Why is my old rabbit walking in circles and staying in his hutch?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These signs are usually seen with vestibular diseases (neurologic signs). This can sometimes be due to an ear infection for example. For that reason, I recommend that you have Lilly evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an infection is noted, medications could be recommended for that. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi, Weight loss is common as animals get older, but it’s generally the result of an underlying issue like arthritis, decreased activity, or even diseases like kidney failure, liver disease, or cancer. So while it’s not unexpected to see weight loss in an 8 year old rabbit, I would be worried that Wally may have some degree of arthritis or a disease called Encephalitozoon cuniculi (EC). Both arthritis and EC can cause rabbits to urinate outside the litter box and weight loss. However, the treatment for each of these are very different and they carry different prognoses. There can also be pain associated, and therefore I recommend you take Wally to a veterinarian for an exam, blood work and radiographs (X-ray). Wally may hate leaving the house, but he will likely feel much better once he has some pain control or any other treatments that may be necessary. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lack of drinking can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Walter evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery! 


Poor Thumper! Head tilts in rabbits are generally medical problems that need to be assessed and treated by a veterinarian. Often they are caused by an infection in the middle or inner ear that almost always require systemic antibiotics. Though here are occasionally other things that can cause these (tumors, abscesses, trauma, etc.) with Thumper being so young and you reporting no history of trauma they are lower on my list of differentials. I would get Thumper to his vet soon because the last thing you want is for him to start feeling badly, stop eating, and go into GI Stasis which can be life threatening. I hope this helps, good luck with your little guy!

Hi there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am very glad to hear that Monty is still interested in food, as anorexia is usually one of the first signs of illness in a rabbit. Is it possible that he could have injured himself? If he'll let you, feel around on his body to see if he winces or tenses up when you touch him in a particular place. Watch his movement for any limping or dragging of paws or feet. I would also see if he'll let you look into his ears to check for any parasites or goo that might be making him uncomfortable and droopy-eared. If the above seems normal and the behavior continues, it's time to call the vet. This is doubly true if he stops eating or has a decreased appetite. After all the medical possibilities have been ruled out, you can safely talk to your vet about behavior modification. Any major changes in the home (construction, new people) could also potentially make him act more aloof, so keep that in mind as well. Good luck, and I hope Monty goes back to normal soon!

You rabbit might be suffering from gut stasis, a common condition in rabbits of all ages, you will need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated, if it is only a mild stasis, medical treatment should be successful.

So sorry that Mittens is having this problem. It sounds like he could be in pain so he should be examined by a vet determine the cause. He could have back pain, abdominal pain, an infection, etc. Your vet can do a physical examination to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to help treat, depending on the cause. Hope he feels better soon.