Alternative/Complimentary Remedies
Alternative Remedies
I don't have a purely 'conventional medicine' approach - in fact I often advise feeding various plants for their beneficial properties, however those recommendations are the result of thorough and extensive research from citable and scientific sources.
ANY complimentary approach, therapy or remedy - be it homeopathy, plants, Colloidal Silver, DME, over the counter remedies etc can NEVER replace timely and prompt veterinary attention - especially in an emergency.
Below some of the more common alternative remedies that are often recommended in groups and via Google are discussed.
Gripe Water
Gripewater is not - in my opinion safe or honestly even useful, to use with rabbits and has no proven efficacy via formal studies. The formula used in NZ (it varies hugely from country to country) contains Sodium Bicarbonate (listed as Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate - which is the IUPAC name for it, on the label but they are one and the same chemical). This neutralises acid and this is an undesirable thing for a rabbit because a rabbit's stomach is very acidic and it needs to stay that way to function properly. It also has no proven effect on gas in the GI tract.
Any remedy you are considering giving to your rabbit should only be used to address specific issues that your rabbit may have at the time, and should not be given daily.
Gripewater is basically water, Baking Soda and a sweetener with a bit of Dill oil in it. I feel that if Gripewater was effective and safe, it would be mentioned and recommended in relevant texts and studies, which it is not.
Infacol / Simethicone
For some time Infacol / Simethicone has anecdotally been touted as a remedy to help with gas in a rabbit's digestive tract during episodes of GI stasis and bloat. However any substantive research related to its use in exotic animals - including rabbits, is extremely limited and the following article has questioned its use and efficacy in regard to rabbits -
Therapeutic Review: Simethicone. Megan K. Watson DVM, MS. JEPM Volume 23, Issue 4, October 2014. 415-417 from the Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine
These excerpts explain why -
...Essentially, Simethicone works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, causing the bubbles to break or to merge with other bubbles within the GI tract that can then be more easily passed...
..However, the mechanism of action should be taken into consideration. In most cases of GI stasis, excessive gas production is present in large amounts and not necessarily in the form of small frothy bubbles. As Simethicone works to break small bubbles or merge smaller bubbles into a larger bubble to expel from the body, it may not be as effective in cases of rabbit GI stasis...
So basically, rabbits do not form small frothy bubbles in their gut. They form large bubbles. Infacol is designed to break the surface tension of small frothy bubbles to make a large bubble ... so, giving it to a rabbit in stasis is almost certainly of no benefit.
Further, some so called reputable sources are advocating adding Infacol or grip water to home made treats etc to feed a rabbit to guard against stasis. This demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding in regard to the actions of these remedies and simply put, is a complete waste of time and can lead to a dangerous false sense of security.
Rabbit savvy vets have advised WW that rehydration of the gut with electrolytes followed by syringe feeding Critical Care or similar (after confirming there is not a blockage or bloat) in addition to administering prokinetic drugs and pain relief is more effective at addressing GI stasis in rabbits.
Aromatherapy
Animal Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Safety - by Kelly Holland Azzaro
* NOTE - WW does NOT recommend the use of Tea Tree Oil with rabbits as it is extremely toxic to animals and is best avoided entirely.
Essential Oils for Pets – Medicine or Toxin?
Diatomaceous Earth / DME
WW does not encourage or condone the use of DME on or around rabbits as it is potent lung irritant if inhaled and can irritate eyes and skin. In addition it has the potential to cause GI tract irritation and damage if fed.
Diatomaceous Earth - No Thankyou!
Essential Oils and Rabbits
The only essential oil that we consider safe to use around your rabbit is Lavender oil. A little can be used dotted around their enclosure on occasion at times of stress - but do not use 24/7 or long term.
Cat nip spray (as made for cats) can be used on occasion to help calm your rabbit during times of stress - bonding, car journeys. Give one spray in the carrier or a couple in the area that the bonding session is taking place in.
WW does NOT recommend the use of Tea Tree Oil on or near rabbits as it is extremely toxic to animals and is best avoided entirely .
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe for Pets?
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is a complementary medicine and should never replace conventional medicine in an emergency WW does not advise giving colloidal silver by mouth/orally to a rabbit.
Colloidal Silver - National Centre for Integrative and Complementary Health
Colloidal Silver: Risk Without Benefit
Silver supplement warnings - Harvard Medical School
Copyright - 2020 Jen Herd/Westley’s World