Hairballs In Rabbits
Like cats, rabbits (especially Angora rabbits) frequently develop hairballs within their stomachs. But unlike cats, rabbits cannot vomit. As a result, hair that is swallowed from frequent grooming passes into the stomach and remains there. Over time, the hair develops into a solid mass. As the hairball increases in size, it begins to occupy more and more of the stomach, leaving less room for food. Initial signs of a hairball problem include reluctance to eat pellets and more interest in eating greens and treat items. Later signs include inappetence, smaller fecal pellets or none passed at all, weakness, weight loss and, eventually, death from starvation. Surgery is often necessary to remove the hairball from the stomach. Some cases can be successfully managed more conservatively with judicious use of fresh pineapple or papaya products and intestinal lubricants. For this reason, conservative treatment is usually attempted before resorting to surgical intervention. Recurrence is common. Prevention involves vigorous daily brushing of the rabbit and daily use of intestinal lubricants (Laxatone, Evsco Pharmaceuticals, Buena, NJ 08310) formulated for cats. Many rabbit fanciers and veterinarians believe that feeding fresh: (not canned) pineapple juice, pineapple chunks and papaya, which contains the digestive enzyme papain, may help prevent stomach hairballs in rabbits. The suggested daily dosage of pineapple juice is 1-2 tsp. per 2 LB body weight.