Depression question?

[ellee4213]

I think Miguel is depressed. First of all, he's had a bumpy road when it comes to health. I recently adopted him about 2 years ago, and he is seven years old. He is not neutered. Miguel's last owner did not clean his cage enough and he was on wire flooring (now he is on fleece), so he has a severe case of sore hocks. He has been to the vet for this multiple times, and we've treated it as best as we can. Now he is just scarred from popped blisters on his back hocks. Also, exactly 8 months ago, we took Miguel to the vet for a check up only to find that he has a VERY large, very cancerous tumor on his kidney. I felt it myself. We got a second opinion, and both vets agreed that he is too old for the tumor to be removed, and the surgery would probably kill him. Miguel is so precious to me, and tears come to my eyes as I remember the vets telling me he only had a couple of weeks to live. We have since been feeding him baby food, critical care, and we just switched him to oxbow pellets from kaytee. He is still alive and fighting.

Anyway, Miguel is very spoiled and has endless toys and many cozy beds. He spends 95% of the day in his hidey house, facing the back. I take him out and put him in pens very often, but all he does is sits in the corner, facing the wall. As I right this, I am watching him just sit there, not moving. The vet said he is not in any pain, so that is not the issue. What can I do to help him? I can't bond him with one of my other rabbits because he is not fixed (they are) and he is much smaller than him. (We have tried to bond them many times, they just pick on him. ) please help! Thank you sooooo much.

 

[JBun]

Depression in rabbits doesn't usually have to do with mood(though in some instances it can be, especially when major changes have occurred). Usually when a rabbit is in a depressed state, it has more to do with a health problem and being in pain. I would suspect that your rabbits depressed state and lethargy, has more to do with his illness. I know your vet is saying he isn't in pain, but I would suspect he is either experiencing some pain or some sort of discomfort, causing the change of behavior. A rabbit not moving around much and sitting for long periods in a corner, is a common sign of discomfort and pain. Has your vet put him on any pain medication?

I'm so sorry your bun is ill. Hopefully your vet will find a way to make his remaining days more comfortable for him.

 

[Azerane]

I am inclined to agree with JBun, and I'd be looking into trying him on some pain meds to see if it helps him become more active. If not, there's no harm in having tried.