How To Diagnose and Treat Hair Blockages in Rabbits
Balls of hair can get stuck in rabbits' guts as they groom themselves.Gas pain, weight loss, and lethargy are some of the symptoms that can be caused by this.Take your rabbit to the vet for an evaluation and a treatment plan.It's difficult to deal with hair issues in animals, but they can be successfully treated.
Step 1: There are signs of gas pain.
Gas is the most obvious symptom of a hair problem.A rabbit that is in pain due to gas often hunches over in its cage and presses its belly to the floor.It can grind its teeth.gurgling may come from a rabbit's stomach.
Step 2: Pay attention to the rabbit's movements.
Changes in bowel movements are a sign of a hair problem.Rabbits with a hair problem will stop having bowel movements.If you notice that there isn't droppings in your rabbit's cage, you should have it evaluated by a vet.
Step 3: Keep an eye on your rabbit's eating habits.
Changes in eating habits can indicate a variety of health concerns.rabbits may eat more food if they have a hair problem.They can get more fiber by eating paper or wood.If your rabbit has a hair obstruction, you may notice it running quickly.The rabbit may stop eating if it has a hair problem.
Step 4: Look at your rabbit's activity level.
Sickness usually indicates changes in your rabbit's activity level.Decreased activity is an early sign of a problem.The corner of the cage is where your rabbit may spend more time.It is possible that your rabbit is more still than normal.
Step 5: Take notice of the weight loss.
Weight loss is a sign of illness in rabbits.If you notice that your rabbit is losing weight, this may be a symptom of a hair block.Unusual weight loss is a symptom of many illnesses.When not accompanied by other symptoms, weight loss should be evaluated by a vet.
Step 6: Take your animal to the vet.
It's very easy to treat hair obstructions with prompt action.As soon as you notice symptoms, make an appointment with your vet.The sooner you start treatment the better.If you don't already have a vet, look online or in the yellow pages for one with experience treating rabbits.
Step 7: Your vet can tell you if there is a hair problem.
If you bring your rabbit to the vet, they will conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis.Sometimes a physical examination is all that is required.It is common for x-rays to be taken of the stomach as well.
Step 8: Your vet can give fluid therapy.
The first treatment for hair problems is fluid therapy.The vet will inject your rabbit with fluids.It can help replenish lost fluids and loosen the obstruction in your rabbit's stomach.
Step 9: Your vet can give a stomach massage.
A stomach massage is needed to treat hair problems.Massaging the stomach can loosen hair and allow your rabbit to pass it on its own.Don't attempt to massage your rabbit's stomach on your own.A specific type of medical massage should only be done by a professional.
Step 10: Make sure your rabbit is eating.
rabbits may have difficulty eatingIn your home, keep your rabbit in a quiet spot.Chop it up to make it easier to eat.Provide your rabbit with food that will encourage it to eat.Extra green, leafy vegetables should be provided.Your rabbit has extra fiber.Discuss your rabbit's diet with your vet.Depending on your rabbit's current health, they may prescribe a special diet.A lack of fiber in the rabbit's diet can cause hair problems.If your vet thinks this is the case, they may ask you to increase the amount of fiber you feed your rabbit.
Step 11: Your rabbit should be encouraged to move.
Encourage your rabbit to get some exercise by moving around.Encourage this once your rabbit is well enough to move around.Try to get your rabbit to play with its favorite toys by letting it out of the cage.Take your rabbit for short walks if you ever use a harness.Do not do too much at once.Rest is in between a few minutes of activity.
Step 12: Your rabbit should be warm.
It's important to keep your rabbit warm at home if you have a hair problem.You can warm your rabbit up with your own body heat, and hold it for an hour at a time.Provide warm bedding and keep your rabbit in a warm area of your home.You can warm them up by putting them in the dryer.Take them out and drape them over your rabbit.You can fill water bottles with warm water.When it is cold, your rabbit will huddle next to these in the cage.The heating pads are a fire hazard and can cause burns.
Step 13: Your rabbit should be given any prescribed medications.
Your vet may prescribe something.Make sure to give your rabbit the full round of medication if your vet wants you to.Discuss the proper dosages with your vet.
Step 14: If problems persist, you should see a vet again.
With time, symptoms will stop and a hair block will pass.If symptoms don't go away after a few days, see a vet.A vet might want to check for other issues or suggest more drugs to treat the problem.Dental care and teeth filing may be recommended by the vet.