Posted by Melony on 17/2/2009, 9:26 pm, in reply to "sick bunny"
124.188.83.195
I am so sorry for your loss. It's heartbreaking having to see them die and feel so helpless.
Are these young rabbits? I assume by the mention of brothers and sisters, this was a young litter. How old are they? Are they still with the mother or feeding alone now? If the latter, what are they eating? Is there any sign of scouring (the runs)? Are they eating, drinking and pooping?
My experience with calici has been that often there are minimal signs. I lost 4 a few years ago and the only way we knew the cause was due to lab tests on tissue from the liver. It's simply not possible to say by looking at them that it's definitely -not- VHD. My vet was very dubious until the results came back. There was no obvious bleeding, they were just 'off', quiet and died within about 12 hours or so. Like yours some went very quietly and some had fits.
I'm not saying this is what's happening in this case (especially since it has been happening over a number of weeks), just that you can't ignore any possibility. Calici can live for about 60 days on a piece of cloth, it can survive high temperatures and be transported in dirt. That's how we think my buns got it, soil in a bale of hay.
The big thing right now is to make sure they're getting enough food and drink. If they won't eat you may have to syringe feed. You can get some Critta Care for Herbivores from Veta-Farm (they have an online shop) or your vet may be able to order some quicker, only do this if they're not being fed by mum. It mixes with water and is very easy to use. When you syringe the food in, don't do too much at once and don't have the bunny on it's back or they may take it into their lungs. Syringe water as well if they're not getting enough. If they're still being fed by mum but not drinking you'll again have to step in. There's some excellent suggestions here
http://groups.msn.com/AngiesArk/handrearing.msnw
although that's for orphaned rabbits, the advice can be used for sick babies as well.
Keep them warm and comfortable and don't underestimate the power of TLC. It really does make a huge difference.
I'm not sure what state you are in but if you check here
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/PB_vets.html
http://www.boingonline.com/rabbit_vet_lis.html
http://members.shaw.ca/cocoasun/AustralianRabbitVets.htm
There are links to various vets around Australia that are very familiar with rabbits and their problems. Even if you can't get to one, they may be willing to speak to you over the phone or consult with your vet.
Lots of luck and I hope the situation improves for you and your fur babies. I'll be thinking of you all.
Melony
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