Sleep hopping

[MarkBun]

So SaveABunny had a rabbit that was thought to have a neurological issue.  It would suddenly twist and violently slam into the cage and then stop.  Needless to say, everyone was worried about the bun.  He went to a TLC foster home.  There, however, the caregiver noted that these ‘episodes’ only happened while he was asleep.  Furthermore, she watched more than one time when the rabbit would stand up and run, with its eyes still closed.  It then would of course run into a wall or furniture at which point, it woke up and everything was fine.  It seems he has the rabbit version of night terrors.  So, yes it is a neurological disorder but at least it isn’t as life threatening that was first thought.

Just thought I’d share.  I don’t remember the name of the rabbit.

[Furface]

A sleepwalking bun. that both funny & so not funny. Poor bun.

[kralspace]

Oh, poor bunny. you could name it after me if I didn’t have such a strange screen name, Mark,

I do that during night terrors too. Luckily I usually make it through the doors, but sometimes someone leaves a door halfway open and I slam into it! That will wake you up alright. Little bunny helmet?

[Adalaide]

Haha, a bun with a crash helmet for sleeping. I agree though, while it’s sad its also funny.

[jerseygirl]

I suppose it’s entirely possible – same as with humans, but first I’ve ever heard of it (I do have vague recollection of a dog affected this way though). It would be so strange to see. Also confusing. I find them sleeping with their eyes open weird enough. I wonder whether a diet change would make a difference? Sometimes foods can give kids night terrors and the likes.

[bunnytowne]

How strange that poor bunny.  Hey how did I get over here. I fell asleep over there

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Sorry to kind of bring this thread up again, but this dog does things similar to that.

 

Its really funny, but also kind of sad.

[sally]

wow interesting, ive heard a lot about cats doing that, my other fav pet! It is sad but also kinda funny, just like it is in adults! Padded room possibly for little bun to prevent injury

[BinkyBunny]

Oh how scary! I would be so afraid of serious injuries, especially neck and back. (
I wonder if there are meds that can help with that.   I know with some animals they give a sedative for the sleep cycle, but i know with rabbits that may be much more difficult since they take alot naps and do a heavy sleep in the afternoon and night.

This might be worth asking Dana Krempels about. I know she has answered questions about human sleep walking and since she is also very interested and knowledgable about rabbits, she may have some thoughts or at least would be a good place to start.

I’d be very interested in learning what ends up happening with this situation so keep us updated. I’ll also ask around since i have to talk to my vet still about Jack’s latest urinary test.

[Wick & Fable]

Hi Ameigirl, and welcome to Binkybunny! I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling distressed over what you’re noticing in your rabbit.

Since this is an old thread, you will likely not a get a response, so I will lock it.

I encourage you to Create a Topic of your own so our active members can chime in with their thoughts!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Ameigirl]

I’m so happy to find this thread, has anyone figured out what the cause was or what to do? This is happening to my bunny since I got him at 7 weeks old and he’s 21 weeks now. It’s really scary! I don’t know what to do.

[Author]

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