I think Fiona might be deaf !!

[nobunnynoclue]

I have noticed certain times since I got Fiona that if she's asleep, she won't wake up when I enter the room or make a noise. I don't want to sneak up on her and scare the cheese curls out of her so I try to make sure she knows I'm there before I approach. I usually have to make very loud noise or bang for her to wake up. If that doesn't work, then I either just leave the room or sit down at my desk quietly.

So after the vet visit yesterday, I put them in the tub until after I clean their cage today.

So I walk into the bathroom to take abetted picture of her and she's got her back to me and is grooming herself. I call her, nothing. I say "hey!" and she doesn't respond. I make some more noise and nothing happens, she just keeps licking herself.

I finally reach down and touch her and that poor animal could have died from a heart attack she got so scared. She jumped out of her skin. This time she wasn't asleep so what happened??

How can I know for sure if she's deaf? Is there an official test?

 

[1234bunnies777]

Awwww poor thing id see if she has wax in her ears because that could be the cause. And as for tests try a loud high pitched noise because they can hear that better and if she cant hear that she cant hear anything. also is she a lop because it is VERY common in lops

 

[nobunnynoclue]

She's a holland lop. I will try the loud Squeel next time. She was just at the vet yesterday and was examined. Her ears are clear.

 

[LakeCondo]

These things always come up right after a vet visit, don't they. But if the vet checked her ears, it's probably not a temporary wax/dirt blockage that could be fixed. I don't know of an official test, but if when you DO have her attention, like with a treat in one hand. Use your other hand to make snapping noises in various directions & see if her ears turn to follow the sounds or not.

I know Honey isn't deaf, because I know she reacts to noises, like when I drop something. But I'm beginning to wonder if she can smell very well. When I put food into her dish, she doesn't notice it even though she's only 3 feet away. I have to hold a bit out for her & lead her to her bowl. Then she starts eating.

 

[1234bunnies777]

by the way i ment it is very common for lops to be deaf or have hearing problems

 

[nobunnynoclue]

Interesting. I wonder if being deaf would cause her behavioral issues. (if it turns out she's really deaf)

 

[JimD]

My MooShu is hearing and sight impaired.
We're not sure to what extent. It's not like the vet can say "Can you hear that?"

We started to notice the same way you did.....she didn't respond to noises or movements within her sight-range.
I can snap my fingers behind her and she doesn't respond.
I can wave my hand in front of her and she acts like I'm not even there. When I turn on the lights in the morning all of the other buns squint except for her.
She also thumps a lot...most likely due to her uncertainty.

The one thing she can hear is the food dishes clinking together....high frequency sounds.
She also responds to vibrations....that's why she knows I'm coming into the room, because I coming down the stairs and she can "feel" me there.

Make some vibrations when you're entering her area.....step heavily....close a door in the hallway on your way into her area, etc.

MooShu doesn't act impaired at the least, and has led a normal life with us for over 8 years.

 

[qtipthebun]

I've had a deaf lop before...sounds just like your Fiona. Deaf bunnies (like deaf people), often know someone is approaching by vibrations. When you're coming in to see Fiona, make sure she can feel the vibration from your footsteps (sorry neighbors who live below you) so you don't scare her.

I'd say that could account for behavior issues...she can't hear when you say "no", so how does she know not to do something.

Training her may have just gotten a lot easier. Try to make her stop doing something bad by slapping the floor. She'll feel it, even if she doesn't hear it. That's how we worked with ours.

 

[LakeCondo]

Sounds like a possible breakthrough.

 

[funnybunnymummy]

I've heard flicking the lights when you walk in the room, also will alert them you're there.

Hope that helps!

Rue

 

[LaylaLop]

For a while I thought Mumford was deaf, and he may well be partially deaf since things like the vacuum and clapping get no response. He does hear the clink of pellets in the food bowl very well. As for training, he responds well to me smacking the floor (works on hearing bunnies too).

 

[Nancy McClelland]

I'm pretty sure my boy Ted was impaired if not outright deaf. Used to tread very heavy so he could feel the vibations. Even opening the door got his attention. Using a sawzall or vacuuming never got more than a glance.

 

[nobunnynoclue]

Yea she thumps a whole lot and always seems pissed off at the world.