You should ask your veterinarian to demonstrate how to take your rabbit’s temperature. If you do this in advance of any signs of illness, you will be prepared in case of an emergency. To take your bunny’s temperature you will want to place it on its back, either on a padded surface or your lap. Hold your rabbit’s head and shoulder against your stomach, so that its back curls into a “C” shape. Secure the rabbit’s back legs so that it does not kick. Once it is calm insert a lubricated plastic thermometer no more than one inch into its rectum. Be sure that the rabbit is well restrained and is not able to move while you take its temperature. [5] X Research source Do your best to cool your rabbit off if it has a high fever by putting cold objects up against its ears until the temperature drops to less than 104 degrees. [6] X Research source
Signs of tooth disease include loss of appetite, hair loss on chin and neck, slobbering, and drooling. Your rabbit might still show signs that it has an appetite, but is unable to eat. Perhaps it will approach food, even pick it up, before backing off and dropping it. If you believe that your rabbit might have tooth disease rub its cheeks. Any evidence of discomfort would suggest that it has a dental problem. [7] X Research source
To prepare for syringe feeding, wrap your rabbit in a towel and secure its head with an index finger under the head, and the thumb on the opposite end of the head, under the base of the skull. Insert the syringe into the gap between the incisors and cheek teeth. Begin by inserting no more than . 2 to . 5 milliliters (0. 02 fl oz) of food and never feed more than 1 milliliter (0. 034 fl oz). Too much food at one time creates the risk that the rabbit will choke. Go slowly. Then repeat with 5 to 10 milliliters (0. 17 to 0. 34 fl oz) of water.
Gastrointestinal problems are usually accompanied by a drastic, sometimes complete decrease in fecal production. Keep your rabbit comfortable and hydrated until you get to the vet. Gas pain will typically cause below average body temperature. If your rabbit’s temperature is below 101⁰F, it might suffer from gas pain.
If your bunny seems to be physically unable to eat, feed with a syringe as described above.
You can also rub styptic powder, plain flour, or a bar of soap on the end of the nail to help stop the bleeding. [14] X Research source
Place food and water close to the rabbit in an enclosed space. This way it will not need to move to take care of itself. [15] X Research source
Apply pressure with a towel or gauze to stop bleeding. Once bleeding has stopped, wash the area with Nolvasan. Then apply Neosporin, triple antibiotic ointment. Do not use Neosporin Plus.
