Lots of questions for you ~

[Whittershins]

Hi guys! Hope you’re all doing well. I’ve got quite a few questions built up here about my Lola, cause I’m a paranoid silly face, lol.

I wanna say she’s about 8 months old. I’ve known her since the day she was born, but still can’t remember exactly when that was (how sad, haha) Just putting that out there incase its usefull info : )

First and most important: I’m extremely worried about her. She has fleas and I can’t seem to get rid of them. I called our family vet but the nurse on the phone just said to all back and talk to the vet about what to do. But I would really prefer her getting an appointment. On top of her head are some wounds possibly from scratching. They aren’t big, more like little scabs but this is very scary. I really hate myself for not taking her in as soon as I found the little monsters on her, but with work its hard to find a time that fits. (no excuses though)

But anyway, has anyone dealt with fleas on their bunny? I’ve been researching the fixes and know about advantage being trustworthy, but has anyone here actually used it? I’m getting so scared for her, but wont have the money to take her to the vet for another week. I might be overreacting, but I fear something bigger is wrong and I’m neglecting it. I only think this because I might have noticed some symptoms from her of being in pain or ill. (again, I could be overreacting)

I dunno, she eats, she poops, she sleeps like she should. But I haven’t seen her running around crazy in a few weeks, and have only witnessed one or two blinkies since then. She was never one to constanly do it anyway, but still I saw one like every few days. Sometimes she’ll just sit there and squint for minute and I’ve noticed a grinding noise come from her sometimes.

Now the grinding in particular I’m so confused about. I know sometimes its good, but can also be bad. Well, how am I supposed to tell the difference? Im always reading that soft is normal, louder is bad. But…whats soft, and whats loud? Is loud like, really loud? Know what I mean?
When Lola does it, it isn’t extremely loud, but I can softly hear it from maybe a foot away. And I just recently started noticing it, so thats certainly not a good sign.  Do I have good reason for concern? SoI’ll  know what to tell the vet and everything. Back to the fleas, I’ve been getting as many as I can with a comb each night, but with the eggs and whatnot, it’s an endless struggle. Especially since she only tolerates me doing for maybe five minutes at most.

I am definitly getting her to a vet ASAP, if not just for a checkup and to schedule her spaying. But for now I’d really feel better with some feedback from more experienced bunny people. ; w;

 

But thats not all! lol Ive got a few more, less serious questions if you don’t mind.

I pretty much rescued Lola from my boyfriends irresponsible mother who thought that breeding show rabbits was a great idea. She’s now given up the ‘dream’ and is finding homes for their remaining bunnies, thankfully. But finding proper homes for bunnies is quite challenging. One of the bunnies left is Lola’s own sister, a teeny little white girlie named Houdini. She and Lola were cagemates when I brought my baby home, at the time my bfs mom wanted to keep Dini for herself, but that’s changed. I’m seriously considering taking her, even if only till I find her another home. But I’m not quite sure how well Lola and Dini will get along now? It’s only been four months since they were roomies, but now that Lola has her own place will she still be as territorial against her sibling just like a stranger bunny? Or will they remember each other? I’m also a little uncertain about taking in another rabbit, Lola is quite a bundle alone. Either way, I have to rescue little Dini.

 

Wow, that was quite a ramble. I’m really sorry guys, I’ll leave the other questions for next time. XD Thanks for reading ~

 

[jerseygirl]

Hopefully your vet can get her sorted regarding the fleas. It’s possible she might need to be treated for mite also.

With teeth purring/grinding you can sort of tell it’s pain related from the other body language. i.e she’s hiding away sitting hunched up in a ball or she’s chewing at her fur etc.  If she’s just across the room loafing, it could be she is just sleeping and grinding her teeth a little.

 

But I’m not quite sure how well Lola and Dini will get along now? It’s only been four months since they were roomies, but now that Lola has her own place will she still be as territorial against her sibling just like a stranger bunny? Or will they remember each other?

I’d say they’d act as strangers, both being intact females of 8 months of age. Intact or fixed female rabbits often will act territorial toward another rabbit of either sex entering the home. So if you take in Dini to foster, play it safe and keep the 2 separate.

[Whittershins]

Thank you so much for the input : ) Now that I think of it, usually when I hear it she does seem pretty chill, just sitting there looking around and such.

 

And about Dini, I’ll certainly take your advice. I guess they got along well before because of how young they were?

[jerseygirl]

Yes. It’s when the hormones arrive around 3-4 months that everything changes. It does depend a little on the personalities of the rabbits too. Some rabbits will meet and not put up a fuss. But with ones that are not yet adults, hormones will always effect things.  Plus, these 2 girls are coming from different backgrounds now. One has been a house pet and knows little else. One has been possibly bred (?) or been around other rabbits most likely.

[KatnipCrzy]

I would recommend talking to the vet- yes, you can make an appt- but it certainly would not hurt to talk to the vet- follow his recommendations to start and then have an exam.  It sounds as though you need to treat with Advantage or Revolution- and you need to treat EVERY furry pet that comes in the house- dogs, cats, etc.

The teeth grinding sounds more worrisome to me than the other symptoms at this point.  Teeth grinding is usually a sign of happiness- tooth purr- or teeth grinding in pain.  So if she is grinding with no stimulus from you- I find that a bit concerning.  Her lack of activity could be another symptom OR my fist thought before reading about the tooth grinding was wondering what the weather/temp has been like and if it has been hotter for your bunny.

If you bring home Houdini- they really would have to be separate as they are not spayed and at the age that even if you introduced them, they seem to get along, a fight could break out at any time- without any warning.  They have been separate and it does not matter to them that they are sisters- that does not promote a better bond in the face of hormones.  And you would definitely need to treat Houdini for fleas also.

So if you want to get her and can keep her separate- then that would be OK.  Just make sure you are prepared for separate housing, flea treatment and possible other vet bills and care expenses of another bunny.  This is the case whether to get her to rehome or possibly keep her and try bonding after BOTH are spayed.

But I would recommend talking to the vet- it will only HELP you out before you can get her in for an appt.

[BinkyBunny]

You’ve gotten good advice, I just wanted to let you know that yes, I have used Advantage (followed strictly the vet dosage though as you should not follow the box dosage without vet advice). Revolution is good if you are also worried about the possibility of mites as they is supposed to kill both fleas and mites.

From my experience, Advantage typically kills fleas much quicker within a day and Revolution can take a few days.

Do you think that they are just isolated on and near your rabbit at this point — no full flea infestation in your home?   If so then, the correct vet recommended dosages of Advantage or Revolution should take care of it, (though you may need to treat once a month for three months—depends on the severity )

If you think fleas are in the rest of the house too— you or other family members are also getting bit, you may have to treat the house too, otherwise you will be just treating your bunny once a month until you clear fleas out of the house— (but don’t use over the counter flea bombs) My vet sells flea treatments for the home that are safer. For light infestations of the home, you can vacuum thoroughly especially every corner as they like to hide in the nooks and crannies. I put a flea collar in the vacuum to kill them off. 

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