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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.
› Forum › HOUSE RABBIT Q & A › Signs of aging or is there more to it?
Recently, I’ve noticed that Bebe’s habbits have changed. She’s no young bun either, so it’s quite alarming for me to see this change. Bebe has been littering all the time and everywhere. Every time I let her out the cage, she’d leave a mark – either poops or pees outside the cage. In the 5 years I’ve had her (she was 3 when I adopted her), she’s never done it outside her littler box since she was well trained by her previous owners. The amount and size of her litter is also concerning me. She’s been littering so much that I’ve had to change her litter box more frequently. Also, her poops are a lot smaller and the size is not consistent. I have plenty of hay in her cage and she doesn’t seem to be eating much of it.
On top of that, I’ve noticed this a white-ish coating on one of her eye on and off. It looks like she’s wearing a little white contact lense on her eye. When I try to clean it, it’ll move around on the eye, but so hard to get it out. I got it out 3 days ago, but it’s back again. I also notice a lot more discharge around her eyes. It appears as if a duct is clogged, so I’ll clean it for her. Luckily, she’s very receptive to me when I clean her eye and will sit still until I’m done. Another behavioral change is her chewing all the time, even when there’s no food in her mouth. I don’t believe she’s teeth grinding as I’ve seen her do that before and it’s not the same. it just looks as if she’s chewing on something when I know there’s nothing in her mouth.
I don’t know if these are just signs of aging and I’m simply over reacting? Any thoughts? Thanks.
Well I’d take her in for a check up -do you have a good rabbit vet?
The change in litter habits says to me that she may have an infection so before you accept that as aging, get her checked out and make sure there isn’t something else wrong.
That white stuff sounds like what my Chuck has, I’m not sure that I even understand what it is; He has a cataract and cannot see out of the eye, but the white fleshy stuff develops in the eye. I flush it out daily and wipe around the whole area around the eye, and use eye drops. My understanding is that we are trying to control the white (which is forming because of the cataract I think) as if you just allow it to collect it becomes darker and fleshy and really affixes to the cornea (Ok our appt was about six months ago so I may have this wrong lol but I’m pretty sure that’s whats up with his eye and it sounds alot like your bunnies eye).
That is likely an age thing but if you take her in for a checkup over the change in litter habits maybe your vet can give you an eyedrop too; I use an eyedrop thats an anti inflammitory and analgeisic but I can’t remember what it’s called. I’ll check and wb tomorrow
I have to wonder if she has a urinary tract infection if she has a change in litter habits.
I think it’s a good idea as well to take her to the vet for a check-up at her age.
The whitish in the eyes sounds like a sign of aging to me – possible start of cataracts like K&K mentions – I have a rabbit who has this and she’s about 7 or 8 years old.
I think your bunny would benefit from a vet visit with a rabbit vet. The increased output can be signs of a few different things, and it would be a good idea to get the eye checked out and find out the way to treat it best at home. If your bunny is showing signs of aging, the vet should be able to recommend some things to make your bunnies quality of life better and hopefully longer.
oh Bebe! i hope the vet can shed some more light on this for you. it does sound like there might be some deeper thing going on.
It feels like I just brought her in to the vet… less than 2 months ago to do a full checkup and now she needs to go back. I haven’t had the opportunity to get her in to the vet yet, but hopefully will be able to get her checked up within the week.
Reading up on her conditions, the symptoms do sound like the urinary infection and cataract, just like you guys mentioned. Do you guys know if blood tests are required here? I’m just worried the stress of traveling to see the vet again will be a lot for her to handle.
Anyone have any insite on the chewing? Bebe’s look like she’s always chewing something when I know there’s no food in her mouth. When she does it though, she doesn’t make any sound. As usual, thanks.
I don’t know anything about that stuff, but don’t rabbits have a protective eye lid? Could that be it or did I just not read it right?
An update – the vet trip was quite the traumatic experience for Bebe. I had a more veteran vet check her out this time and he did another full oral exam, this time noticing that one of her front tooth was cracked, he yanked it out. He said that might be the cause of the eye infection as well as her change in eating and litter experience. He also clipped some of her molar spurs in the back and told me to put her on critical care right away since he noticed that she’s lost 25% of her body weight in 2 months, a very unhealthy sign.
On top of those treatments, she had the fur around her eyes plucked off since they were stuck in patches and every time I’d wash it loose, it’ll only turn back the same way a few hours later due to the eye infection. The vet gave her an injection of vitamins as well as antibiotics. He also took some blood from her to be analyzed. When the RVT took her out to the waiting room, I nearly fainted because she was lying flat in her carrier and was lethargic. I thought for a moment there that she past away! Even the other pet owners in the waiting room were concerned and asked if my bun was okay.
Since she got home and got some rest, she’s been much more energetic and has been eating a lot more. I’m now giving her critical care twice a day as well as changed her pellets to oxbow’s timothy pellets for older buns. She gets fresh veggies and fruits here and there. I’m taking her back to the vet on Friday to get another series of vitamin shots for her and to see blood test results.
One thing that’s bothering me is she began teeth chattering again. I can’t seem to find the cause of it and it’s happening more frequently now. Anyone have any thoughts here?
Side note.. while at the vet, I had to ask a question that is so hard to ask, yet is inevitable… which is aftercare services. It appears this reality is creeping in much quicker than I’d expect and my vet even mentioned the possibility of euthanasia if blood test results turn out bad. She’s been such a wonderful part of life that the thought of her not being a part of it is depressing. It grieves me more now that Bebe and I have the greatest relationship and she trusts me so much more especially after the vet visits, I might have to lose her soon.
*HUGS*
Sounds like quite the trip!
Teeth chattering-how loud or noticible is it, and how is she otherwise while chattering. If it’s quiet and when she’s sprawled out, she could be purring. They generally only do this when they’re being pet or groomed, But I’ve noticed some do it when they’re happy, sprawled out. If she’s bunched up and sort of sitting, and chattering her teeth, I’d say that’s an indication of pain. See if your vet can give you some metacam without having to take her back in-it may be pain related to her teeth getting done, and it could pass without having to bother her with a vet visit again.
Don’t get too far ahead of yourself on preparing for the end. While it’s great you can think of it, and you know it’s humane not to make her hold on if she can’t; It may not be her time just yet. Enjoy your time with her, have extra cuddles, and cross that bridge when you get to it-ie. wait until the tests come in, and then think about it. *HUGS*
I know it’s hard, we’re here for you!!
Did your vet give you any pain medications to give her? I think she needs pain meds with the incisor being pulled and the molar trims – that could be why her teeth are chattering and I would call and ask about pain meds if you didn’t receive any – my vet always suggests metacam after we do a molar trim and she’s had some extensive dental work done there. She doesn’t necessarily have to be hunched up in pain if it’s not a GI issue either since it may not be the part of her in pain.
I recently had to make the decision to let one of my rabbits cross the bridge after his bloodwork showed he was in kidney/renal failure – I knew it was the right decision but it was tough. The vet gave him a strong dosage of a sedative – I think it was Ketamine and it may have been a combination of Ketamine and something else…it really depends too after that what the vet does too to help them go to the bridge. I never want to go past that point though. I would definitely ask your vet what he does to help your rabbit cross the bridge – it may not be the time yet but it’s good to know for the future if you think this will be a consideration.
I hope that will not be the case but do have a discussion about what to expect if this will be the case. It’s a difficult decision but your vet won’t steer you wrong and you know you will have made the right decision.
Hugs to you and keep us updated.
My guess is that the teeth chattering is due to pain from the dental work.
Thanks for the feedback. The vet never gave her any meds after her visit. I’ll have to ask him about metacam on Friday when I bring her back (at his request).
The teeth chattering started off very softly, but now it’s getting more audible. I don’t think it’s purring as she’s normally sitting when she chatters away, but not necessarily hunched. Today, I also notice this smell that she’s emanating. It’s not the foul smell I smelled before from the liquid excretion from her eyes, but there’s definitely a smell to her. I read on some site that it might be GI Stasis? However her litter habit appears normal.
Did she have a abcess where the cracked tooth was? Was that what was excreted from her eye? If so, it could be growing back. Any chance you can pick up the metacam before Friday? If they’ve just seen you, surely they’ll supply some without you having to take her in before Friday.
I would call the vet before Friday and let him know about the teeth chattering. A bunny in pain can go into stasis and even into shock if it becomes severe enough, so the vet may allow you to pick up some meds before Friday.
Also, is the smell coming from her mouth? Abscesses smell really bad – like rotten milk.
if your vet is farther than you can go today, you might ask if he could call a more local vet (most every city has at least one vet, even if they don’t see rabbits) and see if they can give you the pain meds per your rabbit vet and you would just pay them for the meds.
Yes I definitely wouldn’t wait until friday, you could simply phone and tell them you’d like some metacam and you’ll be by to pick it up. You shouldn’t have to bring him in for that. And I stress, I really wouldn’t wait another couple days, pain can make a rabbit ‘give up’ before his time.
Keep us posted!
I’m going to call the vet tomorrow. Tonight, I noticed she lost balance a few times and struggled to get back up. I had to help her get upright again. I believe she might be suffering from arthritis. On top of that, she’s been drinking a lot more fluid and appears hungry all the time.
As for the smell, it seems to be coming from her body, not her mouth. So I’m not sure. All this is really stressing me out as I don’t know how else to help her. Hopefully the metacam will provide some relief.
**HUGS**
If she has arthritis, then metacam will help with that too. Ask your vet too about baby aspirin for arthritis – I know it’s old fashioned but it might be easier to administer that (in a craisin) than the liquid metacam for the arthritis – for the dental pain I think metacam is best.
Do you think since she might have arthritis she might be getting urine scald or bladder sludge?
Let us know what the vet says.
Oh, I pray for you and your bunny, it was very wise of you to take her in when you did, I hope all results come out great and she continues to live a healthy, happy life.
So I called the vet today to ask about the blood test as well as advise him of the teeth chattering. Good news is that the blood test turned out surprisingly well. Slightly lower white blood cell count, red blood cells look okay. Kidney and liver looks fine as well, nothing to indicate old age or symptoms of old age. Then came the slightly nerve wrecking news.. the vet said he suspect she might have cancer then given her symptoms. I nearly dropped the phone when I heard that.
I then mentioned about the teeth chattering and he said it’s an indication of pain (which we knew already) and said I should bring her in. I asked him if he can prescribe her some metacam and he said he wants to see her tomorrow before prescribing the meds.
Tonight, she slipped twice when she was walking around the kitchen, the last time she slipped, she stayed lying on her side until I ran over and helped her back on her feet. She was quite startled by it and had to sit in place for a while before she was willing to move. On that note, 2 days ago, I noticed this bone that is now protruding behind her neck. It’s really disturbing me because it’s really sticking out and I wonder if it happened when she slipped earlier.
Oh, geesh, I am so sorry for what you have are dealing with!! I am really surpised that your vet didn’t consider this more urgent and have you bring her in right away. Do you trust this vet?
Also ask you vet to test for e.cuniculi if you haven’t already. Many bunnies can have this without symptoms until they get older and their immune system weakens. Bailey used to fall over on her side and would sometimes need help up. (she had e.cuniculi) Does she seem to have a weak hind area? Do her legs stretch out like normal when she hops or are they a little more hunched in?
For now, just pad her pen/cage a bit more if she doesn’t have much padding so that if she does fall over, she will have a soft place to land.
Please keep us updated on what the vet says.
HUGS TO YOU, and I’m sending out healing vibes for your sweet bunny!
oh my word! did the vet say what the next step might be, or he just wants to see her?
continued vibes for Bebe…
Thanks for the good wishes.
Bebe’s lost more weight.. she’s now down to 1300 grams as oppose to 1420 a week ago. Since Oct, she’s lost 30% of her body weight and the vet is still thinking it might be cancer. This vet is the most senior in the clinic and has been practicing for over 20 years. I believe his clinic is one of the only ones in this area that will take in exotic animals and all the other bun owners I know take them to his clinic as well. I don’t know if I trust him completely yet since one of the more junior vets who saw her in October didn’t really treat her properly. However, I definitely trust him more than I do her.
I didn’t get to ask about the e.cuniculi today as I only got on the forum after I got back from the vet. But it is her hind legs that are very weak and the vet says it’s because she’s losing body mass so quickly that her muscles are deteriorating. If she had e.cuniculi, would the blood test reveal that? The vet is still stunned by her clean blood test. He told me to start thinking about euthanasia. As much as I love my bun and don’t want her to suffer anymore, I don’t know if I can justify putting her under right now when she’s still eating, drinking, moving about the house (of course not as conveniently as before).
So after the fluid and vitamin shots, I left with a bottle of metacam and took her home. 2 questions I have: how long does it take for the metacam to take effect because I gave her the daily dose a few hours ago and she’s still teeth grinding. Also, I notice every time at the vet that they’d wrap her up in a towel to move her around. I’ve tried it once at home and she seemed to like being wrapped up. Is that common?
The only way to test for e. cunniculi is to have the blood sent out for a titer and that usually takes a week to get back because there are only a few labs that do this test.
I’m not entirely positive how long the metacam takes to work – I do know that rabbits can get higher dosages than dogs or cats though so I wonder if she has the right dosage. It does sound like this vet is very experienced. You could seek a second opinion if you know another vet in the area experienced with rabbits as well.
I would also try to make sure you keep her warm.
I think it’s good that they wrap her in a towel to move her – my vet does that as well. It keeps them safe and helps them feel secure.
I don’t have much to add, but that I ditto Sarita.
Sounds like you have a vet you trust and so that is good. And so I wouldn’t hesitate to just call and ask about the dosage as well as talk to him about an e.cuniculi test . He may have reasons that he leans towards cancer rather than e.cuniculi if he knows alot about e.cuniculi. I haven’t had a bunny who has had cancer, only e.cuniculi so I wouldn’t know the differences between the two. I do know that Bailey didn’t lose much weight, but she was an eater regardless of the stress of having weak legs caused her. IF it e.cuniculi, you can help prevent further decline with immediate treatment, so that’s why I think it would be a good idea to call your vet to at least discuss.
Hugs to you and your Bebe.
*HUGS* I have no adice for you but I’m thinking about you and Bebe *HUGS* {{VIBES}}
Bebe’s not doing well and every morning, I face the reality that she might be gone. The last 2 mornings I found her lying in her cage, too weak to move. It seems because of her loss of mobility due to weight loss in her hind legs, she hasn’t been able to move around her cage to eat or drink at night, therefore in the morning, she is found lying in her cage. One thing I’m shocked to see is that she’s a little fighter. Her will to live (or perhaps simply her food craving) amazes me. She continues to eat and drink (although today I’m feeding her by syringe because she’s a bit too weak to eat off the plate).
I don’t think I can subject her to another vet visit and since her condition has only deteriorate with the last 2 visits, I’m not sure if there is much more the vet can do for her. (Since he suggested humane euthanasia again during our last visit if she is in pain.) I don’t know what the right thing to do is right now, but I know that I don’t want her to be in pain. Therefore as long as she has the will to live and is not showing signs of pain, I will continue to care for her. Hopefully once Bebe knows that we will care for her even though she can’t take care of herself, her will to live will become stronger. Thanks for everyone’s well wishes.
Oh, I am so sorry. How heart-wrenching. Oviously this is a decision only you can make. I know this is not easy. Hugs to you.
I’m sorry she has deterioated fubebe. You are giving such loving care and it is good you have prepared to help her pass if any onset of pain. Heartbreaking but right. Hope she does turns the corner – ((Bebe))
Bebe lost her fight earlier today. She passed away in the arms of my sister and surrounded by people who loved her dearly. I rushed home from work to say my final goodbye.
Oh my gosh – I am so sorry for your loss. I’m glad that she was not alone in her final hour.
I will light a candle for Bebe to help her cross the bridge where she will be whole again.
Oh I’m so sorry to hear that! You did everything you could, and she passed away peacefully. She was very lucky to have you. My deepest condolences.
I’m so sorry to hear that!!! I’m glad she passed away at home with her family, in comfort and love. *Binky free Bebe*
*Hugs* for you and your family.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, she was lucky to have such a devoted bunny Mom and family!
I’m so sorry to hear about your beloved Bebe, soft bunny hugs for you
My condolences to you and your family. She lived a good long time in your care. I know it is a small comfort but it’s good she went in the home you shared and you could spend time with her after. Binky Free Bebe Girl !
Oh, I am so sorry. She obviously was very much loved and her passing peaceful. She is now free from her illness. HUGS TO YOU.
i’m very sorry. she is now healthy and happy and whole. you did a fantastic job caring for her and she knows how much she was loved.
Binky Free Bebe!
*hugs*
Thank you for the well wishes and for the many advice while I tried to nurse her in her sickness. The grief is overwhelming, yet I know she’s finally free…
Oh, I am so sorry for the heartache you are going through. I know it’s hard. In time it will get better. It still hurts when I think of Bailey, but I can now think of the funny and wonderful times and feel joy too.
› Forum › HOUSE RABBIT Q & A › Signs of aging or is there more to it?