Constipation in rabbits is one of the most common problems. These animals lack any control over the amount of food they absorb. They constantly eat, their stomach is almost always full of food. When any violation of the digestive tract food inside the stomach begins to decompose and poison the body. Subsequently, many complications can occur, and death is not excluded. Let's talk about the symptoms of this problem and how to competently assist your pet.
What causes constipation in rabbits
Causes of constipation in rabbits can be:
- improperly selected food or diet change;
- strong flatulence (gases accumulate in the intestine);
- getting into the intestines of a foreign object (often an animal can swallow the first item or own wool, taking it for food);
- non-compliance with the required temperature, drinking or feeding regime;
- frequent stressful situations (disturbance of the psycho-emotional calm of the animal);
- penetration and development of clostridia in the body.
Frequent stressful situations in a rabbit, as one of the causes of constipationHow do
Suspicions of the owners should arise if there are no traces of defecation of the animal completely within 24 hours. In addition, there are a number of symptoms that indicate a problem:
- swelling;
- belly rumbling;
- pain when touching the rabbit's belly;
- lack of desire to absorb any food;
- complete passivity, lethargy;
- hunched posture.
Complete passivity is one of the symptoms of constipation in rabbits.What to do, how to treat
If even the slightest suspicion arises that the rabbit has constipation, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. But if it is difficult to get an appointment without delay, it is worthwhile to master the knowledge of providing first aid to an animal with such a problem.
Rabbitheads should learn how to treat flatulence, viral hemorrhagic disease, conjunctivitis, pasteurellosis and scabies in rabbits, as well as get acquainted with infectious infectious diseases of rabbits that are transmitted to humans.
First aid
First, you need to provide the animal with unhindered access to clean drinking and hay. If he cannot drink on his own, water him from a syringe. In addition to hay, you can give him a choice of greens or juicy vegetables. If he does not eat more than 12 hours, he should be helped, but be careful that food does not get into the respiratory tract. 
It is recommended to make a rabbit massage. To do this, put the animal on its back and massage the tummy with light movements from the neck to the tail. Another option is to put it on your hind legs and massage the abdomen with the same movements. If the rabbit does not allow it, then most likely you are hurting him, so it’s best to stop the massage.
Proper nutrition for rabbits is necessary. We advise you to read when and how to feed eared animals at home, as well as consider the feeding habits of rabbits in winter.
An effective measure will also be running. Let the rabbit run for an hour or two, but no less. Physical activity will help the intestines to become more active, and, perhaps, the problem will be solved by itself.
Drug treatment
If constipation has arisen due to an infectious disease, the animal is prescribed a course of injections of the tetracycline antibiotics to avoid death. In other cases, the use of the following drugs will be effective:
- "Espumizan" to eliminate pain. Single dose - 1.75-2.5 ml / kg. Can be used up to 6 times per day. After each reception, it is recommended to do a massage.
- "Linex", contributing to the restoration of microflora. Dosage - a quarter capsule 2 times a day.
- "Pro-Colin" - restores the balance of microflora. Dosage - 1-2 ml 2-3 times a day.
Rabbit breeders should read about how to use Gamavit, Baytril, Dietrim, Rabbiwak V and Amprolium for rabbits.
Folk remedies
From folk remedies you can use a decoction of tansy and chamomile and liquid paraffin. The broth is given through a syringe (without a needle) in the first days of constipation. Vaseline oil (can be replaced with sunflower oil) is metered at 2 ml / kg every 4 hours. It acts as a laxative. Immediately after consuming the oil, the rabbit needs to run around, or give it a massage. 
What not to do
If the rabbit has constipation, do not:
- self-medicate;
- give the animal "No-shpu" and other antispasmodics, as well as laxatives;
- to massage the animal, despite its resistance.
It will probably be useful for you to learn how to choose the right rabbit when buying for breeding, and also consider what breeds of rabbits to choose for crossing.
Prevention
Preventive measures that are carried out in order to avoid constipation and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:
- the preparation of a complete balanced diet, which should include fresh hay and other greens, high-quality food, crops, vegetables, fruits, etc .;
- compliance with feeding intervals, drinking and temperature regimes;
- providing a rabbit a place for walking and active pastime;
- regular visits to the veterinarian.
A visit to the veterinarian is the prevention of constipation in rabbits Rabbits often suffer from problems with the digestive tract. They are very sensitive and react to any changes in the external environment and conditions of detention. Flaccidity, refusal to eat, bloating and gnashing of teeth are the first symptoms of constipation. Noticing this, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian. Be attentive to the health of your animal and do not self-medicate.
