Bloat in young rabbits
Symptoms:
Symptoms of bloat are usually sitting hunched up, grinding teeth, and generally looking despondent.
Can be caused by:
Bloat is usually caused by gassy greens or moldy feed. Gassy greens include beans and brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.). Some rabbits can handle brassicas, but it is recommend to avoid feeding them, especially in young rabbits. There are some bugs that can also cause bloat, but they are much less common. Mucoid enteritis often causes bloat (and definitely causes diarrhea), and is a fairly common reason that young rabbits (under 12 weeks) die.
Possible treatments:
Infant simethicone (gas drops)
Symptoms of bloat are usually sitting hunched up, grinding teeth, and generally looking despondent.
Can be caused by:
Bloat is usually caused by gassy greens or moldy feed. Gassy greens include beans and brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.). Some rabbits can handle brassicas, but it is recommend to avoid feeding them, especially in young rabbits. There are some bugs that can also cause bloat, but they are much less common. Mucoid enteritis often causes bloat (and definitely causes diarrhea), and is a fairly common reason that young rabbits (under 12 weeks) die.
Possible treatments:
Infant simethicone (gas drops)