Treating a rabbit with wool block / ileus

[-HRanchito]

Lost Penny today.

For posterity, I believe it is because she was already starving by the time her stomach pain/anorexia was resolved.
I don't know what caused it in the first place at this point, probably not just one thing -- a combination of stressors and mistakes and immune system weaknesses. If anyone goes through this in the future, I would recommend getting a higher calorie intake in addition to electrolytes/fluid, maybe some crushed pellets or oatmeal and to start earbulb enemas immediately.

In the future, I do not think I will take a project of this nature on again, and instead will cull -- as I am thinking her weaknesses may be passed on to her kits, and she went through a lot of pain.

Trying to find the silver lining -- As a result of this ordeal, I am now an expert at palpating rabbit stomachs, and have successfully palpated two more litters due feb 1

 

[SarahMelisse]

Hey, I am right there with you when it isn't contagious and there is actually something that I can do about it! I did a home surgery on my favorite doe to rid her of a mastitis abcess...she healed up fine and has had two litters and no more mastitis since then.

Seriously? Wow! You are totally my idol now OneAcre... :lol:

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Oh, poor Penny! She was such a pretty doe.

In the future, I do not think I will take a project of this nature on again, and instead will cull -- as I am thinking her weaknesses may be passed on to her kits, and she went through a lot of pain.

I have been there with a 6 month old Great Dane who ate fishhooks- we tried everything to save him, and put him through two surgeries, but he ultimately died and suffered a great deal before doing so.

Sometimes the kindest thing is to put them out of their misery with little or no treatment, but it is a devastatingly hard decision to make.

I'm very sorry for your loss. (((Hugs)))

How are her remaining kits doing?

 

[-HRanchito]

tentatively, I'm going to say they are doing good...There are 3 does left. two of them had stuck eyes, but it resolved after treating with tea. Naturally, the healthiest one is the one with her grandma's pinched hips. My plan is to breed a lot more and cull a lot more.

 

[SarahMelisse]

Lost Penny today.

For posterity, I believe it is because she was already starving by the time her stomach pain/anorexia was resolved.
I don't know what caused it in the first place at this point, probably not just one thing -- a combination of stressors and mistakes and immune system weaknesses. If anyone goes through this in the future, I would recommend getting a higher calorie intake in addition to electrolytes/fluid, maybe some crushed pellets or oatmeal and to start earbulb enemas immediately.

In the future, I do not think I will take a project of this nature on again, and instead will cull -- as I am thinking her weaknesses may be passed on to her kits, and she went through a lot of pain.

Trying to find the silver lining -- As a result of this ordeal, I am now an expert at palpating rabbit stomachs, and have successfully palpated two more litters due feb 1

Poor Penny... I'm so sorry to hear she didn't make it. Just try to take it as a lesson learned and now you know what to do if you ever encounter this again.

 

[Oceanrose]

So sorry to hear Penny didn't make it I hope the remaining babies turn out for you . The only thing guaranteed in rabbits is that nothing is guaranteed unfortunately!

 

[AnnClaire]

Awww, :grouphug2: so sorry for the heartache!