Looking for advice or suggestions from anyone who has cared for a very senior rabbit and/or rabbit with mobility issues. My dwarf lionhead is 15 years and 3 months old. He has arthritis which is being managed by his vet, but due to this he has an unusual resting posture. He keeps his back right leg extended outward and forward, while the left stays tucked under with toes pointing toward about 30°. He often falls asleep sitting up, and due to his sitting posture, will slowly lean further and further until he tips over. When he goes left he can usually get back up, but when he tips to the right he sometimes struggles for a long time. A few weeks ago he tipped overnight and was unable to right himself for several hours, which caused significant stress and likely contributed to a mild dislocation and GI stasis. He’s recovered now, but the tipping still happens several times per day.
I’ve already adjusted his enclosure to improve traction on the flooring and modified his litter box witha shallowv layer oflitter over a silicone mat), since litter alone is too unstable for him to push against. This has helped, but not completely. He will not reliably use a supportive bed like a cuddl-e-cup, and prefers his usual open resting spots.
Has anyone dealt with an elderly rabbit who tips over while sleeping/relaxing? Any setups or positioning aids that helped prevent tipping? Ideas for habitat modifications that make self-righting easier when a fall does happen? Items or DIY solutions that provided side support without restricting movement or becoming something they refuse to use?
We’ve ruled out other health causes with his vet and are focused specifically on mobility/arthritis support. He is extremely elderly and very set in his habits, so I’m not looking general care critiques (diet, hay preferences, litter type, etc.) unless directly helpful to the tipping problem. He hates hay of any variety and will avoid whole areas of his rabbitat that contain it.
Any insight from those who’ve supported a geriatric bunny or one with mobility issues would be greatly appreciated.
by zomblee84