Astrid arrived at HRS last year after being transferred from a local shelter in urgent need of medical care. She had two serious abscesses—one in her abdomen and another in her leg.

Simone arrived at HRS in December after being transferred from a local shelter. She’s a tiny but mighty bunny—under four pounds—with a big personality. Despite multiple pelvic fractures and a splay leg, she doesn’t let anything slow her down!

Humans who live with rabbits quickly learn the four most important signs of rabbit health – eating, pooping, drinking, and peeing. Despite being wise and resilient little beings, they are also fragile animals who hide illness far too well.  Gastrointestinal distress is a symptom of one such illness.  If the medical crisis is missed, it can even lead to death. It’s a heartbreaking circumstance that can take less than twelve hours to occur.

“When in doubt, go to the vet” is a bunny parent’s mantra. There’s no substitute for seeing a rabbit-savvy veterinarian* and getting your rabbit the professional instruction and care they need, especially in an emergency.

However, due to COVID-19 protocols, staffing shortages, and other challenges at veterinary offices, it may be difficult right now to get an immediate appointment with your vet, or even get to an emergency vet. It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit with emergency supplies on hand in case your rabbit isn’t able to see a vet right away.

Sludge is made of excess calcium. It’s normal for a rabbit to pass excess calcium from the body through the urinary tract, but in some rabbits, calcium salts build up and thicken in the bladder, forming bladder sludge.