Hi all, I know this is really long but not sure what’s going on and wanted to give all the information.
I have an almost 2yr old New Zealand/ lop mix. Last week, I went fed him, gave him fresh water and some petting then went to bed as usual. When I woke up, I noticed him just sitting with his back to me. Normally as soon as I shift he’s all over the place, ready for his breakfast. I gave his pellet (Same brand I’ve always fed him and not a new bag) but he wouldn’t go near it. He even ran away and huddled in the corner. His ears were up and he was watching me very intently.
I decieded to wait a few hours, see what he did and he nibbled on a few pellets and some hay but not enough. I had noticed he wasn’t eating as much hay the last couple days but figured that to be the bag he didn’t like. (I had just opened a new bag and he is beyond picky about his hay. If it’s even slightly stale or off colour he won’t touch it.)
Before I continue, he does have a bit of a back history of medical issues, starting with being the runt of the litter and not from a professional breeder – he was a “take him or he won’t be alive much longer” rescue. The vet treated him for sever ear mites and fleas and a few months after for E. Coniculi. Last summer he was neutered and the past fall/winter he was treated for blocked nasal passages. He seemed to be mostly on the mend and the vet said to wait and see if he has any other issues crop up. So far he’s been great.
I checked his stomach for signs of bloat, mouth, eyes, ears, and backside for any signs of injury or blockage and there was nothing. I gave him some oral feeding later in the day to make sure he didn’t develop GI stasis and he perked up after that and from then until now has been increasing his food, water and hay til normal. He was even back to running and binkys later the first day and doing his bunny flop to nap.
All except how he acts towards me.
I am the only one to handle, feed and play with him so he’s always liked me and reacted well when he say me. If I called him, he’d come running. Now, if I call him, he either looks at me then ignores me or runs away. I don;t chase him as I don’t want to make anything worse but I am so confused what’s caused the change.
I’ll be taking him to the vet in a few days to get him looked over but why would he act so different towards me overnight? There have been no major changes to either of our routines. I know he gets bored while I’m gone during the day but he refuses to play with any toys. (I’ve tried every type). When I give him play time, he runs around for a little, binkys and plays for a few minutes then sits by his playhouse and eats the cardboard. (Yes, he eats it all) I’ve taken out any cage toys that would be harmful to ingest.
If anyone has any ideas what could’ve caused this I’d love to know. The vet’s as stumped as I am with regards to his choice of toys and love of cardboard.