Bleugh, Rhia

Bleugh, This is so strange. Tonight I was thinking Yep we were right to leave these tests & stuff for now, Rhia was zooming around, binkying and jumping on & off the barbeque. We even commented on how brilliantly she was doing. The next she was just flawed, her nose was wet & she was lifeless apart from her body literally bouncing to try and breathe whilst she was lay flopped out. We're quite used to these little episodes now, but tonight was pretty awful. Oddest thing is that within five minutes its like it never happened. Looks like Im going to have to push for this bloody heart scan after all...

I know it's a long shot but have you considered a dietary deficiency at all Becki?

Sooz wrote:I know it's a long shot but have you considered a dietary deficiency at all Becki?

What kind of dietary deficiency would that be? She is 100% fine until she exercises. Obviously the 'answer' would be to stop exercise...but shes a rabbit, you just couldn't keep her caged up forever - Its too cruel, but like Mum said tonight, This is the alternative. I have been putting off going to see Zoe, because it causes Rhi so much distress & I don't see what good would come out of a visit as she isn't poorly in herself & her condition hasnt changed since the last time they saw her. Im not sure what to do at all x

Perhaps as an alternative to the heart scan, you could treat her as if it was a heart problem, as a means of getting a diagnosis? If everything else has been ruled out, and see if she improves on the meds? This is what they do with rats usually, as a scan would require sedating them which is risky in little critters, especially when there's the possibility of heart problems

Sooz wrote:I know it's a long shot but have you considered a dietary deficiency at all Becki?

Were you thinking something like potassium, Sooz?

Sorry to hear Rhia still isn't well, Becki. x

I was thinking more along the lines of selenium as that can affect muscle function due to a toxin build-up. I have absolutely no proof that this is the case nor can I prove it, it's just a theory.

I wouldn't think trying her on a Vit.E supplement would hurt either way though.

Karly, I'm not entirely sure what could be done in terms of treatment etc. I need to talk in length to my vet, but one thing I know for sure is that Rhia is such a happy bunny, so full of life, that I don't want to start messing around with things that might compromise that. Its hard. Sarah, If it was potassium that Sooz was thinking of - then I think thats whats related to eating tomato? And I make sure I give her one every so often (much to her distaste..) because of reading about the links to 'Floppy rabbit syndrome', just to 'cover ours backs' sort of thing. The last time she had it was only the night before last X

Sooz wrote:I was thinking more along the lines of selenium as that can affect muscle function due to a toxin build-up. I have absolutely no proof that this is the case nor can I prove it, it's just a theory.

I wouldn't think trying her on a Vit.E supplement would hurt either way though.

Might be seeming a bit thick here, but is a vitamin E supplement something i can just buy as a tablet or...? I havent heard about what you mentioned before but something relating to muscles is a definately possibility. I take it this wouldnt have shown up in her bloods? XX

Rabbits require:

Vitamin E
Rabbits require about 1mg Vitamin E/kg body weight per day
A level of 40mg/kg diet is recommended

Read HERE forsome information on Vitamin E & Selenium deficiency in rabbits.

I gave my Selenium deficient rabbit one oil capsule squeezed onto food once a week and then once a fortnight once he was under control.

Sorry I have no advice Becki but I have big hugs and lots of vibes x

That sounds well scary, sorry I can't help but I hope Rhia gets better

Poor Rhia, hope you eventually figure out whats up with her, have some head rubs for her and Daniel (and hugs for you x)

Thanks folks, Shes doing great otherwise - which is what we try to focus on I need to call the vet, think Im burying my head in the sand a bit & instead i need to accept its happening & sort it. Sooz, Cheers for the link...Im not sure what I make of the author & her info though, Do you feel the same? XX

Gosh, I can't help either, but good luck - must be awful

Sending vibes, poor Rhia. It must be very frightening for you all.