Aging Bunny: Signs, Symptoms, Issues

Question
Dana,

I have a 9-year-old female lop named Lily. She has always been an indoor bunny, litter trained, with access to my entire apartment (which is very well bunny-proofed). She is a patient of Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa, specifically Dr. Lightfoot. She sees other specialists as needed (dermatology and ophthalmology).

It has been determined that she has old-age-induced, mature cataracts, which are being treated. She gets around pretty well, albeit not as quickly or with as much coordination. She is not a candidate for surgery as she develops a heart murmur when under anesthesia.

She is thinning and feels quite a bit bonier though her weight is staying constant.

Blood work was done about 2 months ago and came back excellent; no problems.

Appetite is mostly normal meaning that she eats all she's given but doesn't seem to get as excited about food given as a treat, namely Italian parsley.

Poop is good; pee may be a little less than before. A lot more of both are being performed outside, but near, the litter box.

Here's my thing: I worry about the least little change in routine and would like some insight on what is normal bunny aging changes. Based on the above, my questions would be:

1. Having mature cataracts, it's expected that her activity will decrease, correct? She does not fall or have any tilt, but she sometimes trips herself up. In other words, her coordination is just a bit off, most notable during cleaning. Could this be attributed to the cataracts as well?

2. Based on what I've told you, any thoughts on her thinning/feeling bonier?

3. I have always used a water bottle and I did notice her drinking less when the cataracts started to really mature. I lowered the bottled so it's at nose-level and she's drinking a bit more. Still, I would say pee is slightly reduced. I've read about papaya to clear the intestines. She's never had it before in her life. Thoughts?

4. The fact that poop (quite a bit) and pee (occasionally) are occurring more frequently outside, but close to, the litter box. She has a once-in-awhile pee accident elsewhere in the apartment. Thoughts on either of these?

5. Parsley as a treat - she eats it all but doesn't show the same excitement for it I'm used to. She does show excitement for other things (a bit of alf-alfa, an apple slice).

I know that there are many things that could cause any of these issues. Considering she is getting what I hope to be the best of professional care, could these all be natural, age-related issues, many attributable to the cataracts? Or am I missing something and could be doing more for her?

Thank you so very much for taking the time to read and respond!

Answer
Dear Chris,

Your bunny is in good hands with Dr. Lightfoot, so that's good news.  But to answer your questions:

1.  Yes, cataracts will slow her down, and may even cause her to trip occasionally, since she can't see the ground well.  Other things can cause tripping, clumsiness, too.  But since the cataracts are an obvious possible cause, I wouldn't be too concerned in the absence of other signs.

2.  If you hadn't told me her bloodwork came back as normal, I would have suggested testing for liver/kidney function.  Renal disease can cause wasting.  But so can just general aging.  Most of our nine year old bunnies feel a little less muscular and a little more bony than they did when they were younger.

Another thing to ask Dr. Lightfoot about would be molar spurs.  If she has painful teeth, she might not be eating enough.  If you think she's too thin, you could try adding a calorie supplement treat, such as Novasource (which you have to get online) once a day.  But if her weight is fairly normal, I wouldn't do that.

3.  Papaya would be okay as a treat, but I don't think it will do anything to clear her intestines.  The thought is that because papaya contains proteolytic (protein-dissolving) enzymes that it can help clear hair from the intestine.  But if the GI tract is moving normally, there's no reason to think that hair won't pass through on its own.  And papaya enzyme can't dissolve hair.  It won't hurt her, but probably won't be any great help.

You might want to try adding a water bowl close to the water bottle, to see if she'll drink more from that, once she realizes what it is.

4.  Poop and pee outside the box can mean nothing more than a bit of arthritis making it too uncomfortable for to jump into the box.  We've solved this problem by cutting down one side of a litterbox so the bunny can step in, instead of having to jump.  If her arthritis is really bad, you could ask Dr. Lightfoot about analgesics that could give her some relief.

5.  We've found that our elder bunnies' tastes change as they age.  This happens with humans, too, as taste receptors die and change.  You might try giving her different types of fresh herb treats, such as cilatro, tarragon, mints, basil--things with stronger flavors.  A bit of variety will make her life more interesting, too.  :)

To answer your last question:  yes, these could all be age related.  She has a great vet.  And if her bloodwork was good and her molars are fine, then I wouldn't be too concerned.  Just give her lots of love and know that she might continue to change a little bit as she ages.  We all do!  :)

Hope that helps.  

Dana