((He is so hard to photograph LOL)) Hey everyone. I recently took over the adoption of my friend’s rabbit 6 months ago, after they had to leave the country. He is a 10-year-old Dwarf Lionhead and he’s been with his original owner his entire life, so this transition has been a massive shift for him. Since he arrived, his behavior has changed quite a bit. He used to be obsessed with humping a specific stuffed toy, but he’s completely stopped now. The vet thinks it’s likely hormonal because they discovered a testicular tumor, but I can’t help but wonder if he’s also just grieving or confused after being separated from his person of ten years.
He’s definitely a "senior citizen" now and we’ve had a few health scares. About a month after the move in October, he hit a bout of some health decline, likely from the stress of it all. He still has days where his gut just doesn't seem super happy with him, though he’s generally eating pretty well. On top of the tumor, he’s been dealing with a chronic eye issue for about two years that just won't stay cleared up no matter what we do. He’s currently on and off pain meds for his joints and the tumor, and the vet basically said we’re in the "monitoring and comfort" phase of his life.
he has free run of the house, but these days he mostly likes to stick to the area I built for him around his cage. I just want to make sure I'm doing right by him. Does anyone have experience with a senior bun experiencing this kind of late-life separation? I have been on top of vet visits and medications. I’m looking for any advice on how to make him the most comfortable—whether it’s tips for managing his "off" days, keeping his chronic eye from getting too irritated, or just ways to help an elderly, grieving rabbit feel at home. How do I make sure he’s as happy as possible in his twilight years?
by Thinking_about_there