Most rabbits undergo shock once in a while, especially when they get alarmed by a startlingly loud noise or weird event. When in shock, a rabbit’s body will go limp or shut out while it’s in shock. Their heart rate will slow down due to circulation issues, and It will be challenging to detect the shock.
Although shock isn’t something that most indoor rabbits experience, their caregivers should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms. Once you find that your rabbit has gone into shock, warm and wrap them up in a towel, then put them close to a hot water bottle.
If your rabbit experiences shock, there’s a need to take some immediate measures to relieve its symptoms before heading out. Else, the rabbit’s condition may worsen over a long drive to the veterinary clinic. What more can you do to calm the shock in your rabbit? Well, continue reading to find out!
Rabbit Shock: What is It About?
Shock is a condition most rabbits suffer when terrified in a situation, causing their body system to shut down.
When a rabbit is in shock, its organs and temperature react negatively; they might eventually lose complete sense of their surroundings. Giving appropriate care and treatment can get the rabbit to bounce back to its original state.
Out of the many causes of shock in rabbits, the most uncommon is a heart attack.
Causes Of Shock In Rabbit
Due to their high level of sensitivity, rabbits are highly vulnerable to shock. Your rabbit could go into shock if they encounter one or more of these:
- Something unusual and discomforting happens.
- Manhandling other animals or young children in your house or within the neighborhood.
- Loud, unexpected noises and light flashes from outside are examples of such occurrences.
- Specific fleas treatment can result in shock and are more dangerous than helpful.
- Your rabbit may experience shock if something unexpected or out of the ordinary happens to them.
- Occurrence of severe pest infestations and medical issues.
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Signs Of Shock In Rabbit
Even though shock may not always occur, it is crucial to understand what it looks like in your rabbit. That’s because being familiar with the symptoms of rabbit shock can help you to look out and handle them correctly when they occur. Here are some of them:
Weak Rabbit
You might want to pay attention to your rabbit if you find that they no longer respond to your touch or feel numb in your arms.
Other health issues like difficult or rapid breathing may indicate that your rabbit is weak.
Weak Pulse
Place your thumb around the vein on your rabbit’s ears to check its pulse. They can be in shock if their pulse is erratic or weak. You should always repeat this process to determine how healthy they are.
Pale Gums
Rabbits are supposed to have healthy pink gums. So, if you check your pet’s gums and find out that it has lost some shine, then it’s obvious there is insufficient blood flow in the body.
Doing this frequently can aid in preventing other diseases in your rabbit.
Glossed-over Eyes and cold Ears
Glossed-over Eyes are conditions where the rabbit lacks focus and concentration on things around their immediate environment. It can result in a dull appearance and cold ears.
You should seek assistance from a nearby veterinarian doctor if you are uncertain about your rabbit’s health.
Rabbit Shock Prevention
Helping your rabbit feel secure and confident will enable them to live longer. Although it’s impossible to safeguard your rabbit entirely, there are preventive techniques you can implement to protect your rabbit.
Keep Them Indoors
When kept indoors, rabbits are less likely to encounter predators or other frightening situations that could result in shock. Additionally, you have better odds of avoiding any infestations that could make your rabbit ill and end in shock.
Keep Your Rabbits Away From Getting Wet
Bathing your rabbits is unimportant because rabbits react badly when touched with water which can result in severe shock.
Besides, rabbit fur takes longer to dry after being wet; there’s a likelihood that the rabbit will experience hypothermia and shock.
Bring Them Close To Other Animals Sometimes
Give it your best shot by ensuring that the animals stay close to each other. Dogs and cats are your best options for this.
Also, you can allow them to move closer and socialize independently. Learn more about rabbits living in a house with other pets here.
Take Your Rabbit Desensitization Serious
Since rabbits often get nervous, you need to give them some time to understand how important it is to open up.
You can sensitize them to display self-assurance and confidence in everyday situations, which will also lessen the shock caused by fright.
How To Calm Shock In Rabbit
Often, people are advised to make a quick trip to a qualified vet when faced with rabbit shock. However, new stressful situations like car trips can worsen the rabbit’s shock. Because of this, it’s crucial to take a few simple steps at home before taking your rabbit in for an emergency veterinarian visit.
First Warm Up Your Rabbit
Warming up your rabbit should be your priority if you notice it’s going into shock. Using a warm towel to wrap the rabbit is advised to avoid burning its delicate skin. Be careful not to set the rabbit on top of a heating pad; the rabbit should be put next to it.
If you can, ensure to check your rabbit’s temperature. This will give you an overview of your rabbit’s health that you may share with your veterinarian. But, in case you don’t know how to, seek the expertise of a professional.
Call Your Vet or a Clinic Close By
As their body temperatures continue to drop, rabbits in shock can quickly deteriorate, so you would like to ensure that you don’t wait as long as possible.
So, the next best thing is to contact your veterinarian. Since there aren’t as many young rabbit veterinarians as there are for dogs and cats, there’s a tendency that the nearest one will be several hours’ drive away.
In situations like this, you should phone a nearby clinic. Let the medical personnel know about the rabbit’s current condition and get the required assistance.
Your veterinarian may give you tips to boost your rabbit’s health before taking a long car trip, based on the intensity of their condition. By doing this, you can prevent your rabbit from becoming exhausted by the stress of the car ride and worsen their health.
Emergency Appointment
The veterinarian usually will not advise you to come with your rabbit straight to the clinic. Nonetheless, they can give you a set of helpful instructions on how to issue first-aid treatments to your rabbit.
Then, as soon as your rabbit starts to feel better, you can schedule a meeting with the clinic. Keep the rabbit warm to enable an ideal body temperature before visiting the clinic for medications
At the vet’s, some fluids will be administered to your rabbits through an IV to aid in their speedy recovery. You may also be asked to give your rabbit some Rabbit Critical Care if you’re at home. That way, they will have the energy to begin healing.
What Are The Signs Your Rabbit Is Recovering
There are a couple of signs to look out for in your rabbit when it starts recovering from recovery:
They Will Begin To Eat And Drink On Their Own
Once your rabbit starts eating and drinking water themselves, it’s apparent that they are beginning to feel better. Once your rabbit starts eating on its own, keep a dish of water and some fresh greens nearby. You must also ensure that their food is handy.
Your Rabbit Will Start Gaining Strength
Another sign that your rabbit is healing is its strength recovery. For example, your rabbit may attempt to wriggle free while you’re holding it or move to a more cozy spot when they’re on the ground
If the rabbit begins to move about quickly and appears healthy, they are recuperating.
Improved Eating Habit
This is probably the clearest indicator that your rabbit is starting to feel better from the shock. You know this by the way they rush their meals and finish a bowl of water.
To check this, put some fresh vegetables next to your rabbit and watch if they will devour it or not.
The temperature will Return to Normal
Your rabbit’s temperature change is expected during the shock incidence. You can monitor its temperature to ensure it returns to normal at regular intervals. Once your rabbit has fully recovered, its temperature will return to its normal stage.
The Bottom Line
And that’s it! Whatever you do, keep your rabbits away from a noisy environment as this may result in shock. Also, get them registered in a veterinary clinic in case of emergency. Finally, check their temperature often and keep them away from wet environments.