What is the best treatment for hairballs in cats?
Best hairball medicine overall: Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy for Cats. Best hairball relief supplements: Vet’s Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid. Best gel hairball medicine: Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel. Best hairball prevention treats: Feline Greenies Hairball Control Smart Bites.
How long does gut stasis last?
Treatment of GI stasis varies depending on severity and underlying causes. Recovery is often slow and may take several days to weeks. Fluid therapy — Many affected rabbits are dehydrated or suffering from electrolyte imbalances. Simethicone — This medication helps to reduce the amount of gas in the digestive tract.
How do you get rid of rabbit hairballs?
How To Treat Hairballs in Rabbits
- Abdominal massage. Sometimes, careful massaging of the stomach can help move the obstruction along.
- IV fluids. Your vet may recommend administering fluids to help rehydrate your rabbit’s digestive system.
- Pain relief.
- Digestive stimulants.
- Enzyme tablets.
- Hairball removal surgery.
How do you treat GI stasis at home?
What to do if You Notice Early Signs of GI Problems
- INCREASE rabbit’s fiber intake: offer her a variety of fresh hays.
- DECREASE pellets for a day or two to encourage a hungry bunny to eat more hay (fiber).
- INCREASE produce.
- INCREASE water consumption to help hydrate impacted gut:
- INCREASE your rabbit’s exercise routine.
Can rabbits survive gut stasis?
Gut stasis medications (the prokinetics) are contraindicated where there is a gut blockage, as they can lead to rupture of the gut. With stabilisation, fluids, good pain relief and good nursing care, rabbits with gut blockages can survive and go on to thrive, so surgery is definitely worth considering.
What does GI Stasis look like in rabbits?
Rabbits with GI stasis often look bloated, pass little to no stool, and have big, gas-filled stomachs and intestines on X-rays. Blood tests often reveal evidence of dehydration and abnormal electrolyte values. There may also be changes associated with other underlying diseases (such as kidney or liver disease).
How do you know if your rabbit has a hairball?
Rabbits that develop hairballs may exhibit at least one of the following symptoms: lack of stool production, large amounts of hair visible in the stool, decreased appetite, weight loss, and even death. The severity of the symptoms depends on how long the hairball has been forming in the digestive system of the rabbit.
Does pineapple juice help rabbits?
According to the 2014 Textbook of Rabbit Medicine: “Pineapple juice or proteolytic enzymes have been recommended as remedies for hairballs because they are reputed to dissolve hair. Pineapple is packed with sugar. Giving too many sugary foods can upset a rabbit’s digestion in the first place.
How do you reverse GI Stasis in rabbits?
Treatment of GI Stasis
- Motility drugs (like cisapride) which help stimulate movement in the digestive system.
- IV fluids which help soften the mass in the intestines.
- Pain medication to alleviate discomfort due to gas buildup.
- Syringe feeding of Critical Care to ensure the rabbit continues to get essential nutrients.
Does Pineapple help with GI stasis?
Pineapple got an undeserved reputation as a natural stasis remedy due to the enzyme bromelain. When the gut slows down or stops during stasis, food (and even hair) accumulates into a dehydrated mass that is reluctant to pass through. Even if bromelain could solve the problem, it wouldn’t survive the journey there.
How does a cat get rid of a hairball?
Cats either vomit the hairball as a thin, tube-like clump or poop it out. Cats use their rough-textured tongues to dislodge dirt and remove dead hair, making way for new growth. Cats spend 25% of their lives grooming themselves, so it’s no surprise that some of this dirt and fur ends up in their stomachs.
How often does a cat pass a hairball?
According to the Journal of Feline Medicine, 10% of short-haired cats and 20% of long-haired cats bring up a hairball once a month. Cats either vomit the hairball as a thin, tube-like clump or poop it out. Cats use their rough-textured tongues to dislodge dirt and remove dead hair, making way for new growth.
What should I do if my rabbit has a hairball?
Small hairballs can often be shifted by adding more fiber to your rabbit’s diet. Feed them unlimited first cut Timothy hay, plenty of water, and fibrous snacks such as raspberry twigs. Pineapple juice can also help. But if the hairball is large, your rabbit may need veterinary intervention, including surgery.
What should I do if my cat throws up hair?
Typically, the hair passes through the stomach and digestive system without a problem. If a large amount gets stuck, however, your cat can throw it up, producing a hairball. The occasional hairball generally isn’t a cause for concern, and it doesn’t indicate a serious problem.