Rabbit Constipation:
Rabbit Constipation is due to lack of drinking water and improper diet. Constipation in rabbits can be a life threatening situation. This leads to other health complications too.
If the initial cause of constipation in rabbit is not treated, the health may decline. Untreated problems related with the irregular bowel movements may lead to gastrointestinal stasis. This disorder leads to the failure of stomach matter to transfer through the intestine correctly.
Note also that this disorder can kill rabbits.
Causes of rabbit constipation:
Low fibre diet:
There are many factors that contribute for constipation in rabbit. Low fibre diet is the main cause for rabbit’s constipation. Low intake of fluids in their diet can lead to constipation problems. Nutritious food with balanced intake of fluid is necessary for a healthy rabbit
Disease:
If rabbit is prone to any disease like hyperacidity, or sluggish liver can lead to constipation. Body becomes weak due to disease and cannot digest the food properly. This may lead to constipation. Weak abdominal muscles are also one of the causes for rabbit constipation
Bad Eating habits:
- Irregular eating habits can lead to constipation.
- There should be a fix time for the rabbit’s meal. Incomplete food chewing is another cause.
- High intake of refined food also leads to constipation.
Signs:
The owner will not notice any fecal droppings in the cage. The rabbit may look tired and will not drink or eat anything provided. The stomach area will bulge out and feel hard to touch.
Cures for rabbit constipation:
- Intake of extra amounts of fiber can help in relieving constipation.
- Intake of room-temperature water may help the digestive system to work properly.
- Intake of water can help the system to dissolve all food nutrients.
- Carrot, parsley and unlimited supply of timothy hay are helpful for digestion in rabbit. Pineapple juice and baby foods which are rich in fiber help in digestion of food and avoid the further rabbit constipation.
- Allow the rabbit to play and do plenty of exercise.
A rabbit hairball and obstruction product
Prevention:
Constipation is preventable when a rabbit is provided with a balanced diet including a nutritious feed and fluids;
- Daily supply of unlimited timothy hay and fresh water prevents rabbit constipation.
- Proper amount of rabbit pellets that has 18 to 23 percent of fiber can make the digestive system work properly.
- Avoid sudden changes in your rabbit’s diet. Changes to your rabbit’s diet should be made gradually over a period of time.
- Give them a room or other space where they can play and exercise freely.
- Regular grooming can help in reducing the habit of ingesting hair, which rabbit’s usually do. The problem of digestion thus can be avoided.
- To prevent constipation in rabbit, hair ball supplement ‘P’ is given. It is an organic food consisting quality herbs, and is good for rabbit’s digestive system.
Rabbits acquire constipation problems due to lack of drinking water and improper diet. Advanced age can also contribute to rabbit constipation. Observe the rabbit’s health conditions daily to avoid any further health issues.
