swollen tummy in a rabbit
Signs, causes, prevention, and treatment of swollen tummies in rabbits.
Bloat is the abnormal increase in the size of the stomach or abdomen, occupied with gas or fluids.
It’s a common condition in rabbits
Rabbits are incapable of vomiting and belching; therefore, any condition that inhibits peristalsis results in the quick accumulation of gas or fluids.
The swollen stomach compresses against the blood vessels that lead to and from the heart, causing cardiovascular failure.
NB: Not every rabbit with a big stomach or abdomen should be considered bloated or abnormal; in some rabbits, it’s due to pregnancy or obesity. However, in such incidences, no signs of abnormality should be shown. All the body parameters should be normal.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY RABBIT IS BLOATED?
Signs shown by rabbits vary depending on the stage and primary cause of bloating; these include:
Ballooned stomach
Decreased fecal production
Lack of appetite
Anemia (pale mucous membranes)
Convulsions
Difficult breathing
Restlessness
Teeth grinding
Hunched posture
Abdominal pain
Irregular heart rate
Sunken eyes
Dull fur
Tense and stretched abdominal muscles
Lethargy
Moving into objects
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BLOAT OR SWOLLEN TUMMY IN RABBITS?
Overfeeding
Vigorous exercises immediately after feeding
Gastric ulcers
Post-surgical adhesions
Ingestion of foreign bodies
Cancers
Abscesses
Constipation
Impaction of the intestines with hairballs due to excessive grooming
Feeding a lot of fresh vegetables
Hepatic coccidiosis
Peritonitis
Ascites
Severe worm infestation
Clostridial infection
Intestinal strangulation
Intestinal intussusception
Moldy feeds
HOW TO PREVENT BLOAT IN RABBITS
Regular grooming
Proper feed rationing
Control parasites
Avoid abrupt changes in diet.
Regular exercises
Avoid stress
Avoid immediate exercise after feeding.
Rabbits should be bought from trusted sources.
Vegetables should be wilted before feeding them to rabbits.
HOW CAN I TREAT BLOAT IN MY RABBITS?
The selection of the correct treatment plan fully depends on the primary cause of bloating.
Commonly used management include:
Antibiotics
Antifungal
Antiparasitics
Probiotics
Anticoccidials
Surgical interventions (to excise the tumors, unwind the twisted intestines, etc.)
Abscess drainage
Analgesics
Decompress the stomach with a stomach tube.
IV fluid therapy
Discontinue feeding until the bloat is treated.
Gently massage the stomach region.
Give gastrointestinal motility stimulant agents.
Provide warmth to reduce the energy required to maintain body temperature.
Give anti-foaming agents
Bloat in rabbits is a veterinary emergency; if left unattended, it’s irreversible at a certain stage and claims life within 24 hours.
Whenever noticed, rush to the nearest vet doctor or vet clinic
Contact us call / WhatsApp +256771909946 for free consultations on the current state of your pet
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