Something is wrong, 7 yr old bunny, I have no idea

[Isabelle88]

My Dude is that rabbit that cleans himself all the time, goes in one corner, very OCD about this ways. I noticed something was wrong today, he was all wet from pee, he wasnt going in his normal spot, he’s very calm, he normally nips and escaps when you put him in a basket like I did today to clean up his cage but he’s been very calm, he let me wash him up, he’s very different then his normal ways. He is eating and drinking still.

 

He’s 7 and I’ve had him for 6 yrs, i know him very well and I know in my heart something is wrong. We called the vet and they said to watch him, see if he gets better and if he gets worse to bring him in. I’m making this post because has anyone ever had a problem like this? What can it be?

[Sarita]

It could be a urinary tract infection or perhaps bladder sludge – in any event, I recommend that you take him into the vet to have him look at him.

[Isabelle88]

He seems to be doing better but having owned many pets I know that doesnt mean anything, I can’t find out anything more from the vet until tomorrow but I wanted to add this, his nose had little reddish specks, my mom believed it was blood, i’m throwing this all out there in case something has any suggestions

he’s all cleaned up now and again he’s eating and drinking, still too calm for my liking but he’s eating pellets and timothy hay, should i give him anything else or do anything for him?

I hate this and I admit I’m freaking out, Dude is my first rabbit and longest living pet.

[RabbitPam]

I agree. I see no reason to wait until he is in a crisis. Are you comfortable with your vet? You could take him to an exotic specialist if your vet is more of a generalist for dogs and cats. I would imagine at this age you have established a vet relationship though. You’ll know if he’s passed a problem by the morning also, so if he’s the same I would get him in.

[Isabelle88]

Passed the problem, that can happpen? Oh that sounds wonderful, I cant handle him dying but I also dont want him to suffer.

I have never met this vet before, we’re new to the area, his other vet is 6 hours away, this place he’s gone a few times to get his nails trimmed and the girls are nice to him, nice place and they have other rabbits patients but he’s never met with the vet.

[RabbitPam]

Well, it depends on what the problem is, but if it’s an infection or sludge he will need some meds or instructions on care. I think it’s a good time to meet the vet. I don’t want to be wrong in my advice, but sometimes a discomfort can be temporary. This would potentially be more serious in a bunny his age so I would like you to be sure. A geriatric bunny needs a good relationship with a vet since you may find you are seeing one more frequently from now on.
My Spockie lived to be 8, and he was disabled in his back legs for many months, but he coped surprisingly well and had a good disposition and a will to live so we made some adjustments.

Here’s a link to an excellent website that has information on older and disabled bunnies. http://www.catsandrabbitsandmore.com/disabled_rabbits

I was bathing him more frequently, found some washable beds that were soft and comfy when he became incontinent, etc. You may not be at that point for many years to come, but it’s a good time to become familiar with what to do to make your lives as pleasant and comfy as possible.

Hope he likes the new vet.

[jerseygirl]

The reddish specks might be flea (or mite?) droppings. When they get moist, they dissolve a bit and look red so around the nose there might have been moisture. Going from OCD to being wet from pee is a good indicator something is up. Likely infection. I’ve had one do this before though when they got a fright.
(((Dude)))

[Beka27]

How is he doing now? Any update?

[Author]

Messages