Pulling fur out

Hi again

We have a young female rabbit, approx 1 year old maybe just over and she has had phantom pregnancies in the past, however I came home from work today to find hay all over the floor and she has started to build a nest in the sofa. She's previously dug holes in the arms of the sofa, so has dragged some of the 'stuffing' out too. I thought this was another of her phantom pregnancies (no chance of being pregnant) but she keeps pulling fur out from all over her body. Any suggestions what's caused this or what I could do to help her? I did have to move the nest from on the sofa to a corner of the room which I have made dark and covered and shown it to her also. I hate seeing her like this..

Thanks

It is very upsetting for Does to have phantom pregnancies and probably the best thing would be to book her in for spaying when she has got over this one.

We lost our last rabbit when we took him to get neutered. He had a reaction to the anaesthetic, so we have been very nervous about putting this one through it.. however I haven't seen her this bad before so I might just have to be brave and try it.

Anything I could do to help her in the meantime?

I'm sorry you lost your other rabbit and can fully understand your anxiety. I think that you have to try to balance things out. If you have a good rabbit-savvy vet, then the likelihood of her not being absolutely fine are very slim. Weighed against that. if she remains unspayed, is the very real chance that she would develop uterine cancer by the age of 5, how upsetting it is for her (and you) to continue to have phantom pregnancies, and I have a feeling that phantom pregnancies can lead to an infection - but don't quote me on that one. I don't think it's a good idea to move her nest until she abandons it.

Shes made another nest overnight on the sofa so will just leave it there and give the vets a call after work. Thanks

Sarah298 said:

Shes made another nest overnight on the sofa so will just leave it there and give the vets a call after work. Thanks

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I look forward to hearing how everything goes. Do you have a a vet experienced with rabbits?

Pulling fur out is normal during phantom pregnancies, it may just be that is more hormonal this time around. She shouldn't hurt herself badly so don't worry, although I know it's distressing to watch.

I would look at getting her spayed, but I don't think it can be done till after she's settled down again. Start by booking her in for a general health check in a week or two- anesthetic is much lower risk when the bunny is healthy and it'll give you a chance to talk to your vet about how many rabbit spays they do, and whether they have an interest in exotics or rabbits. Rabbits are classed as exotic animals so a lot of vets just know the basics unless they have a personal interest in them. If you are concerned, you can either find a new vet yourself or ask your vet for a referral to an exotic vet or rabbit specialist. Good vets are usually happy to refer you as they just want the best for your pet.

My husband is home on leave for 2 weeks on Friday so will be booking her in during this time so he's home to watch her during recovery as she's settled back down again now.

We're registered with a vetinary hospital which have vets specially trained in exotics so are booking her in with them. Still extremely nervous putting her through it but fingers crossed it all goes well.