Dietary guidance needed with our senior rabbit.

[Ilana]

Albert was picked up about 4 years ago. He was already a mature bunny so i estimate his age to be around 6 or 7. He was badly bitten on his left side but somehow survived until a group of kids saw him lying in a puddle of water. Unfortunately the vet couldn't save one of his back legs. He became our beloved tripod bunny and up to today we don't even see the missing leg. He adapted wonderfully- has an outdoor hatch but stays inside of the house most of the times.
5 Months ago we started noticing some behavioral changes. He stopped eating his normal food and became extremely inactive. The Vet did everything they could, from Poop analysis, ex rays, to blood test. Secondary liver problems were picked up due to the bad eating but nothing else seemed wrong. He have had three dental procedures of which the last one was done by a specialist.
Unfortunately nothing much has changed.. He still eats poorly and due to the fact that he grew up in a park with fresh grass- has never been much if a hay eater. I have and is still, feeding him Oxbow Critical care.(since January)
My main question is just whether this eating pattern, and inactiveness is normal for old bunnies.
Also whether you can suggest anything that would stimulate his eating pattern.
At the moment he is only eating fresh lusern leaves and a little treat from the Netherlands. No more pellets, carrots, spinach, apple pieces, oatmeal , fresh grass etc.
In South Africa rabbits are not really a common pet to have and very little help and advice is available. Out Vet even said she does not know what to do anymore. He is currently taking some liver medicine in with his Oxbow critical care, but no improvements have been noticed.
Will really appreciate any advice!

 

[squidpop]

I'm not sure what role his age plays in his not eating. But just reading your post I think if he has had dental problems, especially involving the back teeth he may have pain somewhere in his mouth. I wonder if you vet gave him some pain relief like metacam if he would eat more? If he did it might indicate that there is a tooth root or something bothering him.

When I was having a similar problem with one of my rabbits not eating hay, JBun suggested trying to find some fresh orchard grass, because its very abrasive and could work like hay.

How is his poos? I have none hay eating bunny too, very frustrating. He has GI slowdowns and his poo gets too small then he stops eating. I think this is because he doesn't eat enough fibre. Just to get him to eat more fibre I have ground hay in a coffee/spice grinder and then added apple to it, seems to like it. So if you think yours isn't getting enough fibre you could try that.

 

[Ilana]

Thank you! Will certainly look for some orchard grass tomorrow and give it a go. Our little bun is just so picky, i doubt that he will eat it. He loves fresh lusern leaves but i have been told, too much can make their stomach feel bloated.
The grinder concept seems the same as the Oxbow Critical care we are feeding him. I use the apple combination as well.
Hi Poop changes often. When he eats lots of Lusern it can be quiet big. But the shrink again when we take this away. He use to eat all his cecotropes but the last two months it is usually still there in the mornings.
Regarding the Metacam.. The vet did prescribe that for the first few weeks after his last dental. They didn't see see any root problems and took a lot of ex rays. But as i have mentioned, rabbits are not much of a priority here in SA. Very few vets are willing to treat them. Sad and i so wish there were more medical help. Appreciate your help. Will hopefully get him to eat the orchard grass. Kind regards

 

[majorv]

Did he eat better when he was on the metacam? At that age, he could have arthritis or other pains that will keep a rabbit from eating. If he isn't eating the cecotrophs is there a way for you to get some probiotics? This would help keep the balance of bacteria in his gut. The critical care says it has yeast in it, but some extra probiotics wouldn't hurt. Not sure what's available to you but Benebac is one brand for small animals. Feed stores may carry something called probios which is geared more towards livestock but will work also. You could also look online.

 

[Ilana]

Thank you. Will go to the vet asap and try and get Benebac. I have read about this before. I did use Mobiflex for a while( around 10 days) but it didn't seem to have an effect on him and at that time I just wanted him to eat again. A month ago he had so many different meds to be added into his Critical care so I stopped with the Mobiflex. Do you think i should continue?
Metacam does not make him eat more. I just don't understand why he eats lusern leave( grabs it out if my hand if he sees it and a small "cookie like" treat but not grass and his normal food.
I feel pretty sad... Not just for me, for Albert as well. Nothing is making this better and i was really hoping the critical Care sessions would have not been necessary for ever. Have to continue though ,he is not eating enough.
This is an excellent app. Thank you for caring so much about other people's bunnies.

 

[Ilana]

Just found out that Benebac is not available in South Africa. Thought so. Will it be possible for you to please send me the ingredients/ or a screenshot of the label. Will appreciate your help.

 

[majorv]

Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Silico Alminate, Dried Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Dried Lactobacillus Fermantum, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Dried Lactobacillus Casei, Dried Enterococcus Faecium, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum, Dried Pediococcus Acidilacticii

These are the ingredients in Benebac. You might try a health food store for the lactobacillus/acidophilus. When we had newborns (we had to hand feed) we put a little of this in the milk since they couldn't nurse off mom.

I understand your frustration and problem. We have two senior rabbits, though not as old, and they have become very picky eaters...and as a result have lost weight. It's a challenge to keep them eating, too.

 

[Ilana]

Got it! Our vet

 

[Ilana]

Got it, thank you! Our vet said she is going to try and get an alternative product. Just want to know as well..is 6-7 years that old for a bunny? I thought they get even older without having as much problems as ours. Good to know someone understands, thank you!

 

[majorv]

6-7 is getting up in age. I had misread your original post on his age. Our two are about 6. Rabbits can get 10-12 years of age but I doubt that's the norm.