Is my senior rabbit's weight loss and peeing outside due to age?

Question

My bunny Wally has been very slowly losing weight for probably 8 months now. He is 8 years old. I have read that rabbits may lose weight as they get old, like humans do. He eats normally. Only other symptom is he will now pee outside the cage on occasion. Are these just signs of him aging? Will feeding him more pellets help put on weight? He HATES leaving the house, so I don't want stress him by taking him to the vet if unnecessary. Thanks! Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | neutered | 7 years and 11 months old

Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM · Accepted Answer

Hi, Weight loss is common as animals get older, but it’s generally the result of an underlying issue like arthritis, decreased activity, or even diseases like kidney failure, liver disease, or cancer. So while it’s not unexpected to see weight loss in an 8 year old rabbit, I would be worried that Wally may have some degree of arthritis or a disease called Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EC). Both arthritis and EC can cause rabbits to urinate outside the litter box and weight loss. However, the treatment for each of these are very different and they carry different prognoses. There can also be pain associated, and therefore I recommend you take Wally to a veterinarian for an exam, blood work and radiographs (X-ray). Wally may hate leaving the house, but he will likely feel much better once he has some pain control or any other treatments that may be necessary. Good luck!

Is my senior rabbit's weight loss and peeing outside due to age?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Is it normal for a pregnant guinea pig to zoom after cage cleaning?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

Share