I recently adopted a rabbit and noticed that my rabbit seemed to have lost his appetite. I can see how he loses weight. I don’t want to jump on the panic wagon too soon and rush him to a vet, but I am concerned about why does my rabbit not eat anymore and why is he losing weight?
The main cause of rabbits that stop eating and losing weight is a gastrointestinal issue named Ileus. Other factors that cause a rabbit to lose their appetite include dental diseases, chronic anxiety, and stress-related issues due to loneliness, lack of affection, or a too-small enclosure.
When I noticed a change in my rabbit’s behavior and eating habits, I realized that he was losing weight. I got concerned, so I started to research what the causes could be. I knew I would need to take my rabbit to a vet if it got worse. During my research, I discovered a lot about this and thought I would share what I found.
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Why Doesn’t My Rabbit Eat Anymore? – Weight Loss In Rabbits
Several things can cause your rabbit to stop eating or eat less than normal, which can lead to weight loss in your rabbit. But according to the research, the main cause for rabbits not having an appetite is a gastrointestinal problem called Ileus.
What Is Ileus, And What Can Cause A Rabbit To Get It?
Ileus is a gastrointestinal disorder that prevents the rabbit’s food from moving through the colon to the rectum and causes the rabbit’s intestines to get blocked and constipated.
When a rabbit feels bloated from Ileus, it loses its appetite. This disease is also very painful for your rabbit. In the next section, we will discuss the many factors that can trigger Ileus in a rabbit.
Factors That Can Trigger And Aggravate Ileus In Rabbits
Certain conditions can trigger Ileus in rabbits, causing the rabbit to feel sick and lose its appetite, such as;
- stress,
- inappropriate food ingestion,
- underlying disease,
- dehydration,
- lack of exercise.
What To Do If You Think Your Rabbit Might Have Ileus
Ileus is a serious health issue and risk for rabbits. If you suspect your rabbit might have Ileus, you will need to get your rabbit to your nearest vet if the problem persists. The vet can properly diagnose your rabbit and give your rabbit the correct treatment.
If your rabbit has stopped eating and lacks an appetite, there are a few measures you can take to help keep your rabbit hydrated and fed. Keep in mind the measures listed below are only suggestions, but you can contact your vet for approval to use these tips to help your rabbit until you can get it to a vet.
You can start giving your rabbit syringe feeding if it does not want to eat. You can give it food like soft baby food, mainly pulped mixed vegetables like carrots. You can also give your rabbit water with a syringe.
Keep your rabbit warm as rabbits with Ileus can become hypothermic and delay your rabbit’s recovery. You can use fleece blankets and a heating pad to keep the rabbit warm.
What Foods Can Be Given To A Rabbit With Ileus
Certain food products are available at your vet or animal feed stores that can help your rabbit with Ileus to ingest foods more easily. The vet will provide the correct information on the best-suited foods for your sick rabbit.
The one product you can use is Oxbow Critical Care*. It is a powdered hay formula that can be mixed with water, and you can feed your rabbit using a syringe. You can give it to your rabbit as part of a nutrient-rich and balanced diet for your rabbit. The formula also comes in multiple flavors: original, apple-banana and anise flavor.
If you don’t have access to this product, you can also try grinding rabbit pallets and mixing them with water. You can feed your rabbit using a syringe. You can use Emeraid Intensive Care Herbivore; this product can be an alternative to syringe feeding your rabbit. You can feed your rabbit 20 – 30 ml twice a day.
How To Reduce The Risk Of My Rabbit Contracting Ileus
A rabbit’s digestive system is sensitive, and Ileus is a dangerous condition that can be fatal for the rabbit. But with extra care, you can prevent your rabbit from contracting this disease.
- Excessive stress is harmful and dangerous to your rabbit.
- Learn your rabbit’s routine, and if you notice a difference in their eating and pooping, seek help from your vet.
- Give your fresh water daily to reduce impactions.
- Ensure a high quality of hay and grass as a source of fiber in your rabbit’s diet keeping their gut healthy. Rabbit pellets are good, but they also need extra nutrient intake.
- Avoid making sudden changes to your rabbit’s diet.
- If you notice behavioral changes in your rabbit, loss of appetite, or digestive changes, seek help from your vet.
Other Reasons Preventing My Rabbit From Eating – Weight Loss
While Ileus is the main cause of weight loss and appetite loss in your rabbit, there are other reasons your rabbit might be sick. There are dental diseases that can also cause your rabbit to lose its appetite, as it can be too painful for your rabbit to eat.
Another dental issue can be ingrown upper teeth. If your rabbit’s upper teeth grow too long, it can damage or puncture its lower gums. It will be too painful to eat and can lead to abscesses.
Stress can be another reason for your rabbit’s lack of appetite. Rabbits need attention, the right size enclosure, and regular exercise. If one or more of these are lacking, your rabbit might get stressed and anxious. Another reason might be that your rabbit is lonely; giving your rabbit a rabbit friend will help your rabbit socialize and feel at ease.
Conclusion
If your rabbit starts losing its appetite and stops eating, it is dangerous, and you need to get your rabbit to your nearest vet. Remember, you need to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Look for the signs we mentioned above to ensure your rabbit is eating. With your vet’s approval, you can feed your rabbit some of the products we discussed.
