Behavior change in 7 1/2 yr old bunny

[DaisyMae]

We’ve had our bunny since she was a juvenile, and for the past several years, she’s had a routine where she is most active early in the morning, naps in her binky bunny mini haven in our bedroom from noon until dinner time, and then generally lounges around in the evening. She usually lays at the foot of our bed for awhile in the evening before going under the bed late at night for a few hours sleep, so she is used to being in our bed.  This past week, she’s gone absolutely nuts! She’s up all night, demanding attention. She comes up in bed and if we don’t pet her, she nudges us and digs at us keeping us up all night. During the day, she’s not napping in her mini haven .. in fact .. she’s not really napping at all.  I noticed she’s grinding her teeth a lot, so i put a call into the vet for an appointment.  In the past, when she’s had issues with stasis, she retreats, and doesn’t want to be around us.  This is the complete opposite.  She just flits from one place to the next, getting in as much trouble as she possibly can.  Right now, as I’m trying to write this, she’s behind the bed pulling up the carpet.  I constantly have to jump up to keep her out of trouble. It’s like she’s on crack!  It’s exhausting!

Last year she went through something where she was peeing and pooping in our bed, so we had to put a cage around it.  We eventually got through that, and were able to take the cage down, but I know if I put it back up, she’ll rattle it all night long, or worse … she’ll go under the bed and pull up carpet because she knows that gets our attention.  Fortunately, we’re getting all our carpets removed in a few weeks, and it can’t come soon enough.  My question is, I’m curious if anyone has experienced a bun who has gone through this.  I’m wondering if she’s having dental issues which is why I’m going to take her for a check up, but is it common for a bun in pain to act like this? Why else could she be acting like this?

[Hazel]

I’m sorry your bun is making you worry. Is she spayed?

[DaisyMae]

She was spayed as a youngster.  One other thing I forgot to mention … she has these “logs” made of compressed hay that she loves to chew on. I’ve noticed around the time this behavior started, she hasn’t been chewing on them, which is another reason I’m wondering if it’s a dental issue.  Hopefully the vet can get us in soon (waiting for a call back).  I just thought when bunnies had pain, they retreated, like ours does when she’s had issues with stasis.  This is the complete opposite.

[DanaNM]

That is unusual! I haven’t had something like that happen with my buns, but I think a vet visit is a good idea. I have had buns change their chewing preferences when they are uncomfortable, so it could be something like her teeth making her restless.

. . . 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.  

[Author]

Messages