Rabbit people-Help!

[Lovemybunnies]

Hello. My 9 year old rabbit is behaving oddly. I have kept rabbits for years but haven’t experienced this before. He didn’t come running for his food tonight but did eat some parsley and kale that I hand fed him. He has been running around as usual but keeps flopping down on his side and at one stage rolled right over. He is still interacting with his bunny friend. I’m just not sure what to do. It has to be a Sunday night, husband is away and I have a sick child and am in pain myself. It’s always like this isn’t it!

Any head tilt at all? Can you clean him out and partition from his friend (still see eachother though) so you can check if he's going to the toilet?

No head tilt. He’s still picking up bits of hay but has just ignored a handful of kale. He’s awful to catch and fights like hell. He also hates anything near his mouth so is awful to medicate.

He's an old boy. Sorry, I wouldn't wait - he needs the vet ASAP.

He’s sat eating a bunch of parsley now. I’m just not sure what is going on.

Yes I think you are right.

Just seen your update - given he's old, and not good to handle, I'd try to avoid the vets if you possibly can. Rabbits are so bad at dealing with stress. Good that he's nibbling some hay. Is it particularly warm?

I’ve just managed to catch him and am going to give him some meloxicam. Just trying to find his dose.

It has been warm here today but our garden is mostly in shade and he was bouncing around quite happily at about 6pm. He’s just cleaning himself now so not the typical signs of stasis.

He’s absolutely fine today! Thanks to all who responded.

Glad to hear it. It's such a difficult call isn't it, I've been there myself so many times....! (Is he OK? Is he ill? It's late, I don't want to go to the vets and it'll be extortionate. But if I wait it'll be even later. Is he OK or not, dammit!)

Exactly. I love them so much but they are so stressful 🤣.