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Do rabbits lose weight when getting older?

B

bunniesbarnbabe

Warren Scout
I have a couple of rabbits who are getting older, Monica is 7, nearly eight and Brenda has just turned 7, both have lost some body weight. They are both eating, drinking, pooing as normal and I was wondering ir rabbits do tend to lose weight as they get older. Monica is a dutch and Brenda is British Cross.
 
Hi there,

I'm not sure if they lose weight, but they definately lose a bit of muscle tone. Hopefully someone with a bit more experience can help.

Gemma xx
 
I think a lot of weight loss (where there are no teeth problems) can sometimes be attributed to renal problems....which often develope with old age. Are they drinking more/weeing more?
 
definately in monicas case yes, they have both been to vets for a check up recently and the vet was not bothered about the weight loss, he said both had really good teeth and on the whole looked well for their age. Monica does have a cataract in one eye but apart from this, they are both in good health
 
Was her cataract put to old age too?

Do they ever have wet hind quarters or problems with their hind legs?
 
yes and because of her age they wont operate which is fine by me, her other eye is clear of cataracts so she gets around fine. Both of their hind quarters are fine and they are both dry
Another one of my rescue girls who is 5.5 does have probs with her hind legs and almost seems to drag them and she is always wet, i have to wash her every day. She was a rescue because the previous owners bred her late in life and i think this is what caused the leg problems.
 
I would just keep an eye on them, maybe weigh them once a week to monitor them?

If the drinking/weightloss increases dramatically I would consult your vet about tests to monitor renal activity.
 
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