Zigzag pellets (teeth checked)

[Zigzag]

Hi all,

I was hoping to get some advice about my 12 year old bunny Zigzag, who is seen by specialists at the RVC.

I went away recently, and they were boarded about a month ago (which I now massive regret, I should have never have gone!) Since I’ve returned he’s not eating bigger pellets, and is obsessed with humping his partner which is really unusual. His desire to hump goes up and down, but it does get worse during pellet time and in the evening. Winnie his wife is able to run away or just hump him, as he never succeeds.

His teeth have been checked twice by 2 different exotic specialists and they look good. They are reluctant to do a GA for the back teeth as he has an ongoing respiratory issue and because of his age. He also has arthritis and is on a range of meds for this.

I wondered whether the pellet issue is to do with the dominance issue?!

I’d welcome any thoughts.

Thanks

 

[Omi]

I am inclined to think that the two issues are separate and not connected.

Regarding the humping, I think this could either be spring fever or the fact that he sees the heirarchy changed as they spent some time at a different location. Either way to be honest, if Winnie is not upset by it and can run away, I don't think I would be concerned by it. It could be a hormonal problem, but I would think because there have been recent changes i.e. seasonal and boarding, it's more likely not.

Regarding not eating large pellets, have you tried feeding smaller ones to see what the result would be. If he eats smaller ones OK I would just change over to them. It may be something that makes it feel uncomfortable to eat the larger ones and so I would just monitor the situation and seek further advice from a vet if you are concerned.

 

[a reader of books]

Hm, I can't think of a way his not eating the bigger pellets and humping Winnie could be related... Like Omi, it seems to me like the humping could be Zigzag reestablishing the hierarchy after being away in an unfamiliar place, or spring fever, or both. It could be worse during pellet time because feeding times are often when bunnies show their dominance, because the dominant bunny often wants to eat first. His leaving the bigger pellets, though, that could be his tooth roots rather than his teeth? If they're too long, it can be painful to chew. Bigger things would be more painful, I'd think. You'd have to take skull x-rays to see, but since he's already on pain meds for his arthritis, I don't think there'd be much else you can do about it even if it is his tooth roots, aside from having the tooth removed if the problem is really bad, but that doesn't seem like an option for Zigzag. I can understand why they are reluctant to do a GA with his age and his respiratory issue.

(Also, I was catching up on my Best4Bunny magazines this week and saw Zigzag and Winnie. Such a cute photo. )

 

[joey&boo]

I agree with the above. it might help to present Zigzag with the nuggets first so he knows you respect their hierarchy. With zigs age, already being on pain relief theres nothing I'd do other than only feed them small nuggets. I hope it calms down. I'm glad winnie can run away at least - or hump back, sassy girl

 

[Shimmer]

Has he had his ears checked? That can affect the way they eat as well.

 

[Zigzag]

Hi all, thanks for your insightful comments, I think I hoped they were connected. I think the dominance issue is due to the change in environment as you have all said. @Omi agree that it’s unlikely to be hormonal as it’s a recent issue, thanks for pointing that out, I hadn’t figured that out until you mentioned it.

I have fed him the small probiotic pellets and he will eat those. Interestingly he won’t eat the larger pellets even when I cut them into smaller pieces, bit annoying as I have so many bags of the grain free pellets. I’ll feed him pellets first as you’ve suggested Joey and Boo.

@Shimmer- he’s had everything checked, as he goes to the RVC so often, so I don’t think it’s an ear problem.

Reader of Books you’ve basically said what the vet said. She mentioned tooth root pain, but said that the pain meds he takes should help if that is the case. X-rays are out of the question but they suggested a CT scan, but as he’s already had one I don’t think it would make a huge amount of difference. Plus it takes me hours to get to.

I noticed he’s got some yellow mucus today, so is having a flare up and I think he’ll need an additional antibiotic for this (will discuss with a vet).

I’m hoping he calms down, as he’s 12 I didn’t think he had it in him!

Reader of Books- what magazine are they in? I submitted a photo years ago, so would love to know.

Thanks

 

[a reader of books]

If he's not eating the larger pellets even when you cut them into smaller pieces, I guess it's not about the size... Are they harder than the small pellets? I'm sorry he's having a flare up. I wonder if that's maybe affecting his eating? Sending him lots of vibes. I hope some extra antibiotics will help him soon feel better.

They're in the winter 2022 issue of Best4Bunny, in a section called, "Thank you for my adopted bunny". I'd take a picture and show you, but I think I'm not allowed, what with copyright stuff.

 

[Zigzag]

Yes I’m not sure either, he gets so worked up about Winnie it’s like he doesn’t want to eat, he’s so hyper. These bunnies….
I think it could in part be to do with the flare up….
Thanks for letting me know about the magazine, I’ll see if I can get a copy

 

[a reader of books]

Aw, I hope he'll stop getting so worked up about Winnie soon so things can go back to normal.

No problem!