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A question about Dennis

loobers25

Warren Veteran
When I watch Dennis tummy go up and down as he breathes it's slower than Maples. I was worried so got Dennis checked and he couldn't hear anything wrong in his chest. My anxietys where heightened at the time as was feeling traumatised about the whole vet trip in the car, so I didn't ask any further questions.

My question is that now Dennis is over 8 does rabbits breathing get slower with age? And if so do they need cardiac meds just like us hoomans

OH says Dennis is fine, doesn't behave anything like Toby and never had a stasis episode. Good appetite and lots of playing and zooms. Says it will be more stressful for Dennis to take him back to the vets again. But his breathing is definitely slower but then he is twice as old as Maples. My mum is not worried as says he wouldn't of lived this long on no meds If he had a heart condition.

I've got myself really worked up and worried. Does anyone have any experience? Should I get it investigated or is this my grief not letting me rationalise?





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I have made a appointment next Friday but will cancel depending on replies. Here they are now on the forage hunt
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I don't know the answer but didn't want to read and run. I would imagine bunny breathing rates vary as do humans. I have never compared my buns rates unless one of them was poorly.

To avoid the stress of taking Dennis to the vet I would count his breaths per minute a few times, work out the average, and then have a chat to the vet or even a vet nurse and ask if they think he needs to be seen. Or even better get your OH to count them. Bunnies are so intuitive I think they pick up on our stress and this could affect the way Dennis is breathing when you are watching him (hope this doesn't offend you).

On a completely different topic - can I come visit soon please?:):)
 
I don't know the answer but didn't want to read and run. I would imagine bunny breathing rates vary as do humans. I have never compared my buns rates unless one of them was poorly.

To avoid the stress of taking Dennis to the vet I would count his breaths per minute a few times, work out the average, and then have a chat to the vet or even a vet nurse and ask if they think he needs to be seen. Or even better get your OH to count them. Bunnies are so intuitive I think they pick up on our stress and this could affect the way Dennis is breathing when you are watching him (hope this doesn't offend you).

On a completely different topic - can I come visit soon please?:):)

I agree with Rhianna. And I’m the same, never compared breathing rates.

I’m sure if he’s happy and well it’s probably normal for him :thumb:
 
8 is not necessarily "old" especially if a rabbit has been looked after well. Dennis should be good for another couple of years I reckon. My Dusty is 10.5 now!
 
Can you count his respiratory rate (breaths per minute). There is a wide 'normal' range- 30-60 bpm. I very much doubt that Dennis has heart problems.
 
I like Rhianna 's suggestion of talking to Uncle John about why you're making the appointment & if he feels its necessary. I personally don't think there sounds like there is anything wrong with Dennis, he seems like a beautiful, happy & healthy boy but then I'm not a vet. It wouldn't surprise me if you experiences with Toby have heightened any insecurities which would be entirely natural. I worry more when my rabbits breathe fast rather than slow. He is a chilled bunny?
 
Thanks everybun for taking the time to reply to me. I'll get Joe to count for me when he gets home. Dennis is a super chilled bunny, if I could have Dennis to over ten I would feel so so blessed.

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I don't know the answer but didn't want to read and run. I would imagine bunny breathing rates vary as do humans. I have never compared my buns rates unless one of them was poorly.

To avoid the stress of taking Dennis to the vet I would count his breaths per minute a few times, work out the average, and then have a chat to the vet or even a vet nurse and ask if they think he needs to be seen. Or even better get your OH to count them. Bunnies are so intuitive I think they pick up on our stress and this could affect the way Dennis is breathing when you are watching him (hope this doesn't offend you).

On a completely different topic - can I come visit soon please?:):)
I just put my felt bunny you made me on the tree. Or I could see your furries. Either way I have lots of time off coming up auntie Karen xx

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I agree with other comments. All my rabbits have always stressed massively when they go to the vets with rapid heart beat and drooling. I personally would think that Dennis is just super chilled, but I also think you are wise to get your OH to count the beats.

Did your Mum have Dennis from when he was very young?
 
I agree with other comments. All my rabbits have always stressed massively when they go to the vets with rapid heart beat and drooling. I personally would think that Dennis is just super chilled, but I also think you are wise to get your OH to count the beats.

Did your Mum have Dennis from when he was very young?
Yes I believe he was 6 months old? What you thinking omi? xx

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I like Rhianna 's suggestion of talking to Uncle John about why you're making the appointment & if he feels its necessary. I personally don't think there sounds like there is anything wrong with Dennis, he seems like a beautiful, happy & healthy boy but then I'm not a vet. It wouldn't surprise me if you experiences with Toby have heightened any insecurities which would be entirely natural. I worry more when my rabbits breathe fast rather than slow. He is a chilled bunny?


I agree - Dennis sounds like a healthy happy chappie :)

I would count the number of breaths he takes in a minute when he's at rest, and then talk with John about it.
(make sure he's relaxed at the time and not in a stressful or wildly energetic mood!)
 
Yes I believe he was 6 months old? What you thinking omi? xx

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Nothing super insightful, I was just wondering if you were confident of his age. Dennis always looks to me like a younger rabbit :)
 
I just put my felt bunny you made me on the tree. Or I could see your furries. Either way I have lots of time off coming up auntie Karen xx

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I'm working a lot over Christmas but would love to visit you all. My house is still a tip as my neighbours are having an extension built and the noise, dust and being unable to park have meant I have spent very little time at home lately. I've been walking around the shops like a stray animal trying not to spend any money so the house has got even more cluttered than usual. I have to tread on things to get to bed :oops:
 
OK everyone, so Dennis was 44 resting and Sryup was 63 but she had been running around at that moment

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OK everyone, so Dennis was 44 resting and Sryup was 63 but she had been running around at that moment

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From what Jane said then, it looks like he's bang in the middle of normal :)

If I were you I would repeat the experiment over the next couple of days to see if there is any variation, but so far it doesn't seem like there is any cause for concern.
 
all this counting rabbit breathes is new to me. i'm not sure i'b be able. How exactly do you do it?
 
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