As a biologist with a particular interest in genetics, I know that there was a link between different types of albinism, neurological conditions and blindness across the board in the animal Kingdom.
I knew this when I bought my frosty point minilop and I knew the risks. What I didn’t know, and didn’t figure out for a couple of weeks, was that not only were his eyes beautiful, blue and constantly moving from side to side (a condition called Nystagmus – common in albino animals), but they were completely sightless.
For an animal with a form of albinism to be completely blind often suggests that there may be a tumour or lesion on the animal’s occipital lobe. When I took Casper to be neutered, the vet actually asked if I was sure that I wanted to spend money on this rabbit who has a question mark above his life expectancy. Casper could have a timebomb in his head. Or he could live a long and happy life. To be honest I’d rather not think about it and just enjoy each day!
I am posting this for 2 reasons:
1) to see if anyone has any stories / experience / knowledge about the links between albinism, neurological issues and blindness in rabbits.
2) To share some of the things that I have learnt from having a blind rabbit. Which are as follows.
Firstly, consistency is key. When things move, confusion ensues. If a particular jump spot changes height, you’ll get a bunny missing the jump. If you move the water bottle or food bowl, make sure your bunny knows where they are. Watch them. Check that they are using everything okay.
Secondly, they are going to bump into things. Casper runs into a least 5 things a day. Often Tuppence or my feet or a wall. But occasionally he trips over something or misses a jump. Just because he’s blind doesn’t mean he isn’t curious. He will explore everything and try to jump on everything, and get stuck in everything, and panic over everything. So bunny proofing needs to be even more thorough!
Thirdly, a big cage is a must. Casper can’t be let out of his cage unsupervised because he panics if he can’t figure out where all of his walls and boundaries are. He checks them daily. The cage has to have a closed top, because he will often climb on his jumps to check the top of the cage. It keeps him feeling safe. He certainly can’t go outside unsupervised. This all means that Casper spends most of his time in his cage. Luckily it is 24 square feet!
Because he is confined to a cage, his bonded bunny buddy is very important. She keeps him entertained and helps calm him when he is scared. A variety of different of different ways to entertain Casper are useful. I tend to take popsicle sticks and rub different smells on them. The neighbours dog. Badger wee. Different plants. Different juices. Next doors hamster. Etc. The weirder and smellier the better. I then let him smell them. It’s good stimulation and lets him explore a world he has no access to! Toys are also a must. Hanging things are the favourite, so are cardboard rolls and anything with a bell in it or that makes a noise. Mixing things up, not in a big way though. Hide treats in new places, set up a “treasure hunt”, put different textures in the cage. (Tuppence isn’t blind, but she enjoys all of this as well!!)
Finally trust. A blind rabbit has got to trust its human (all rabbits do, but it’s much easier to spook our sightless friends). And the human must trust the rabbit – they’re hardier than they look with regard to crashing into things! It’s never nice to watch, but you can’t stop a rabbit from being a rabbit just because it can’t see!!
Anyone else got any hints and tips or experience? Would love to hear some happy blind bunny stories!