Adopted Bun Need Help!

[hb_bun]

I recently took in a pet bunny that someone else could no longer care for and it seems they did not do much caring for him to begin with

I believe he is about 2 or 3 years old, not neutered. He seems to be in overall good health and happy except for his nails are overgrown. They all seem a little overgrown but his “thumbs” on the front 2 paws are extremely long and curling up over the paws. He doesn’t seem to be in pain and hops around as usual but I obviously do not want him to live like this or start having issues

I am wondering if I should have the vet cut his nails when I take him for a check-up or if I can tackle this issue on my own. I am worried about a vet wanting to put him under anesthesia or cutting them too short. Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance 

Sad and worried new bun mom! 

[ThorBunny]

Hi hb-bun, thanks for taking in this bunny in need of a good home

As for the nails, the quick (living part of the nail) grows long with the nail when it is not cut. So to remedy very long nails you have to clip them back a little at a time to shrink back the quick. How calm is your bun with handling? If he is squirmy (mine is when getting her nails cut) then it may be best for a vet to show you the first time how to trim them. I’ve never heard of a bun needing to be put under for nails, nor do I think it would be a good idea. In the worst case scenario you can “bunny burrito” them up in a towel to prevent them from squirming. I think I have read that in the case of very overgrown nails you want to cut back a little every 2 weeks or even every week until they are the right length again, when the fur on their feet covers the nails. After that most buns just need a trim every few months.

Again congrats on your new bun! We’d love to see pictures!

[sarahthegemini]

A vet will not need to anaesthetise a bun to clip their claws.

[Bam]

Thank you for taking this bun in and welcome to the BB forums!

I’ve never heard of a vet having to anestetize a bun for nail clipping. You do it with aggressive dogs and perhaps cats (I know all too little about cats), but buns can be burritoed and rendered pretty much harmless that way. Thor is right about the method used for very long nails – you cut them back a little bit every week/two weeks so the quick can recede. You might still want to have some styptic powder at hand in case you do hit the quick.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I would let the vet do it and show you the best way to do it yourself at the same time.

[hb_bun]

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for the advice! I attempted cutting some of his nails tonight and also noticed what I think to be the beginning of sore hocks, probably from his nails being so long. I am going to have the vet help me with all of this but I will start trimming his nails back until I can see one. 

Thank you all again!!! 

[Author]

Messages