can rabbits get the hiccups?
By flyinglove
@flyinglove (167)
United States
4 responses
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
21 Apr 09
Rabbits also do actually cough. If it is excessive it does indicate heart problems. I'm not sure about humans, but it is the same in guinea pigs too.
It has to do with heart problems often causing pulmonary edema.
I'm not saying the occasional hiccup is bad, but if the rabbit does it all the time and especially after they eat, it's a bad sign.
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
21 Apr 09
Bunny hiccups are just like ours - it's a nervous system thing when the breathing and, I think, the sphincter muscle get out of synch slightly. When it's in synch it stops us choking as we swallow, so the hiccups are like "something's gone down the wrong way" when it hasn't - hence the odd choking noise in rabbits.
It's only a problem with bunnies if it goes on a long time. With Billy it's onlty a minute or so long, and always when he's run about after eating or drinking too fast.
Billy loves his food - it's why we called him Billy Bun-ter!
@bunnyhoover (406)
• United States
19 Apr 09
I thought that Tosoon was having hiccups one day and it turned out he was just barking. evidently they do that too. I have found a few articles about the hiccup thing though. bunny hiccups are sooooo damned cute! I love your bunnies.
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@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
21 Apr 09
Yes! They can't vomit (like horses) but they definitely hiccup. My Billy does it all the time - it's so funny.
They fart, too. One day Anubis (my black and cream semi-lop ear) blew a big one. She gazed at her bottom in horror, and then shot under the table.
She's a laydeee you see. A bit snooty.
@Corgiiscute (315)
• United States
17 Apr 09
Apparently, yes. I looked it up, and found a lot of questions about this.
Here's one of the answers:
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 entry:
http://www.therabbitadvocate.blogspot.com/
From what I read at each site, as long as your bunny is acting normal after that, and doesn't seem too bothered by them, it should be fine :)
If you suspect anything could be wrong, take it to the vet.
@Corgiiscute (315)
• United States
17 Apr 09
I thought the first answer on this site was good, too :)
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/704773
@flyinglove (167)
• United States
17 Apr 09
thanks! he seems perfectly fine....i just didn't know if it was even possible.
i appreciate your help!
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