Is my bunny blind

[FawnTheFree]

It’s been really hot outside so my rabbit Fawn (Who live outdoors) has been inside in a smaller cage. Well it was cool out today so I took her outside in the dog kennel to run around. Well she started running into stuff and chewing on me when she was grazing. So I asked myself. “Can she even see me?” So I googled some tests and preceeded to test them. First I waved some broccoli in front if her. She turned towards it and started eating it. Lol. So then she layed down in the grass. I sat quiet and then moved towards her with my pointer finger until it was less than an inch away from her eye. She only reacted when I went to pull away and accidentally hit one of her eye lashes. Then I took a flashlight and shined it in her eye. Her pupil didn’t react and she didn’t notice as I moved it around. I also noticed her eyes are cloudy. She’s 5 months old and I’ve had her since she was 4 weeks old. She’s never acted any different ever. So is she blind or am I just paranoid? If so does she have any special care needs? Please help.

[Sarita]

Welcome. I suggest that you definitely take her into a vet to have her tested – the cloudy eye concerns me. It can be difficult for owners to be objective about reactions with these tests.

I would also suggest either way that you bring her inside where she will be safe and can be part of the family – is that possible?

[FawnTheFree]

Yea I can get a cage and bring her in. Although she freaks when the dogs bark. I’m not sure if my parents will take her to the vet  but I will do if possible.

[Sarita]

I deleted your age.

I would recommend you find her a safe place inside the house away from the barking dogs.

Your parents need to get her to a vet for a wellness check and also she will need to be spayed. Have you asked your parents? I know if you have dogs that they must get regular vet care – rabbits need and should get regular vet care just like your dogs.

[FawnTheFree]

Oh sorry. Force of habit from people on the herpcenter forums asking why I need my parents permission.

The problem is that there’s no rabbit friendly vets nearby. They’d have to drive over an hour to take her. Otherwise I’m sure they’d be fine with it. They won’t take my sick frogs in either cuz its a long drive.

[RabbitPam]

I don’t know where your nearest city is, but you can look at the posts at the top of the Q&A forum on finding a vet and try to do a search for someone closer. Also, they are listed in the phone book as Exotics vets. I know I didn’t realize my vet (Bird & Exotics etc.) was great for bunnies until someone recommended her. And call the local dog/cat hospitals nearby to ask if they have anyone on staff that specializes in exotics. Often there’s one vet who does, they just don’t advertise.

Ditto the suggestion to bring her indoors and in a dog-proof space. I hope she isn’t blind, but if she is, some members have experience with blind bunnies and can give you some tips.

[FawnTheFree]

Ok will do. I might find a vet closer. (My enter key isn’t working so this may look kinda run together) I’ve got to get her an indoor cage before winter anyway. (My dad put them in a greenhouse. He actually managed to kill my brothers rabbit on a really hot day. I checked on them and replaced their water and ice bottles. Three hours later Winter was dead and Fawn barely hanging on. But the greehouse can’t stay up in winter. So I gotta earn the money to move her inside otherwise my dads gonna sell her) I could put her in my room. It’s quiet besides the frogs chirping. (Lol Fawn is hilarious I’ve got her outside. (She come outside 2X a day cuz she’s a 5 month old Mini Rex who weighs over 5 pounds) and I bring my Chihuahua in to play with her. They love it (I think) and Fawn chases Lily around and vice versa. It reminds me of how Fawn and Winter used to play. And I don’t think Fawn can tell the difference between a Chihuahua (who’s a the same size as she is) and another rabbit lol.)

[Sarita]

I would not bring your Chihauahua in to play with her – she most likely does not love being chased and this will stress her out. She can definitely tell the difference. I’m sorry about your brother’s rabbit, that is a tragic way to die. She definitely needs to be inside all year long – rabbits outside are neglected and tragic things can happen as you have already sadly experienced.

[FawnTheFree]

Ok I threw Lily out of the kennel. I definitely want her in after the incident. (Omg poor baby. A crow just ‘screamed’ and Fawn went running… right into the doghouse. (This used to be a dog kennel) she seems ok but that’s the second time she’s hit her head on it in two days. I don’t need to deal with a bunny concussion quite yet.)

[FawnTheFree]

By the way in a totally off topic question. Fawn is severely overweight. How can I get her to lose it.

Her cage has a hwy rack with unlimited Alfalfa/Timothy hay. A feeder (I put in a 1/4 tin can of feed a day) a bowl that always has fresh grass, another bowl for veggies and occasional fruit. Mineral and salt wheels. A water bottle, water dish, corncob (she won’t chew on wood so that’s the next best thing I guess) She’s only in her cage for like 10 hours a night. The rest of the time she’s inside in a cat carrier with a bowl of veggies and a water bottle. She comes outside to run and graze for 2-3 hours each day. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I can see the day pockets under her legs (front and back) and I can barely feel her spine and I can’t feel her ribs under it all. Any ideas

[Elrohwen]

For weight loss, how do you know she’s overweight? She’s still very young and should be on an unlimited diet, so it’s unlikely that she’s overweight, but possible. I’m not sure what you mean by “day pockets”? The ribs shouldn’t be protruding, but you should be able to feel them. You’d really need a vet to be able to tell if she’s overweight or not as buns can be built very “stocky” and it can be hard to tell. One of my rabbits always looks chubby to me, but according to multiple vets she’s fine and just a big girl.

Second, I would take out the salt and mineral wheels, and the corncob. The mineral blocks aren’t necessary, and I don’t know if corncobs are safe. Buns don’t need to chew to wear down their teeth – eating hay does that – she it’s not necessary that she chews on wood or other toys.

A cat carrier is a very small space for a bun – it could be that she’s limited in movement and can’t exercise enough.

[FawnTheFree]

Oops. Lol it was suposed to say fat pockets but my spell check derped.

My friend who’s bred and shown rexes for over 7 years says she’s overweight and those fatty bulges shouldn’t be there.

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