Blind bunny ?

Hello everyone, my beautiful little bun is around 9/10 years old (ex honey bunnies) she’s seems in good health, she lost her partner around 2 years ago but seemed okay after he passed away. I’ve noticed lately her eyes look different like she is blind .. Our garden is totally set up for Sally so when we’re home she’s running around the garden.
What I want to know ( without sounding stupid) could anything be done and how will I know if she is totally blind ? I know a vet could tell me but she hates going and I don’t want to stress her out. Thank you

I have no knowledge of blind bunnies,hopefully someone with some views sees this.x

karen354 said:

Hello everyone, my beautiful little bun is around 9/10 years old (ex honey bunnies) she’s seems in good health, she lost her partner around 2 years ago but seemed okay after he passed away. I’ve noticed lately her eyes look different like she is blind .. Our garden is totally set up for Sally so when we’re home she’s running around the garden.
What I want to know ( without sounding stupid) could anything be done and how will I know if she is totally blind ? I know a vet could tell me but she hates going and I don’t want to stress her out. Thank you

Click to expand...

Hello Karen, it's nice to 'see' you again

Sally may have developed cataracts which can cause some loss of vision. There are other possibilities, but really an examination by your Vet would be needed in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis. I have had several very elderly Rabbits who gradually lost their eyesight due to cataracts and they all adapted and coped with their disability. Although of course there may be a few Rabbits who are not able to do so. The following links may be useful to take a look at :

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Eye_diseases/Disorder/Cat/Cat_en.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Cataract_Rabbit.htm

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/blindness.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29205744

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?443078-Bunny-Cataracts-advice-on-options

karen354 said:

Hello everyone, my beautiful little bun is around 9/10 years old (ex honey bunnies) she’s seems in good health, she lost her partner around 2 years ago but seemed okay after he passed away. I’ve noticed lately her eyes look different like she is blind .. Our garden is totally set up for Sally so when we’re home she’s running around the garden.
What I want to know ( without sounding stupid) could anything be done and how will I know if she is totally blind ? I know a vet could tell me but she hates going and I don’t want to stress her out. Thank you

Click to expand...

Hi Karen

Your bun is reaching a lovely old age

When you say her eyes look different, how do you mean? There are several things that can happen to eyes, both when a rabbit is older and even if they aren't. Cataracts are more common in our elder buns ...

There's some info on cataracts here:

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Eye_diseases/Disorder/Cat/Cat_en.htm

Also here some useful info:

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/blindness.html


It's very difficult for a vet, or even an ophthalmologist to determine whether a rabbit is truly blind or not. Unless your vet is really rabbit savvy, it might be worth paying for a one-off visit to find out whether there's something you can do to help at this stage. I have managed to stave off cataracts in some situations ... And if it's caused by E.C. or something else, it could be possible to help.

Good luck with Sally, bless her

Hi Jane, seems like ages since I’ve been on this forum. I had her vet checked and he said it’s age related, she’s fit and rather healthy for a girl her age, he said she’s definitely got sight. She’s a happy girl I was just worried she was totally blind. I’ve only got one bun now Jane, how many have you got ?

I have a blind bunny, in all honesty there isn't anything too much you can do. just try to keep things the same (as change or new places is scary) and just always talk, that is what I find. that way she knows where I am and isn't suddenly spooked by my sneaking up on her lol. her ears and whiskers compensate for the lack of sight