by Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Manager, Miami chapter of the House Rabbit Society

Probably because of their evolutionary history as prey animals, rabbits are exceedingly stoic when they are ill or in pain. In nature, predators cue in on animals that act sick, instinctively knowing that these particular individuals will be easier to capture. Presumably, over evolutionary time, sick rabbits who had an inborn tendency to not show obvious outward signs of illness were less likely to be killed by predators while they were sick, and so were more likely than their less stoic fellow rabbits to survive their illness and leave more offspring to future generations.

The unfortunate side effect of this evolutionary marvel is that it takes a very attentive bunny parent to notice when Fluffy is feeling poorly.

A symptom as seemingly insignificant as hiding in an unusual place, sitting in a hunched position or refusing a favorite treat can signal that something is terribly wrong. Once you notice these subtle signs, there are several simple diagnostic measures you can take to determine whether an emergency trip to your rabbit-savvy veterinarian is warranted:

1. Offer a favorite treat. If Fluffy refuses it, try another. If she absolutely won't eat, it's time to move to step two.

2. Take the rabbit's temperature. If you do not know how to take your rabbit's temperature, it's a good idea to have your vet show you how to do so *before* you have an emergency. Always use a plastic thermometer, to eliminate the danger of the thermometer breaking off inside if the bunny gives a strong kick or wriggle.

Normal rabbit body temperature ranges between 101oF - 103 oF (38.3 oC - 39.4 oC). A slightly elevated temperature (around 104oF/39.9 oC) can occur due to emotional stress, heat stress or the early stages of an infection. A very high temperature (105oF/40.5 oC or higher) should be considered an emergency. Lifesaving cooling measures (ice packs, room temperature subcutaneous fluids, application of rubbing alcohol to the ears) should be begun even before you leave for the veterinarian's office. If the body temperature remains at 106oF/41/1oC or higher for any length of time, irreversible brain damage can occur, even if the bunny survives the ordeal.

A temperature lower than normal is of equal concern. Abnormally low body temperature can signify shock, or systemic infection. In the latter case, bacteria in the bloodstream use up so much of the rabbit's glucose (blood sugar) that she cannot maintain a normal body temperature. This must be treated immediately and aggressively, sometimes with intravenous antibiotics and sugar solution, which must be administered by your veterinarian. A temperature lower than 100o F is an emergency. The bunny should be wrapped in towels warm from the dryer or with a wrapped hot water bottle on the way to the emergency vet.

If the bunny is refusing treats, but body temperature is normal, it's time to move to step three.

3. Listen for normal tummy sounds. It's worthwhile for every bunny parent to invest in an inexpensive stethoscope. Place the tympanum low on the abdomen, well below the ribs, and listen for soft, intermittent gurgling sounds. If the tummy is silent, you may be facing GI Stasis. If the tummy is making loud gurgles, your bunny might have a bad case of gas. This, too, shall pass...but it might need some help from you. One to three cc's of liquid simethicone will help the bunny pass the gas and relieve pain very quickly. Also, gentle abdominal massage will get the intestines moving and help the gas bubbles start moving in the proper direction. Your vet can prescribe additional treatments, if s/he deems them necessary. Gas is a very common cause of lethargy and "acting sick" in rabbits, and it should be treated immediately to avoid complications.

Remember: if you are in doubt about your bunny's condition, don't hesitate to call your rabbit-experienced veterinarian immediately. And don't wait for an emergency to find a good rabbit-experienced vet who will be available in case of an emergency.

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