A shock can become a life-threatening situation. In a state of shock, the rabbit’s circulation fails, and it does not receive proper blood flow.
Symptoms:
- Lethargic behavior (sitting or lying in one place)
- Shallow or rapid breathing
- Low body temperature
- Pale mucous membranes
- Possibly reduced or no food intake
- The rabbit appears weak or lethargic
Causes:
- Rank battles (leading to trauma, pain)
- Accidents/injuries/predator attacks (leading to trauma, pain, blood loss)
- Diseases (causing pain, septicemia)
- …
Treatment:
- Infusions (preferably intravenously, not subcutaneously), preferably full electrolyte solutions
- Possibly Effortil for circulatory stabilization
- Warmth (bring outdoor rabbits inside, possibly under a heat lamp or on a warm water bottle, but do not overheat!)
- Temperature monitoring
- Pain relief
- Antibiotics depending on the cause
- The rabbit should remain in a calm, familiar environment with other comforting animals until it improves. Lifting or changing the environment causes stress and should be avoided.
