12yr old neutered rabbit suddenly buzzing and jumping

[Gracie55]

Hi guys, My little lionhead Ben will be 12 years old in a couple of months. We had him neutered when he was young and he’s been a free roam indoor rabbit all his life. Really well litter trained etc and never any issues with jumping. He has a girl with him for 4 years who we lost about a year ago and he’s been absolutely fine. However, a few months ago we noticed his toilet habits change, he pees or pops all over his cage now vs his litter tray and his behaviour has changed. More with me than my hubby, I can’t go near him without him buzzing really loudly circling and trying to hump. He’s occasionally done it with my hubby but not as much as me. We’re not sure why he is suddenly like it but it’s been a few months now and as I say In nearly 12 years we’ve never had this. I can’t pet or be near him without him constantly doing this. Can anyone advise what it might be? He’s very happy, eating and drinking normally and really active still. No changes to diet or his surroundings at all. Thanks!

[DanaNM]

Hi there, welcome!

I also have a humpy grandpa bunny so I feel your pain! But with your guy the sudden change sounds like it could be an adrenal gland issue or potentially bladder stones. Crystals in the bladder can trigger humping, the forum leader’s bunny Jack experienced this, you can read about it here: https://binkybunny.com/bunnyinfo/jacks-diet/

Adrenal gland issues can also trigger this type of behavior. A blood test should be able to see what’s going on with his hormone levels and you can go from there.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[LBJ10]

I agree with Dana. Adrenal issues can trigger hormonal behavior in older, neutered buns. Considering he is buzzing AND honking, this may be something to explore with the vet. Otherwise, bladder stones can trigger humping behavior.

[jerseygirl]

Oh 12! ❤️  I would love to see a pic of him if you care to share one.

What you are describing has come up on the forum before and Ive seen accounts of it reported by owners elsewhere on the internet.  One of my own rabbits started displaying hormonal behaviours around age 6. (Ages 5-7 seems to be common). He had been desexed since he was 9 month old. He lived to be 11 and was still mounting and doing hormonal humming  and a little bit of “spraying” right up until the end. As mentioned, it’s often attributed to being an adrenal issue. My vets suggested adrenal or pituitary gland  issue but they never had any definitive tests to diagnose that. As it didnt cause an issue with my rabbits bond mate, I let things be.  I do discover (in hindsight) that he had a bladder stone and I do wonder if it had been present a long time and contributed to his behaviour.

The bladder link has come up enough times I usually suggest that be looked at, as have DanaNM and LBJ10.

This is an older thread of similar theme:https://binkybunny.com/forums/topic/hormonal-behaviour-in-neutered-male-bun/

If you use the word “adrenal” in the search feature, you will probably find some others. Just treat those as read-only threads. We encourage member do not reply to old forum threads as it cycles them up with current ones, causing some confusion.

[Gracie55]

Hi everyone thanks for you replies this is really helpful, it’s such an awkward time with COVID closing a lot down at the moment but I might ring and speak to his vets to see what they suggest, and if they want him in or not. 💛 he doesn’t seem distressed at all, but the second I open his bedroom door the buzzing begins! For those who asked for a picture, here is Benji enjoying the garden last summer!

 

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