Eating habits changed

[Fidget]

Fidget still eats almost everything put down for him, but it’s like his enthusiasm has gone. 

A few months ago, he’d go tearing over to his food bowl as soon as you put it down, or jump around your feet as you walked over to put it down, and it’d all be gone within minutes. 

Now he takes four or five hours to finish off breakfast and dinner.

He’s still pooping normally and he is eating everything, it just takes him longer :/ 

Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this?

[Sarita]

I think he’s just growing up. Also his metabolism is probably slowing down as he ages.

[Fidget]

Posted By Sarita on 02/20/2014 02:23 PM

I think he’s just growing up. Also his metabolism is probably slowing down as he ages.

Maybe. He’s just over two and a half through, I would have thought he was all grown up by now?

[Sarita]

Well he may be fully grown but his body is still aging.

[Elrohwen]

It could be dental issues. When was the last time he was at the vet?

My girl was a very slow eater when I first adopted her, but I figured it was normal for her. At her first vet visit they noticed some molar spurs and we had them removed. Once she recovered, her eating picked up a lot and now she inhales food like my other rabbit. She was 3 at the time of the dental work and according to her first owner had never needed it before. She’s 7 now and hasn’t needed it since.

[Sarita]

True, I hadn’t though of dental problems but lop rabbits are definitely prone to dental problems. Definitely something to consider as well.

[Fidget]

Posted By Elrohwen on 02/20/2014 02:49 PM

It could be dental issues. When was the last time he was at the vet?

My girl was a very slow eater when I first adopted her, but I figured it was normal for her. At her first vet visit they noticed some molar spurs and we had them removed. Once she recovered, her eating picked up a lot and now she inhales food like my other rabbit. She was 3 at the time of the dental work and according to her first owner had never needed it before. She’s 7 now and hasn’t needed it since.

Hmm, good point. He was last at the vet for his neuter in late September. In my weekly checks of him, his teeth (front ones, anyway) have seemed fine.

In all honesty I was considering taking him for a check-over in the next week because the change in eating is bugging me a little. 

[Sarita]

Yeah, you can’t see those back molars unless you have an otoscope.

[Beka27]

I think a vet check is a good idea. Remind me, how long have you had him, has it been most of his 2.5 years?

My first thought was of animals that come from bad conditions (dogs especially) who wolf down their food bc they’re maybe not on a regular feeding schedule, or they are kept with other dogs so they have to eat quick or else it’s all gone. In these cases when they are put in a new home, eventually they figure out that they can take their time bc the food will always show up and no one else is going to take their food.

But in your case, you had him since a baby, right?

[Fidget]

Posted By Beka27 on 02/20/2014 05:04 PM

I think a vet check is a good idea. Remind me, how long have you had him, has it been most of his 2.5 years?

My first thought was of animals that come from bad conditions (dogs especially) who wolf down their food bc they’re maybe not on a regular feeding schedule, or they are kept with other dogs so they have to eat quick or else it’s all gone. In these cases when they are put in a new home, eventually they figure out that they can take their time bc the food will always show up and no one else is going to take their food.

But in your case, you had him since a baby, right?

Nope, I’ve had him since September when I adopted him from his old owners. (I strongly believe they were bad owners). So it’s been about 6 months, and his behaviour was consistent all the time except for just before and after his neuter. 

[Beka27]

Oh, okay… I think I’m thinking of a different member then. Sorry!

Do you know if the vet took a good look at his teeth when he was under anesthesia for his neuter? I think that’s definitely your first step then…

[Fidget]

Posted By Beka27 on 02/20/2014 06:10 PM

Oh, okay… I think I’m thinking of a different member then. Sorry!

Do you know if the vet took a good look at his teeth when he was under anesthesia for his neuter? I think that’s definitely your first step then…

Not totally sure, although she did give the rest of him a go-over (nails, anal glands, etc). 

He’s now not eating dinner at all, even his favourite stuff like kale. 

Off to the vets we’ll go as soon as possible then :/

[Beka27]

Yeah, that’s not good 🙁

Keep us posted on what happens!

[Fidget]

Will do, Beka. Our vet is only open for a few hours on Saturday, but hopefully they’ll appreciate the seriousness of a bun not eating and will squeeze me in somewhere!

[Beka27]

Is the office still open or do they have a voicemail you can leave a message on? Sarita (I believe) has said that she has taken a rabbit in first thing in the morning and left him/her there so the vet could check them out in between patients. That’s an idea if they don’t have an open appointment. But I’m guessing they will try to squeeze him in.

[Author]

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