ASK MRS. BUN ... about diet and exercise
Dear Mrs. Bun:I'm a 5-year-old rabbit of eclectic heritage. Things have been pretty swell here with my humans, but lately they're worried about me, and frankly I'm concerned too. I haven't been getting into my chow like I used to. They keep checking to see if my output, if you get my drift, is still normal (it's fine), and they keep asking why I'm kind of quiet and don't want to eat much. It's hard to get across to them that I feel a "pinching" in my mouth when I chew, and it's getting worse. Any ideas on what could be wrong?
Owie in OttumwaDear Owie:
Sounds like your problem is "molar spurs." Some rabbits, especially as they reach a more mature age such as yours truly, grow points on their back teeth. At first, these points just irritatate the tongue or cheeks, but as they grow they actually make cuts and can even get infected. Yuck! Many a human is concerned about why the rabbit in their lives isn't eating well and suspects a gut-related problem when the problem is literally all in their head. (The rabbit's, that is.)
Fortunately, this condition is relatively easy to diagnose and treat as long as you have a vet who knows the score with rabbits. The veterinarian will use a scope to "scope out" the rear teeth, which are extremely difficult to see otherwise (we rabbits feel very sensitive about opening our mouths so far. So personal!). If there are sharp points or ridges, they can be filed down under anesthesia. For some silly reason, this is called "floating" the molars. "Grinding" and "floating" seem like extremely different concepts to me, but that's human language for you.
If this is indeed your issue, you'll want your humans to have you checked for this on a regular basis. The molars will generally continue to grow in this unfortunate manner, and it's best to get them filed (OK, "floated") before they cause problems again. Stay far away from the possibility of slashed flesh leading to gum and facial abscesses. Double yuck!
Column from Volume 9, Number 4:
Dear Mrs. Bun:
Q: Is distilled water good for my rabbit?
A: Though distilled water is fine during a pinch, it should not be used instead of drinking water because of a lack of electrolytes necessary for proper health. Frankly dearies, my preferences for bottled water are Perrier or Avion.
I am friends with this rabbit who has some really weird habits. She likes to eat roast beef, and kippered herring, and pistachio ice cream. She will also imbibe in white wine, given the opportunity. I would think that this would all be bad for her, and no matter how many times I tell her she still goes back for more. Will this cause my friend problems later on?
Concerned in Copperas Cove
Dear Concerned:
It seems your friend enjoys the high life. What, no caviar? No cigarettes? Seriously, the rabbit digestive system is not designed to use beef, or fish, or alcohol, or dairy products. Rabbits have a very round-about, complicated way of getting their food digested, and they do not process all foods equally well. For instance, the ability of the baby bunny's small intestine to digest fructose (fruit sugar) increases, while the ability to digest all other sugars decreases. So, a mature rabbit can easily digest (and get fat on) the sugar in fruit, whereas the sugar in a candy bar can make the same rabbit sick. This is because sugars and starches that the small intestine can't digest will wind up in the cecum. If they arrive in large quantities in the cecum, they encourage the overgrowth of toxin-producing bacteria with consequent illness to the rabbit.
Adult rabbits absorb protein in the small intestine (up to 90%), but this depends on the source. The protein in soybean meal is very digestible, but a high portion of the protein in alfalfa (which is largely bound to the plant cell wall) is indigestible to rabbits. Rabbits digest cellulose poorly. This seems a paradox for an animal who lives naturally on vegetation.I would suggest that your friend cut back on the rich food or she may end up in the rabbit hospital.
Column from Volume 7, Number 2:
Dear Mrs. Bun:
My bunny gets sick when I feed him oatmeal cookies. Aren't oats something that bunnies eat? I don't understand.
Sick in San Antonio
Dear Sick:
Why yes, oats are something bunnies can eat, in moderation. However, oats mixed with cookie mix are a whole different breed of oats. While I don't partake of oatmeal cookies, I know there are certain lowly Californians who feel compelled to steal iced oatmeal cookies out from under the watchful eyes of humans. The fact is, there is so much sugar in cookies that they upset the stomach. This is because sugars and starches that the small intestine can't digest will wind up in the cecum. If they arrive in large quantities in the cecum, they encourage the overgrowth of toxin-producing bacteria with consequent illness. You could go into shock. Since I'm sure you don't like to have your temperature taken and be force-fed simethicone, you should only eat teeny tiny pieces once a month at most. So you can have cookies, if they are geared to your system and not to a human's.
Dear Mrs. Bun:
My mom let me eat a few unsalted, dry roasted peanuts the other day and I really went nuts over them (no pun intended).I can't stop thinking about them! Mom said peanuts are really high in fat, and I can only have a few on special occasions. Are peanuts bad for rabbits? What about the unsalted shells? I thought they might be good fiber for me, or at least that's my argument.
Going Nuts in New Braunfels
Dear Going Nuts:
What, are you a squirrel? I wasn't sure about peanuts either, but consulted some of my sources and found that peanuts are high in fat and very low in fiber. Do you want your cholesterol level to go up? I don't know about you, but I like my svelte figure. So yes, peanuts are bad for rabbits, shells too.
Column from Volume 6, Number 2:
Dear Mrs. Bun:
My human gets upset when I eat cookies, crackers and other munchies lying around. I don't understand why. They taste good and crunch so nicely What can I tell him to keep him off my case?
Hungry in Hutto
Dear Hungry:
Why is your human leaving all these delectable treats out and testing your willpower? I myself have been known to indulge in an oatmeal cookie or two. However, there are drawbacks to partaking.
Starchy and sugary items are bad for your intestinal tract because carbohydrates that the small intestine can't digest wind up in the cecum. In large quantities, they encourage the overgrowth of toxin-producing bacteria that will require a trip to the vet and icky medicine.
A balanced diet includes foods with some protein, few carbohydrates, and vitamins, plus large amounts of fiber. So, take only an occasional nibble on the human treats, and educate your person on the function of a kitchen!
My bunny loves fruit, and I like to share it with her. What are some good kinds of fruit for her to have? And can she have some every day?
Fruit Lover in Fredericksburg
Dear Fruit Lover:
Yes, rabbits love fruit, but fruits tend to be high in the kind of sugar called fructose. Too much sugar of any sort can cause serious intestinal problems, not to mention promoting weight gain. So, much as she will be annoyed with me for saying this, she should probably not get fruit every day. Maybe once or twice a week, and then only in small amounts--such as one strawberry, two grapes, a slice of apple, or an inch of banana.
Other fruits she can have include pears, peaches and papaya. Please note--remove apple seeds and peach pits before sharing these with your rabbit, because these parts contain toxic substances.
For daily treats, substitute green veggies and provide lots of fresh hay, and bunny should be happy and healthy.
My pet bunny keeps trying to get outside to play. Should I let him?
Not Sure in Niederwald
Dear Not Sure:
I personally like to be outdoors, but I get tired of scanning constantly for creatures that think I would make a tasty meal. You could let your pet bunny out, if your yard is fenced in, secure from predators, and you will be supervising him all the time he is out. You could make him a play yard to restrict him to one area, and move the yard around to give him some variety. You need to make sure he is in after dark, and keep an eye out during the day for dogs, cats, raccoons, snakes, hawks and humans. If you have a fenced in porch or balcony so that he could still enjoy the outdoors but not be exposed to any hazards, that would be even better.