How “old” is an Old rabbit?

[Hutchebs]

New to this forum, but not new owner. We have been the owners of a mini lop named Chloe since she was 4 months old. She was of course originally my daughter’s pet and now has become much more my responsibility… as is typical I am sure. I am wondering how elderly Chloe is considered at age 7 1/2?  When checking out of my dog’s vet ( have to go to a different vet for bun because the vets at the dog’s vet are allergic to rabbits- what ???) the receptionist mentioned she used to breed rabbits. When she heard that Chloe was 7 she acted like she was on death’s door and very  old for a pet rabbit.

Chloe has definitely slowed down, had her only real health scare with an ear infection last fall and is now refusing to use her litter box for all potty breaks. She wets and poops where she pleases. Could these issues be due to her age? Is she really a geriatric bun?

Thanks for any input-

Emily

[Sarita]

Well, I have had rabbits who were 11 and 12 years old and a good friend recently had to put down her 14 year old rabbit. I think BinkyBunny’s Vivian who just went to the bridge was 10 or 11 years old.

Indoor rabbits who see the vet and are well cared for are living longer and longer lives. Chloe is just now on the verge of being a senior. Probably people who have never had a pet rabbit indoors don’t realize how far rabbit ownership and rabbit medicine have come.

[Deleted User]

Gosh Emily, we plan on having Henry (our bunny) with us for a good 15 years!
When I told my hubby that, he almost cried (Henry can be a bit (LOT) naughty, he he he he). But yer, from what I have read, bunnies now live up to that age easily. With loving owners, a good healthy diet and a friendly clever vet, an indoor bunny (Henry is free roam) can live a long time. He better, we rearranged our whole house for him too – DOH! Lol…..

Keep in mind, that sometimes things happen and we never know about it till it does. Just like us human’s and any other pet, we become ill and don’t always recover. I just enjoy everyday and worry only if the vet tells me otherwise. If it didn’t come from your vet – ignore it.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I have two 7 year old bunnies. I don’t really consider them seniors. What people consider “senior” differs. Bigger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than the little guys. My buns have definitely slowed down but are still full of brat and sass and trouble!

Have you talked to the vet about Chloe’s deteriorating litter habits? What is her litterbox like? Is it one she has to hop in? If so, if she’s starting arthritis, it may be hard for her to get in and out and you should def get a shorter sided box.

[manic_muncher]

I would like to add that her not using her litter box could be due to her aging. Arthritis would typically be starting around now and it may be uncomfortable or even painful for her to jump into it. Perhaps try cutting a side opening for her to get into it without having to hop over, see if that will help.

[Sarita]

Definitely could be arthritis – I had a rabbit diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 4 so it’s not uncommon.

[Stickerbunny]

My Powder was best guess 4 when we got him, which was 3 years ago, so he’s somewhere around 7. Could be older, could be younger. But, as I type this, he’s doing zoomies around the room…

When my buns aren’t feeling well, they forget their litter boxes. Could be the infection, or could be her age. You could try cutting an opening for easy access for her and see if it helps.

[LBJ10]

Arthritis is definitely something to consider at this point. It is a common reason for older buns to stop using the litter box.

[Hutchebs]

thanks all!! I will def give the litter box trick a try.

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