Elderly rabbits
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As most healthy rabbits can live up to (and even over) 8 to 12 years with good care, any rabbit over 6 years of age is considered a senior rabbit or elderbunny. Giant breeds may reach their golden age a bit sooner with their lower 5-6 year life expectancy.
Differences in care
Aging in rabbits can bring on changes in body condition and behavior. It is a good idea to bring your rabbit to a rabbit-savvy veterinarian every 6 months to catch any sicknesses or medical conditions early on for effective treatment. Your veterinarian may also recommend annual blood work, urinalysis, fecal, and radiographs as necessary.
A few supplies that may be useful with elderly bunnies:
- Amazon, Essential Medical Supply Sheepette Synthetic Lambskin, 30" x 60" - soft flooring with liquid wicking properties to keep your elderly bunny dry. Place pee pads underneath to catch urine and replace regularly.
- Amazon, Kitty City Raised Cat Food Bowl - You can use mini bungee cords to keep the bowls upright against a cage or exercise pen fence.
A few more resources on caring for a senior rabbit:
- DisabledRabbits.com. Litter box options for arthritic, senior, some 'tripods', disabled, and other rabbits
Online support communities
The following are communities that specialize in providing help to elderly and senior rabbits.
- Facebook, Elderbuns (Private group)
Further reading
- Sarah Dehn. (2018). Care of geriatric rabbits
- kinenchen. (2013). At Home Care Guide for Elderly Bunnies
- DisabledRabbits.com. Senior Rabbits
- Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund. Caring for Senior Rabbits
- Gary Riggs, DVM. Problems of the Geriatric Rabbit
- Gil Stanzione, DVM. Aging Bunny, Aging Bladder
- Michelle Wilhelm. Living With An Elder Bun
- Astrid Kruse, DVM. Caring for the Elderly Bunny [PDF]
- PetCoach. Caring For Your Senior Rabbit
- Mark E. Burgess DVM. (2011). "Older and healthy" in The Rabbit Advocate, Winter 2011
- Sandi Koi. (2008). Elderbuns
- Elizabeth TeSelle. (1994). To a Long Life: Geriatric Workups