gentle massage of the abdomen, but only if your little rabbit doesn't seem sore. Best of luck with your little one, and get it to a vet as soon as possible!

Based on what you are describing him I would be concerned about gastric stasis in your rabbit. This can be a common condition that occurs when a bunny stops eating. The stomach will fill with a lot of gas and the rabbit will be very painful and uncomfortable. If you are able to continue giving the critical care supplement I would recommend doing that. If Pepper stops eating that, continues to seem lethargic, or stops pooping, then you will need to take him into the vet to be examined because other medications will be needed to help restore GI motility. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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.