Common Health Issues and Healthcare Tips to be Given to Senior Rabbits

Rabbits live longer than they did a few years ago; their average lifespan is now 8-10 years. This is because several aspects of the rabbit’s management such as diet, husbandry, and medical care have improved over the years. Comparing now and then, pet rabbits’ diet is now richer in fibers and nutrients, gradually changing from cereal mix to a more balanced diet with ad libitum hay and pelleted food.

Pet rabbits are very active animals that, when given the opportunity, enjoy running, jumping, digging, and chewing. When they get older they tend to show a decrease in activity level, are less agile, and sleep longer hours, especially during the day. Because they are less active, they tend to gain weight. They are also more predisposed to develop chronic and infectious diseases, and they exhibit changes in behaviour such as grooming themselves less often and decreased response to the owner and the surrounding environment. Senior rabbits should continue receiving plenty of hay; it is very important to continue maintaining good gut motility and healthy gut flora. The number of nuggets should be reduced if generic rabbit food is used. However, it is now possible to find pelleted food specially formulated for senior rabbits; the main focus is to maintain the same or higher level of fiber of normal pelleted food, reduce the calorie intake to prevent obesity, and the protein level to prevent kidney problems.

When they get older, they tend to develop arthritis and show reduced motility, stiffness, and difficulties in jumping inside the hutch. Exercise should be promoted daily to maintain good muscles and healthy joints; however, the space where they live should be modified to make it easier for the animal to move around. If the rabbit starts finding it difficult hopping on laminated and other slippery floors, carpets and runs can be added for more stability and ramps can be placed to enter the hutch more easily and to limit jumping.

Older rabbits can experience reduced hearing and vision; in this case, it is advisable to limit the free range to a smaller area where they can feel safe. This will also reduce the risks of accidents, such as getting frightened in a new open area or being stepped on by the owner by mistake because they did not see the rabbit near their feet (they can be very quiet) and the rabbit was not quick enough to move. If the rabbit lives outdoors, they should be provided with a warm and well-insulated area and extra bedding that will keep them comfortable while lying down. The litter box should also be changed to a shallow one that allows the rabbit to easily jump in and out of it, so they can continue using it.

The owner’s approach to the rabbit would also need to change to adapt to the rabbit’s needs. Rabbits, at an older age, become less independent and more prone to develop problems. An owner should spend more time grooming the rabbit, especially around the perineal area, and check the ears, the teeth, and the body condition score (BCS) daily. Regular health checks should be performed by your veterinarian in order to pick up diseases at an early stage, ensuring that the animal is comfortable and well-treated.

What type of veterinary care do rabbits need?

We provide primary rabbit veterinary care at Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic such as preventive care. Our veterinarian, who specializes in small mammals ensures that your pets are properly cared for and an annual health examination is recommended to prevent developing diseases as rabbits age.

Read more about Longer Life of Senior Rabbit and  Good Health of an Elderly Rabbit or Rodent

References and further reading Livia Benato DVM MSc CertZooMed DipECZM (Small Mammals) MRCVS. Angela M. Lennox (2010) Care of the Geriatric Rabbit. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice Volume 13, Issue 1, Pages 123– 133. Molly Varga (2014) Textbook of rabbit medicine, 2nd edition, Butterworth and Heinemann. John Chitty (2014) Problems of the geriatric rabbits. BSAVA Manual of Rabbit medicine by A. Meredith and B. Lord (2014), BSAVA.

Written by: Dr. David Perez, ABVC Veterinarian