HELP. something's wrong with my doe

[Reids Rabbits]

My doe had kits 10days ago. I noticed a couple days ago she was making small notices every once and again (grunt or sneeze)and her weight is slowly going dowm. Today when I went to check on the bunnies, I noticed her nose was all dirty, like she was digging in her soiled corner of the cage or something, but there was a dot of blood. Did she eat a kit or something....No they were all there. I sat back and watched her. She is eating, drinking and even checked on her kits but when she went poop she grunted down and made grunting noises. then she cleaned herself. I noticed her back end looked dirty (tail) so I picked her up and flipped her over to take a look. WOW, her groin area was filthy, discharge and swollen. I was shocked. I took some pictures, what can she have? or whats wrong? Please help, advise ....

 

[Demamma]

Can you clean her up with some warm water that way you can see better. Also I would want to clean her up to cut down on more infection.

 

[Dood]

what can she have? or whats wrong?

looks like diarrhea/enteritis but too much junk in the way. Wash her off and take more pictures.

She could have a uterine infection from a retained kit or placenta, or a prolapsed uterus, or a perforation between the colon and birth canal.

I would start weaning those kits ASAP

 

[Miss M]

Oh, poor bun!

 

[Reids Rabbits]

so I tried the warm cloth to clean, it wasnt helping. So I bathed her bottom and really no change. I don't think she has discharge after getting a better look. The fur is just all colored and matted up. I tried clipping away a bit of the fur. Her urine had a lil bit of a tint of pink to it. every time she peed, she bared down and grunted. I am assuming urine infection. By her tail there is a split in her skin. I will attach a couple pics but they arent that great! Her bottom is never this dirty and with it being a bit swollen, I am concerned.

If I have to wean the kits, how do I do so as they are only 10days old. I could transfer a couple to my other doe (her kits are 13days)but she already has a large litter.


<br /><br />__________ Sun Apr 07, 2013 3:48 pm __________<br /><br />

what can she have? or whats wrong?

looks like diarrhea/enteritis but too much junk in the way. Wash her off and take more pictures.

She could have a uterine infection from a retained kit or placenta, or a prolapsed uterus, or a perforation between the colon and birth canal.

I would start weaning those kits ASAP

She definitely doesn't have diarrhea. Her pooped at solid and normal. I have to guess urine infection.

 

[Miss M]

I would not transfer them to another doe, due to the chances of transferring the infection.

I would clip away as much fur at and around the site as possible. I would put antibiotic ointment on the split skin, and maybe the whole area... or that Vetericyn or Blu-Kote that some others have and I need to get.

I would put rolled oats (kitchen oatmeal) in the nestbox for the kits to start nibbling on. Maybe get some evaporated goat's milk in case you need to start feeding them formula. There are several recipes... mine is 1/2 Cup evaporated (therefore double strength) goat's milk, 1/2 Tablespoon corn syrup, and one egg yolk. If you notice any slowdown in their growing, I'd start supplementing. The stress may cause her to slow milk production.

 

[Secuono]

Her vulva looks super swollen or there's something in there. Can you feel it and see what it might be? Infection, prolapse or something stuck/clogged.

 

[ladysown]

She has a uterine infection.

you need to clip back all hair. and put a whack on antibiotic on that and keep it dry.

you need to help those kits survive another 7 days or so and then they can be weaned. Even at 10 days old you can wean them but you'll need to dish feed them (goats milk and some oatmeal and hay). I'd take them away from mom and bring them to her once a day. Make sure she's able to stay dry. I'd be putting some towels or something in her cage to lie on.

I would not be keeping the doe for future litters.

 

[Reids Rabbits]

Thanks Ladysown. I put a towel in and made sure her straw was clean and dry. She is peeing frequently in small amounts and you can tell it is uncomfortable for her. I'll call the vet and get some antibiotic cream today and try and shave her bottom.

Dont kits have to eat twice a day?

 

[OneAcreFarm]

She needs some systemic antibiotics as well...I would start her on Pen G or DuraPen, injectable as soon as possible. She likely has a bladder/kidney infection and a uterine infection. The vet is going to charge you A LOT of money to treat her. You can get the PenG or DuraPen from feed stores usually. Look here for dosage info... http://www.morfz.com/rx/drugcalc.html

 

[ladysown]

kits will be fine eating once a day, you want to lessen the load on her. you'll be supplementing them with a dish of goat milk, some oatmeal and hay. They will fine. Once they are 17 days old they can be completely weaned. I have saved a litter of 10 day old kits before just using hay, oatmeal, poops from healthy rabbits, and goat's milk.

 

[Reids Rabbits]

Thanks guys. I'll try this and check out our feeds store.

Jenn

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

I don't have anything to add that wasn't already said, just wanted to add, best of luck. Hopefully some meds and time and she'll be well again.

 

[Teddy2511]

I'm sorry to hear that you doe is not doing well! How is she doing today?
I don't have anything else to add either, but just wanted to say that I hope she heals quickly!

 

[Miss M]

YES, best of luck to you, the doe, and the litter! :clover:

I wanted to add that I have found it much easier to give injections in the side, rather than the scruff (which is a common site on cats). Most of my rabbits just don't have much scruff. Even my doe who has enough skin for two rabbits her size doesn't have much scruff skin!

Tegan provided a good tutorial on giving subQ injections, in case you haven't done it before. how-to-give-a-subcutaneous-injection-t8690.html