Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > My outdoor rabbit not quite herself

My outdoor rabbit not quite herself

22 10:31:02

Question
QUESTION: We hve had Lola fr 13 years..she has always been outside...does not care for indoors she was born out doors, we got her when she ws a month old.....
Just recently I have notice she is moving slower, eating less, she still perky her ears high, alert, eyes clear, I clean her periodicaly to prevent matting...stool looks normal....she is shedding a lot.......her teeth lok ok..can't figure it out.is it just she is getting old....please any answers will help...very concerned.....thank you so much

ANSWER: Dear Brenda,

Congratulations on your "senior bun".  At 13, she might be slowing down. But there also could be a health problem that needs addressing. Please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

and find a good rabbit vet to give her a good wellness check, including bloodwork, here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

It's better to be safe than sorry. Even though she looks superficially fine, it will set your mind at ease to have a good vet give her a checkup and tell you whether she has anything needing treatment.

(At her age, a molar check for spurs would be wise, too.)

Hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Can you tell me what the life span of a rabbit is.  She is almost 14...can't bare the thought a loosing her....thank you

Answer
Dear Brenda,

At 13, your bunny is certainly "senior," but how long she will live is a mystery.  We've had bunnies live to be 16 and older, and the record is 22 (supposedly).  But that's rare.

All you can do is what you're doing:  love her and give her the best care, and that will give her the very best chance of living many more happy years with you.

Dana