How does yrou elderbun act?

[vanessa]

Anyone with old bunnies? How do they act? What do they like to do, not like to do? What about their behavior is different from younger buns?

I have read that older buns like to sleep and cuddle, don’t do a whole lot else, and their nails tend to grow sideways.

Wondering what your experiences are. 

[DesertBunny]

Jet was born at the end of 2005. I adopted him in May of 2006. In fact the first year is coming up when he is no longer with me He passed Feb. 13 of this year.

As he got older nothing much really changed UNTIL he developed cataracts in both eyes. I remember his last binky and the last time he could navigate the small step up from the kitchen (his room) into the living room.

After losing his sight (a slow process that hurt me more than him) he learned to navigate very well. As long as nothing was moved. He still used his litter pan and roamed all around the kitchen. Just no more hops or jumping in the air.

His diet slowly changed from timothy/oat hay to alfalfa. Still ate greens and papaya cubes. He did sleep more and he loved to snuggle. He was always a cuddler and loved being held or carried around. I took him around the back yard (in my arms) so he could hear the birds, feel the sun and wind…..

He had a chronic ear infection since 2006 (Holland Lop) so he had to undergo Pen G injections for life. Which were harder on me than him, Even when blind he never flinched even though I botched a few injections.

He also had E.C. and when that started having recurring outbreaks things started going down hill. Panacur treatments and a lot of anti pain meds because he also had arthritis. The Vet recommended cold laser surgery but it was too late by then. I don’t know if that’s just the rabbit version of chiropractic or if it really works.

The biggest change I saw as he aged, aside from his vision related issues, was he gradually slowed down. Which is not unusual for any animal including people!

Considering his double hit with EC and the ear issue (he developed a head turn – not a tilt but he could still navigate) I think he was one strong little fighter.

I miss him so much.

[vanessa]

Thanks DesertBunny. Sounds like my little Lancelot. I suspect he is older then the shelter advertised him when I adopted him. EC, repeat ear infections, Mini Lop, deaf, cateracts, blind, slow loss of mobility and navigation, sleepy, cuddly. 3 weeks into antibiotics and panacur, and a week into pain meds. I love the little guy.

[DesertBunny]

Have you tried cold laser surgery (non invasive) for his mobility? If he can still move around on all fours it might be worth investigating. I think my little Jet had too many meds. My refrigerator looked like a hospital. I will never forget how hard he fought to stay alive. Such strength in a tiny rabbit. Keep an eye on your bun’s weight. That is a real “tell” when they get older. You might consider assisted feeding of a critical care/blenderized pellet mixture. Pellets can be turned into a slurry that will easily pass through a large syringe. That helped Jet keep his weight up until almost the very end.

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