bucks

Bloat as the name suggests is a build up of gases in the rabbits stomach. The rabbit will not be interested in food and will probably be hunched up as well as possibly grinding it's teeth, all indicating pain. Rabbits will often eat their mix very quickly, too fast for proper digestion, so food can't move properly along the gut. The rabbit won't be very interested in getting any attention and will probably be quite lethargic if you hold it. You will be able to feel a large lump in it's belly, which is the build up of gas.

The natural and most effective way to treat this is with a dose of senna syrup, available from chemists at a dosage of approx 1ml for 500g body weight. The gentle laxative effect moves the blockage along the intestines within a short time. If given promptly enough this is the best treatment for bloat. However, if the rabbit has gone into a state of gut stasis, a visit to the vet for medical treatment with something to stimulate movement in the intestines is immediately necessary.

back to Rabbit Care

back to homepage