Post-Neuter Craze – Help/Advice wanted.

[Sapipsmu93]

I’ve not posted here for some time, but, I’ve figured this is my best shot for now.

I’ve recently got Sam neutered- the plan was a few months ago, but financially, I just couldn’t do it. Anyway, I finally managed to do it just over two weeks ago and boy, have things just gone from bad to worse. I’m hoping this is the post-neuter stuff.

He’s a mini-rex, 9 months old. Sam has always been a chewer – he’s completely wrecked some of my wallpaper, but the issue is… This is a rented property! I’ve tried everything that I can think of, so far; he’s got lots of toys, cardboard, willow sticks ect. I’ve put anti-chew spray on it, but he seems to go even more wild for it – his chewing got even worse with that. Someone at work suggested black-pepper which worked for a few days, but no longer. Lemon didn’t work, even though he hates lemon. I’m going to try white vinegar next, but just in case that doesn’t work, what is my next bet? I’ve not got enough NIC grids to go around my house these days because I’ve even given him a bigger enclosure, just in case it was due to feeling too cramped. Could it be he’s not getting enough run-time and is feeling frustrated?

I am a support worker for the mentally disabled, which does generally mean I’m out of the house a lot. Sometimes for 8 hours a day, other times I can be gone for 24 hours. I’m running out of options. I can’t afford to repair everything on my wage, and the last thing I’d want to do is get rid of him for the sake of “chewing”. He’s part of my family now, and i love him to bits, but I’m tearing my hair out. 

Will this go away after his hormones have balanced out? He’s always been a chewer, as said, but the last couple of week he’s just been non-stop going after my walls and they now look a mess. Even the clapping/ Ah-ah! technique doesn’t seem to work anymore. 

Anything anyone can offer me is greatly appreciated. I’m not used to having a bun who is so… headstrong and determined to chew!

Thanks

[LBJ10]

It could be hormones, it could be his age… both it’s probably both. Will this resolve itself? Probably. But there’s no guarantee that he’ll never chew. Even my boys still chew on stuff occasionally and their 8 years old. But I do remember the post-neuter craze and it was rough. What I ended up doing was lining the walls with cardboard. There were some temper tantrums, but they eventually gave up. At least were the drywall is concerned. Now it’s mostly just carpet.

[Nutmeg]

Thankfully (*knock on wood*) mine has not gone through a post neuter craze as of yet – 3 weeks in.
However once a chewer, always a chewer has been my experience… my last girl was until she died… Her biggest fixation was base boards and carpet.

I did what LBJ10 suggested – which was lining the walls in cardboard that was just higher than she could reach.

I then would cover the corners of the carpet with cheap tiles, which worked some of the time.

Also Unscented / undyed dove soap bars… rubbed that one and she hated the taste of that – but wouldn’t harm her if she ingested a tiny bit – she never did though. Hated that stuff. Had to re-apply it every few days though, which is why I ended up using the cardboard instead.

[Sapipsmu93]

Sorry for the slow response!

Sam has always been a chewer, yes… I’m hoping it will die down, however. Hopefully he’ll hate the taste of this soap, but I have recently ordered in white vinegar which I’ve heard is pretty good at deterring chewing habits and also urinating? As said, I did try the anti-chew spray and even black-pepper water and it just failed to work. I’ll see what works; he only recently chewed through my speaker wires for the PC which I hadn’t even noticed. Just suddenly the sound had gone and lo’ and behind, it was a bun at work haha.

[Nutmeg]

OMG Buns love to chew wires! They are like cutting through tree roots to them lol.
Some actually like the taste of the bitter spray… the vinegar is good for getting rid of the smell of past urine / poop smells from that spot which is supposed to help stop them from thinking that is their litter spot.

Good luck!!

[Sapipsmu93]

I apologise for the lack of activity for the past two days. Unfortunately, while I was on the overnight shift at work, I believe Sam started to develop GI Stasis, or similar. I got home yesterday and discovered him to be in what looked to be a relaxed, loafing state but soon was discovered to be something completely different.

After rushing him to an emergency vet, they had him on a drip overnight and checked his bloods which were a whopping glucose level of 20, though dropped down to normal after a few hours. I collected him this morning to take him to a different vet as the price, and my confidence in this vet, was starting to make me second guess. My lack of confidence proved to be correct; upon seeing him being brought out, my immediate question was; “What’s wrong with him?” I had asked during the night (I asked to be called every 2 hours, after they took his bloods) if he was okay in himself and they said he was fine, and alert. I believe they were incorrect.

She looked at me like I was stupid – like how he looked was normal. It wasn’t. I listed everything I saw; showing the whites’ of his eyes, tense, panting, head tilted upward. All I got was ‘ he’s not out of the woods yet’. The vet I took him to afterward is far more trusted and has amazing reviews. Everyone says they’re the best near us, but, due to not being their client they were unable to see me in emergency hours last night. My registered vets was closed. Anyway…

They saw him and they couldn’t justify the price of what i’d been charged (£590 for drip, overnight stay and bloods), and wasn’t content to clinically examine him with how he appeared, due to the stress of it. While we were discussing options, Sam began to gasp for air and squeak – he was rushed in the back without hesitation and put on oxygen. He didn’t come home. They were to do an x-ray (without sedation due to risk) and just before they had the chance, my poor boy had a very big seizure and passed away. I’m breaking my heart typing this, it hurts so, so much.

He went much too soon, and I tried everything I could to help him, as did the second vets. CPR, Adrenaline… But he was too far gone. I just feel so lost, but i can’t thank you guys enough for your help, with the OP.

[BB8]

I’m so sorry for your loss. (((((Binky free little Sam)))))

[kurottabun]

Sorry for your loss, it sounds like you really did all you could. Many people find it a little easier to cope by writing about the bunny’s life prior to falling ill – if you feel that would help, you could post a tribute about Sam’s little life in the Rainbow Bridge section of the forum.

Binky free dear Sam xx

[Nutmeg]

Oh no! I am so sorry to hear that and So sorry for your loss!
Binky Free little buddy.

[Author]

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