Caring For The Senior Rabbit
Up until a few decades ago, the average life span of a rabbit was typically around 5 years, however due to the increase in knowledgable owners and advanced veterinary care, more and more rabbits are living into their senior years. Due to this, the needs and care given to these rabbits have to change in order to support and care for them in their twilight years including feeding, husbandry and treatment of ailments associated with old age.
Due to the differentiation in sizing of rabbit breeds, the word “senior” can refer to a different age bracket across breeds. Small breeds (1-5kg and under) have a life span of around 12+ years, and are considered senior at around 8 years old. Medium breeds (eg: rabbits between 1.5kg-4kg) have a life span of around 10 years, and are considered senior at 6 years old. Large breeds (4kg+) have a life span of around 7 years, and are considered senior at around 4 years old.
Feeding
Older rabbits are often prone to ailments directly related to incorrect diet, such as obesity, that can lead to heart disease, worsening of respiratory issues, arthritis and pododermatitis, as well as dental problems.
Of course the main dietary factor of rabbits is 85% hay. It is important for gut stimulation and very important for dentition. It is important that your rabbit has fresh hay at all times, as well as being given a generous handful of greens daily.
Only a small amount of pellets should be
fed daily to rabbits (around a tablespoon), however some senior rabbits will become less active, albeit age related or due to certain ailments, therefore the amount of pellets may need to be decreased in order to prevent obesity from inactivity.
However, it is always important to monitor your rabbits weight as some senior rabbits may need slightly more pellets to prevent their weight from dropping. By weighing your rabbit on a regular basis you will be able to change the amount of pellets in regards to weight loss/ gain efficiently.
Older rabbits are often prone to ailments directly related to incorrect diet, such as obesity, that can lead to heart disease, worsening of respiratory issues, arthritis and pododermatitis, as well as dental problems.
Of course the main dietary factor of rabbits is 85% hay. It is important for gut stimulation and very important for dentition. It is important that your rabbit has fresh hay at all times, as well as being given a generous handful of greens daily.
Only a small amount of pellets should be
fed daily to rabbits (around a tablespoon), however some senior rabbits will become less active, albeit age related or due to certain ailments, therefore the amount of pellets may need to be decreased in order to prevent obesity from inactivity.
However, it is always important to monitor your rabbits weight as some senior rabbits may need slightly more pellets to prevent their weight from dropping. By weighing your rabbit on a regular basis you will be able to change the amount of pellets in regards to weight loss/ gain efficiently.
Husbandry
Most senior rabbits will have some form of mobility issue, therefore their environment needs to be changed to cater for this.
Accommodation may need to be made into single level, such as taking ramps out of hutches, or making these less steep to allow the rabbit to easily climb.
Flooring needs to be non slip to prevent unwanted injury.
Low sided litter trays are best since the rabbit may struggle to get in and out. Plastic dog beds or potting trays make excellent alternatives for older rabbits.
Due to conditions such as pododermatitis (sore hocks), a thick layer of soft bedding such as hay or vet bed is needed to assist in the management of this condition.
Most senior rabbits will have some form of mobility issue, therefore their environment needs to be changed to cater for this.
Accommodation may need to be made into single level, such as taking ramps out of hutches, or making these less steep to allow the rabbit to easily climb.
Flooring needs to be non slip to prevent unwanted injury.
Low sided litter trays are best since the rabbit may struggle to get in and out. Plastic dog beds or potting trays make excellent alternatives for older rabbits.
Due to conditions such as pododermatitis (sore hocks), a thick layer of soft bedding such as hay or vet bed is needed to assist in the management of this condition.
Ailments and Health Conditions
With age, many rabbits have some form of ailment that may need treatment or can be managed at home.
Dental disease: most senior rabbits will have some form of dental disease, although often diagnosed before their senior years. This may mean they need regular veterinary checks, dental exams, xrays and dental burrs.
Arthritis: This is very common in old age, and many people misdiagnose as the rabbit just “slowing down”. Pain relief will be given by a vet, and xrays may be taken to assess the severity of the condition. A dirty bottom sometimes accompanies arthritis due to the inability to clean it themselves, therefore checking this daily is important.
Overgrown claws: Due to senior rabbits being less active their claws may need to be clipped more frequently as they may not naturally wear them down.
Reproductive cancers: female rabbits that are not neutered are at risk of reproductive cancers (85% of entire females of 5+years). The only preventative for this is spaying the rabbit.
Pododermatititis (sore hocks): Pressures sores can occur on the bottom of rabbits
feet due to other health conditions, such as arthritis, obesity, mobility problems or insufficient fur coverage. Vet bed is fantastic to use with senior rabbits as it is highly absorbent and draws urine away from the body. Once a rabbit has pododermatitis it is extremely difficult to cure. Mild cases can be managed with a barrier cream, and more severe cases may need antibiotics prescribed by your vet.
Dacrocystitis (blocked tear duct): Older rabbits tend to get this condition which is easily rectified with a regular tear duct flush at your veterinary practice.
Cateracts: Cloudiness of the eye associated with age that may affect vision. It is important to monitor the progression of this, as your rabbit may need eye drops to aid in management.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): These are very difficult to diagnose without a urine sample, however any changes in colour or smell of urine, as well signs of increased/ decreased urination or straining means you need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. If left untreated this can lead to more severe issues such as bladder sludge or bladder perforation.
Urolithiasis (bladder sludge and stones):
A build up of calcium can cause crystals to form in the bladder which can cause difficulty in urination. Urine will feel “gritty” to the touch or be a thick paste, blood may appear in the urine, the rabbit may grind its teeth, loose its appetite, have a hunched posture and be pressing its abdomen to the ground. The severity of this will be determined via xrays, and medication will be given to disperse the calcium stones. It is important that you evaluate how much calcium is being given in the diet to inevitably prevent this occurring.
Respiratory disease: Increased respiratory effort accompanied by nasal discharge and sneezing. In most cases nebulising and regular antibiotics may be given to help with management.
With age, many rabbits have some form of ailment that may need treatment or can be managed at home.
Dental disease: most senior rabbits will have some form of dental disease, although often diagnosed before their senior years. This may mean they need regular veterinary checks, dental exams, xrays and dental burrs.
Arthritis: This is very common in old age, and many people misdiagnose as the rabbit just “slowing down”. Pain relief will be given by a vet, and xrays may be taken to assess the severity of the condition. A dirty bottom sometimes accompanies arthritis due to the inability to clean it themselves, therefore checking this daily is important.
Overgrown claws: Due to senior rabbits being less active their claws may need to be clipped more frequently as they may not naturally wear them down.
Reproductive cancers: female rabbits that are not neutered are at risk of reproductive cancers (85% of entire females of 5+years). The only preventative for this is spaying the rabbit.
Pododermatititis (sore hocks): Pressures sores can occur on the bottom of rabbits
feet due to other health conditions, such as arthritis, obesity, mobility problems or insufficient fur coverage. Vet bed is fantastic to use with senior rabbits as it is highly absorbent and draws urine away from the body. Once a rabbit has pododermatitis it is extremely difficult to cure. Mild cases can be managed with a barrier cream, and more severe cases may need antibiotics prescribed by your vet.
Dacrocystitis (blocked tear duct): Older rabbits tend to get this condition which is easily rectified with a regular tear duct flush at your veterinary practice.
Cateracts: Cloudiness of the eye associated with age that may affect vision. It is important to monitor the progression of this, as your rabbit may need eye drops to aid in management.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): These are very difficult to diagnose without a urine sample, however any changes in colour or smell of urine, as well signs of increased/ decreased urination or straining means you need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. If left untreated this can lead to more severe issues such as bladder sludge or bladder perforation.
Urolithiasis (bladder sludge and stones):
A build up of calcium can cause crystals to form in the bladder which can cause difficulty in urination. Urine will feel “gritty” to the touch or be a thick paste, blood may appear in the urine, the rabbit may grind its teeth, loose its appetite, have a hunched posture and be pressing its abdomen to the ground. The severity of this will be determined via xrays, and medication will be given to disperse the calcium stones. It is important that you evaluate how much calcium is being given in the diet to inevitably prevent this occurring.
Respiratory disease: Increased respiratory effort accompanied by nasal discharge and sneezing. In most cases nebulising and regular antibiotics may be given to help with management.
Elderly rabbits are still so full of life and with special adaptations and considerations of their needs, they can live happily. Obviously behavioural changes will occur, however meeting their husbandry and veterinary needs will lead to increased life span and more quality time to spend with your rabbit.