Old age or is something wrong?

[bunnyberry]

My netherland dwarf bunny is around 8 1/2 years old. Lately (past few months) I’ve noticed that he doesn’t eat as much. Now, usually won’t finish his little bowl everyday (maybe eats half of it), although i do refill it with fresh pellets and some veggies everyday. He has never been much of a hay eater, but I try to encourage him to eat hay but he doesn’t eat much of it. I’ve noticed that he isn’t so active either. He just sits in his box most of the day and comes out at night to hop around and play. He used to hop and run around a lot more, and this is what worries me. Should I be worried that something is wrong with him? I know he is kinda old for a dwarf bunny but I want to make sure he is healthy. He looks okay though and doesn’t look like he’s lost any weight.

Also, is it normal to have tear-y eyes? The fur at the bottom of his eyes is not as soft because it gets wet an dries up

Thanks

[tobyluv]

Hi and welcome to Binky Bunny. It sounds like a vet visit would be good for your bunny. It’s natural that a bunny might slow down at that age, but he could have arthritis or some other problem that is making him less active and eat less. If a bunny has pain or discomfort from arthritis, he probably won’t feel like eating as much. I have known rabbits that benefited a lot from small doses of pain medication, like Metacam, when they were older. He also should have his teeth checked. Dwarf rabbits can especially have trouble with their teeth. And if he is having discharge from his eyes, that should be checked too. He could have an uppper respiratory problem or that could also be a sign that he might have teeth problems.

If you have never tried or haven’t tried lately, different brands and varieties of hay, you could try some now. Maybe you could find ones that he likes better. Some rabbits prefer softer hay, such as second or third cutting of Timothy. American Pet Diner has nice second cutting hay – Timothy Gold. You could also sprinkle a little alfalfa hay on top of his normal hay. It’s very fragrant and a favorite of many rabbits.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Ditto Tobyluv. Strongly recommend a vet visit. Teary eyes and reduced appetite are symptoms of dental spurs or other dental problems. These are very common in senior buns and especially in flatter faced buns like Nethies and Lops.

It’s normal for bunnies to become less active as they age but this happens gradually. Sudden inactivity is cause for concern.

It’s a good idea for seniors to get regular wellness checkups including blood work.

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