Care of geriatric rabbits

With more owners choosing routine veterinary care, which allows for early detection and treatment of illnesses and diseases, it is becoming increasingly common to see geriatric rabbits in the veterinary practice. As pets age, special considerations are taken in regard to nutritional needs, comfort level, health status, and quality of life (Figure 1). Veterinary nurses play a key role in educating clients on the special needs of these patients. In the past, the average lifespan for domestic pet rabbits was considered 5 to 7 years (Meredith and Lord, 2014). Improved quality of care, ideal diets, routine veterinary visits, and elective altering are thought to be associated with increased lifespan, in some individuals as old as 10–14 years (Harcourt-Brown, 2002). The authors consider rabbits to be geriatric starting at 7 years of age.

The ideal diet for pet rabbits is unlimited grass-based hay, green leafy vegetables, and limited high-quality, hay-based pellets (Bradley, 2004). As they age, geriatric rabbits are fed the same foods, with proportions and amounts adjusted based on condition. If the geriatric patient is sedentary or not active and burning calories, which can lead to weight gain, it may require less pellets and more hay. Generally, rabbits should be fed 1/8–1/4 cup of hay-based pellets per day or as per package instructions (Mayer and Donnelly, 2012). If the patient is experiencing muscle wasting, more pellets and the addition of alfalfa hay may help maintain weight (Lennox, 2010).