Rabbits feel pain more than most animals?

I'm afraid Bertie's been back to the vets for his tummy. We had some good weeks, and now he's back to intermitent pre-statis episodes that can last 2-3 hours. I've managed to ward off full stasis by syringing water and Infacol, and massaging his belly, which brings on poo and then he's fine.
Sunday we had 1/2 a day of it and yesterday we took him to be examined. I was hoping for an X-ray but we've been advised to quarantine him for a week to one room, and remove anything that he can eat in there, which we've done. If there is another episode, then they will do a Barium X-ray. The vet was unable to say if the problem was related to his previous poisoning, or what.

She also said something I've never read or heard before, that Rabbits feel pain more than most animals, so when he is having this discomfort, he will be in pain as well, and has given us Metacam to have in, for when this happens again. I'm a bit surprised that with all the things I've read and listened to, I've not heard this before, but it has made me very aware of handling him when he does do it, and bizarrely, last night, he'd been back 2 hours and it happened again. I was up til 1 with him, he was just laying in his litter tray. After tummy rubs, water and Infacol, he eventually pood, and started eating Hay, and today, so far, you'd not know anything had happened.

I don't doubt my vet, but is this pain thing common Knowledge?

Oh Jay, how disappointing.

Poor Bertie, after all he's been through recently. It's horrible when they are just lying in their tray in discomfort.

Personally I've not heard that buns feel pain more than other animals.

Sending lots of vibes for Bertie's tummy xx

What a worry for you, Jay. I hope that Bertie's tummy settles down and he gets a bit of relief.

poor bertie. glad he is better though. i've not heard that before.

Not heard that before, but im sending loads of vibes and kisses to Bertie :luv: Hope he feels better soon x

Not heard that one before. Maybe the vet meant that they react to it worse - like going into stasis / not eating because of it etc???

I think what the Vet may have meant is that Rabbits hide pain a lot more than other Pets. Being prey animals it is in their best interests to do so thus not showing vulnerability to predators. I dont think the Vet meant Rabbits feel more pain as such, just that because they dont show pain some people may assume they dont feel it.

Also, when Rabbits are in pain it triggers a physiological response which causes the slowing down of GI function and a drop in blood pressure. Hence the need to provide additional warmth (heat pad/heat lamp) to a poorly Bun.

I am sorry to hear that Bertie has tummy trouble
In my experience Rexes are prone to having a more delicate GI tract.

Thanks for your wishes folks, and thanks for that Jane Yesterday, no problem, so far so good

Am pleased to hear Bertie is feeling better xxx