You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Prolonged general anaesthesia can alter intestinal motility in rabbits

Bacterial fermentation of ingested foodstuffs is important in rabbits, so anything that depresses intestinal motility may upset the normal mixing of food and bacteria resulting in a change in the normal gut flora population, and lead to gastrointestinal problems. Prolonged general anaesthesia can lead to reduced motility and even ileus, so efforts should be made to ensure motility is returned to normal as soon as possible. Dr Stephen Euler in Veterinary Forum (April 1999) recommended the post-operative administration of cisapride at the dose rate 0.5-1 mg/kg body weight given by mouth every day to stimulate gut motility.

Analgesia is now regarded as being very important in rabbits, firstly because they may mask showing signs of pain, but also because pain can induce ileus. Various opiods and  NSAIDs have been used successfully (eg butorphanol, carprofen) though most are not licensed for use in rabbits. See the following Provet page : Rabbit Drugs .OR refer to a Veterinary Formulary in your country to confirm suitable available products

Updated November  2013