Rabbit Wool block and Hairballs

Wool block/Hairballs
(trichobezoars)

Rabbits groom themselves simular to cats, but can not regurgitate the ingested hair like a cat can. This excess hair can develope into a stomach blockage and if left untreated can plug the entire exit of the stomach. If left untreated, your rabbit will get worse and eventually die. Longer haired breeds and rabbits who dont get hay to eat seem to be the most suceptable. Hairballs can often be detected by palpating under the left side of the ribs.

Symptoms:

slowing or stop eating

Smaller or less manure output

string of pearls - poo pellets stuck together by hair

decrese in activity level

Treatment:

Remove all pellets for 24 hours. Provide free feed hay.

Supplement with a mixture of equal parts Mollassis, meat tenderizer, fresh pineapple juice, and olive oil. This remedy can be given orally 1-3 times per day depending on severity.

You can purchase commercial hair ball remedies for cats, like Petro-malt, that can be given safely to rabbits.

Clip the wool as short as possible so the rabbit does not ingest anymore.

If your rabbit doesn't show signs of improvement within 2 days consult your Vet. A complete blockage of the intestinal tract is an emergency which generally requires immediate surgery.

Prevention:

Be aware - Keep a close eye on your rabbits.

Good grooming habits - remove excess hair during grooming will prevent the majority of it ending up in the rabbits stomach.

Proper diet - Feeding good quality grass hay daily and routinely give papaya tablets or pineapple chunks.

Exercise - Provide adequate space for exercise

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