Weight loss in an elderly bunny

[FluffyBunny]

For about the last 4-5 months, my 9 year old bunny Mr. Bunny has had difficulty keeping weight on. We took him to the vet in early August, and he got a full exam and bloodwork. No sign of any organ issues, tooth overgrowth or cancer. (Of course, I’m now worried about that, too, since Ms. Rabbit had the same and died 2 months later.) The vet said that the weight loss was fairly normal, and likely a result of age. So I’ve been giving him Critical Care mixed with oats several times a week, which he loves, plus unlimited alfalfa pellets. He initially gained some weight back, then gradually lost it again, and he is now thinner than he was previously.

Has anyone dealt with this in an older bunny? I’m worried about him and stumped on what else to try. And I know any alternatives besides age for what’s causing this wouldn’t be good in a bunny his age.

[SuperBunnyto]

Is he eating normally overall? Or is he losing weight despite the fact that he’s eating? Is he eating his hay? Have you tried alfalfa hay?

There’s a book titled “When Your Rabbit Needs Special Care: Traditional and Alternative Healing Methods” which is helpful finding alternatives to help your bunny. Maybe you can find something there?

[LittlePuffyTail]

Bindi started losing weight a couple of years ago. He’s now 10. His weight is quite a bit lower than I would like but due to his age and his health issues I think it’s as good as it’ll get. I give him several TBSP of Critical Care daily too.

You need to be cautious about the alfalfa pellets. They contain a lot of calcium that can cause problems in adult rabbits.

[FluffyBunny]

I’ll check out that book. He’s eating fine, still has a good appetite. I think food is the highlight of his life, silly boy. He doesn’t eat as many pellets or hay as he used to but he still eats a good deal for his size.

It’s good to know other old bunnies have the same issue…if I can ask, what health issues does Bindi have now? Mr. Bunny is fairly healthy besides a chronic blocked/stuffy nose and probably slight arthritis.

The alfalfa was actually the vet’s suggestion – his blood was checked and he had healthy calcium levels, plus no sign of kidney disease. But I was slightly worried about switching to 100% alfalfa hay for that reason.

[jerseygirl]

Has his his water intake increased? 

Rumball is thin these days also.

I try give rolled oats and pepitas and sunflower seeds to help. Vet said the omega oils in the seeds would be beneficial for him too. She’d also said older buns (and animals in general) just don’t derive the nutrition from food as easily as when they are younger. 

I also have hay pellets (98% hay) that I give sometimes. Less work for them breaking it down in the body. 

Interestingly, it was when I started Rumball on daily meloxicam that I saw a slight gain. I’d also treated an ear infection and I do wonder if his immune system was taking all the energy her gets from food. So supporting the immune system for older rabbits would likely help, in my view.

I also discovered he enjoys body warmth when I have him on my lap. So keeping warm for these older guys may be a tad harder. Plus, heat is soothing for arthritis. I bought one of those passive thermal mats (reflective stuff inside) and Ailis and Rumball spend 95% of there time on it. Even now when our weather is warming up here. 

[LittlePuffyTail]

Bindi has lots of problems. Chronic ear infections, runny eyes, molars that need trimming about every 5 months, needs Sub Q fluids every day because he is unable to drink well on his own due to a past ulcer on his tongue and, only recently, I’m starting to think he’s getting some arthritis. He’s been a high maintenance bun all his life, sadly. But so glad he’s still with me. Love my little Bindi Bear.

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