Mr. Hopper is Losing Weight!

[bullrider76543]

Mr. Hopper has lost a lot of weight over the past two months. I just realized how much when he jumped up for cuddles tonight that it was more then I thought he’d loss. any Ideas why he might be? He is still eating and pooping regular. he isnt acting strange in any way, although he has been more active. and shedding a LOT. Should I be worried and contact my vet?

 

[Sarita]

He’s an older bun isn’t he? I might first look at his teeth since that seems to be something that is a problem for older rabbits and maybe do some bloodwork if you haven’t in awhile.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I agree -teeth need to be checked. Also older bunnies carry weight differently so it would be good to get the vet to weigh him so you can compare to past weights and see how significant the loss is. This isn’t an emergency vet trip, but I’d get there next week if possible (and of course emergency vet if he stops eating/drinking/peeing/pooping)

[bullrider76543]

He did have his teeth checked about three months ago and they were good, but I will have to agree on that getting him checked again. He was overweight before and I have finally got him eating more hay and less pellets (picky pain in the butt lol) and ya his is 6 years old. he was our first bun, and the thought of him being sick is just scary… But with getting raven neutered, Cinnamon neutered, and Chipmunk having his toe amputation, unless its an emergancy it will have to wait till Nov 1st when Uncle Sam pays me again. it adds up quick. I might try to get him in earlier if I can get my vet to bill me for the 1st.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Sometimes it’s hard to see the molars without xray so that might help.
I certainly think it could wait a bit as long as he’s eating and drinking normally and you don’t notice anything else. Also you said you were working on more hay and less pellets so the weight loss may be just success?

[bullrider76543]

That is what I am hoping cause it took a long time to get him to eat the hay, he was stubborn and his last owner only fed him pellets and he was kept in an outside hutch. and He was soooo hapy when we got him and introduced him to greens and freedom to run around!! As for the teeth my vet uses this scope thing and puts it into their mouths and you can actually see the molars!! its so cool she was showing me it. But to be safe I will probably call her in the morning anyway to ask what she thinks. thanks for the advice!!

[jerseygirl]

Also older bunnies carry weight differently so it would be good to get the vet to weigh him so you can compare to past weights and see how significant the loss is.

True. I’m noticing this in Rumball and he is also 6. I thought he’d lost weight but when they weighed him he was same as last appt.

Hopefully this is true for Mr Hopper also. Same weight or healthy loss due to diet.

You could ask your vet about payment plans or look into care credit if you haven’t before. Then you have options in case anybun needs been seen before pay day.

I totally sympathise! I’ve had a lot of vet bills too and more to come so definitely know how it adds up.

[tanlover14]

Good positive vibes to Mr. Hopper!

[cactuspancake]

If you get really really concerned about it and there is no other medical cause, I would feed him a few more pellets a day and see if that gets him to gain weight. I mean a few, maybe an eighth cup more twice per day. It helps with Franz because he will just lose the weight if I don’t give him more. He is 6.5 lbs and I give him 1/4 cup twice a day. I originally gave 1/4 cup/day, greens, and tons of hay, but he just can’t do that or he will be really skinny.

[bullrider76543]

I am so sorry, I have been so busy that I haven’t got to update this. Mr. Hopper has gone to see his vet and they are happy with his weight and said that he is healthy and to continue to keep feeding him more hay then pellets. He has become a lot more active too, when we got him 3 years ago he was only getting pellets and no hay at all and being kept outside in a hutch. Since then he has known the pleasure of knowing what its like to run and play and even have a playmate (Nibbles). but, getting him to eat hay has always been a fight, so finally after 3 years of work we having him eating like a normal bun, except for fruit cause his tummy can not handle is and gets the nasties all over his bottom. But the vet also said to watch him to make sure he dosn’t loose too much weigh. and wants to see Mr. Hopper back in a couple of months. Like I said before I panic sometimes when it comes to my babies!! Thank you all for your help and advise!!!

[tanlover14]

YAY FOR MR. HOPPER! Keeping those vibes going for good luck in the future and that he keeps eating like a good, healthy bun!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Glad the vet gave him the “okay”!

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