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Rabbits/Rumbling or watery noise coming from my Rabbit's stomach

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Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/20/2009


Question
Hi Dana,

My rabbit MoMo is 2 years old and we have recently moved to a new apartment.

As I was watching him in his cage, I heard a faint watery noise from his stomach. It was very soft as I had to mute the Tv to be sure whether it was from his stomach. After giving his stomach a soft massage, I can feel it moves and feel a little rumble as I rub it over it softly. Is this normal for a rabbit or is it something to worry about?

I did my research over the internet and many gas or stomach rumbling issue seems to link to GI stasis which worries me a bit. He doesnt seem to be acting out of the norm, he is still active, eat and drink plenty like usual. So he doesnt seem to have the other symptons related to GI stasis.

Perhaps I am just a little paranoid as many of the articles describe it as loud stomach rumbling or gas noise, but mine was rather soft and could just be heard when I'm beside him.

Your opinion on this would be much appericated!

Regards
Loki  

Answer
Dear Loki,

If your bunny is acting fine and eating and drinking well, then this is a better gauge of his health than mild gurgling (which *might* be a bit of gas, but it won't be a problem unless he's acting ill otherwise).

If you suspect your bunny is ill, here is an article to help you know what to do to know if he's sick and what to do until you can get him to a good rabbit vet:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

And you can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps!

Dana

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I've lived with companion rabbits for more than 35 years, and consider them members of my family. I can answer any questions about the biology and health of rabbits, from the commonplace to the unusual. But please note:

RULE #1:
THE INTERNET IS NOT THE PLACE TO SEEK HELP IN AN EMERGENCY.

...it is an EMERGENCY.

Find a rabbit vet at www.rabbit.org/vets for immediate help, and don't risk your bunny's life by spending time asking questions online! If you can't get in touch with your vet, read these Emergency Sick Bunny Instructions.

If you have found a wild baby rabbit, please read these EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WILD BABY RABBITS and then use this link to FIND A LOCAL WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR who can give you the right advice.

RULE #2:
Help me help you! Please make your subject line informative if you have an urgent question. then LET ME KNOW IN THE SUBJECT LINE so I can give your question highest priority over non-urgent questions. If you don't do this, then I can't guarantee timely assistance!

For all the best, most accurate rabbit health, care and behavior information, visit The House Rabbit Society.

Experience

I have been rescuing domestic and wild rabbits for more than 25 years. I have written articles for many rabbit rescue publications, as well as for the veterinary journal, Exotic DVM. I own EtherBun, the internet's largest listserve dedicated to health, care, and behavior of domestic rabbits.

Organizations
Houserabbit Adoption, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (H.A.R.E., Inc.) president National House Rabbit Society (Board member)

Publications
Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide

Education/Credentials
Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English

Awards and Honors
Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)

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