Geriatric Bunnies????

[skunklionshow]

We had our annual check up this weekend.  Both Leo & Jessica have been given a clean bill of health…..though Jessi should lose a bit of weight (my chunky monkey) and Leo will likely need a dental b/f Christmas.  So my vet says that my bunnies are entering their geriatric years….I guess they must be almost 6-7 yrs old now???  We did some bloodwork, but I’d like additional input.  What are the concerns for old bunnies?

Diabetes

Arthur-itis

Can someone explain more of the bloodwork that I’d be doing as part of their annuals?

Sorry…I brought in everyone this weekend for their annuals (4 cats & 2 rabbits) & my brain is a bit fuzzy on what was w/ what species?!?!?!

[KatnipCrzy]

I assume most likely that they would do a general chemistry panel (checks liver and kidney function along with other values) and maybe a CBC (complete blood count- makes sure they are not anemic, have any clotting or blood disorder or show signs of infection or parasites).  Usually when there is kidney failure bloodwork will show elevated kidney values BEFORE the owner can notice any signs- so the earlier you catch it the earlier you can start supportive care like SQ fluids to keep their quality of life better.  And same thing for any other elevated values- there can be diet or medications to help improve what function they do have and improve the quality and quantity of life.

I am not very familiar with geriatric care for bunnies- but as a general rule that is the idea of what bloodwork will check for.  Plus if your rabbit is ever ill having bloodwork done while they are well gives you a baseline of what their values are when they are healthy.

[kralspace]

crankiness 😉

[Sarita]

I have had bloodwork done on a number of my rabbits and for the reasons that Katnip stated. Most of my rabbits are over 7 years old and I’ve done the bloodwork for illness and also as a baseline as well. I highly recommend doing this.

I have only heard of one rabbit having diabetes (it can happen but it’s rare) – she was extremely overweight and had other issues (it did not have a good outcome). One of my rabbits definitely has arthritis (you can usually tell with an x-ray) and my Maxine rabbit is not able to use one of her back legs now (I believe the muscle is atrophied) and I am taking her to a holistic vet on Thursday since there’s not much other than pain medication at this point to help her – I thought maybe chiropractic or accupuncture to see if we can get some results with this.

[BinkyBunny]

In addtion, tooth problems can arise with older bunnies (even with ones that have never had any problems before).  Amazingly, Rucy who always had teeth problems, had less when she aged.   

This is a really great article from HRS about what to expect and what to do about an aging rabbit (over 8 years is what they consider geriatric) but it’s a good idea to start thinking about this now – especailly if you’ve never had a baseline blood panel done.

http://www.rabbit.org/care/elderbun.html

[RabbitPam]

Posted By BinkyBunny on 08/12/2009 12:24 AM

In addtion, tooth problems can arise with older bunnies (even with ones that have never had any problems before).  Amazingly, Rucy who always had teeth problems, had less when she aged.  

Spockie never had any tooth problems until he was 7, and then he had a brief issue with some. But the vet said at a certain age the teeth, which are always growing and that’s why they chew hard things to keep them down, will finally stop growing. That’s what his teeth did so they were better after two treatments. That’s probably what happened with Rucy.

There’s also a website I recommend called Cats and Rabbits and More http://www.catsandrabbitsandmore.com/inc/sdetail/36386 with good information on taking care of a disabled rabbit. That often is the case with a geriatric bun. It’s good to save and put away for when you may need it later.

[BinkyBunny]

Thanks Rabbitpam.  For some reason, the link you provided took me to a strange blank page. It might have just been my browser protection but here is a link to their page of links for many articles about disabled rabbits. http://www.catsandrabbitsandmore.co…or_rabbits.   Very helpful!

[skunklionshow]

Thanks RabbitPam for the link….

Oddly enough I’m facing a household of geriatric pets:  3 cats (14 yo), 1 cat (7yo) and now the bordering on geriatric rabbits.  I feel that I need to prepare myself that I’m likely facing losing everyone around the same time.

The only thing off from the bloodwork was Jessica. One of her levels were off, likely from dehydration.  Sorry I got the results at work & wrote them down in my work notebook.  The vet thinks that Leo will need another anesthesia tooth trimming & filing around Christmas. 

Thanks for the input…I guess I’m glad I paid the extra to have the baselines done!

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