Fur Block

Cause:
Matted, undigested fur in the stomach (hair ball) blocking the opening to the small intestines.

Symptoms:
Rabbit eats very small amount or stop eating entirely.

Treatment:
Give an oral dose of mineral oil for 3 consecutive days (use a syringe without a needle and administer 10cc daily).


Fur block in rabbits is usually caused by ingesting a large amount of fur in a very short period of time. The result is the stomach becoming impacted with fur and stomach contents and the mass is unable to pass through the pylorus (opening to small intestines). Early diagnosis is most important as the mineral oil will only work in passing the mass if it is not too hard and large.

Feeding a roughage and fiber (good timothy or alfalfa hay) will usually help prevent fur ball from forming. Especially true in long hair breeds such as the Angora. Rabbits when fed hay and fiber in addition to their regular ration do not usually chew fur from themselves or their litter mates.

All rabbits wash or prim themselves daily and the small amount of fur ingested is usually not the cause of a fur ball forming. Feeding a balanced ration along with a roughage is perhaps the best way in preventing any buildup or blockage to the intestine. If this happens, the whole intestinal tract stops functioning and the result is a heart blockage and dead rabbit.

Afflicted animals should be given at least 10cc of mineral oil daily and it usually is best to continue for at least 3 consecutive days. They should also be given some tempting morsels of carrots or greens to induce eating and stimulate their appetite.
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