Cataract change bunny behaviour?

[pollynpablo]

My bunny has developed a cataract in one eye and has become more shy and his behaviour has changed. He used to love going out in the garden and running about, to the point he had to be made to come back in, but now will not venture over the doorstep. I don’t know if its the step or something else but I feel he is missing out on excercise and enrichment, he used to “ask” to get out several times a day but now just lies in the house. His behaviour in the house is a bit quieter but he still adventures in the house when he has the chance, he is a quite determined little bunny about where he wants to go and seems perfectly happy most of the time. I don’t know if this reluctance to venture out is just until he gets used to restricted vision and/or if my trying to encourage him out is counter-productive. Any advice greatfully recieved, thank you.

[Sarita]

I imagine his vision is compromised and he feels more secure in the house. I think it would be dangerous outside for him in his impaired condition. I think it’s best to allow him to make the decision on his own as to what feels most comfortable for him.

[RabbitPam]

Is he being treated for it at the moment? I agree with Sarita, but if he is on some meds for anything, it may also be making him more lethargic.
Make sure that’s all that’s wrong with him, too.
A bunny needs the familiar to really be secure, and he may be relearning where things are and how they look to him now. Shadows from above can mean an unknown predator to rabbits, so he may be much more leary of what he cannot see now.
And they mellow as they get older, too. So it sounds like he’s opting for a safer, less frightening/dangerous existence.

[Author]

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