Sorry for all the questions/threads over the last week; there's been a lot going on! Long story short: one bun in a bonded pair had significant medical issues he was being treated for, involving a ton of medications, syringe feedings, many vet and emergency vet visits, and ultimately, euthanasia 2 days ago before he could get to surgery.
Mocha (f, Holland lop, 3 y/o) is the surviving bun and has been understandably a bit stressed and anxious throughout it all. She's been eating, drinking, pooping, and playing consistently, but was extra attentive to Toast while he was still here and sick, running over him to check on him every time he got up, etc.
I was able to bring his body back to her after he was put down so she could see him and understand he's gone before I returned him for cremation. She wasn't overly stressed during that, just gave him a lot of kisses and started chinning things, which she has never previously done as the sub bunny. I suppose she knows that she's in charge of securing the territory now.
Her behavior continues to be relatively normal; begging for treats, splooting, climbing on stuff. She's also still eating her pellets, hay, and greens like normal. However, her poops are off, in inconsistent ways. On day 1, I found a clumpy cluster of poops stuck to one larger, softer pellet. Last night, she had a lot of small, dry poops that would normally make me think dehydration. This afternoon, it was a big goo pile (not liquidy, more like wet clay; see photo 4). Google searches are suggesting possibly cecal dysbiosis, but I am far from a professional.
Since her diet and behavior are normal and her poops don't seem immediately life-threatening, I'm not going to take her to the ER but will call her normal vet tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, I've also started looking for a new husbun, which is more challenging than I would have thought. I found a prospective match a couple of hours away who might work out. However, I'm not sure I want to start bonding right away while Mocha is so disregulated; I'm worried that the stress of bonding will stress her even more. However, other than weird poops, she doesn't seem to be actively grieving, or at least not in a worrisome way. No lethargy, still eating, etc.
I'm just wondering how soon is too soon? It's only been a couple of days. I can manage my own grief OK, and honestly, bun shopping is helping me not to spiral. Mocha's well-being is first and foremost to me though; I do think she misses having someone watching over her when she sleeps, and she hasn't been interested in sleeping in my room with me, although I keep the door open for her just in case.
by Superb-Perspective86