AboutDana 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.
If your rabbits is LETHARGIC
If your rabbit is NOT EATING
If your rabbit is PHYSICALLY INJURED (including broken bones)
If your baby rabbit has DIARRHEA
...it is an EMERGENCY.
Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian at www.rabbit.org/vets for immediate help, and don't risk your bunny's life by spending time asking questions online!
RULE #2:
Help me help you! Please make your subject line informative if you have an urgent question.
If you already have been to the vet and still need help
if you can't find an available vet with the resources above
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
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)
Question Hi...I'm a licensed CT rehabber and am trying to treat a baby cottontail for Head Tilt with your excellent article. I need the dosage for Meclizine, my vet is not familiar with it. Thank you!!!!!!!
Answer Dear Diane,
The dosage isn't really very firm. For a "big" rabbit (7 lbs. or more), we use an entire 12.5mg tablet. For a smaller rabbit, half a tablet, or an increment thereof.
For a tiny baby cottontail, you might try crushing up the tablet and suspending it in 1.25cc of clean water. That will give you a 10mg/ml suspension. It would probably be safe to administer 3-4mg/kg (which is about what we use) and see if it works. It really depends on the individual. In some, it works great. In others, you see very little effect.
I hope your little cottie is the former! Good luck!
