Is your Rabbit looking a little too skinny lately? Have they lost interest in their favorite foods or appear to have less energy? Rapid weight loss in Rabbits can be extremely dangerous, signaling potentially serious health issues. But with prompt action and proper care, underweight rabbits can fully recover. In this comprehensive guide, learn the warning signs of weight loss in rabbits, common causes like dental disease and cancer, and effective feeding tips to help your bunny safely and steadily regain condition. Discover when to seek emergency vet care for sudden wasting, how aging affects weight, and key methods to accurately monitor your rabbit’s weight at home. The right diet and quick treatment of medical issues are key to nursing an underweight rabbit back to a healthy weight and normal activity levels. Read on to give your thinning rabbit the best chance of putting pounds back on!

Signs That a Rabbit Is Underweight

When determining if your rabbit is underweight, the most obvious sign is noticeable weight loss resulting in protruding hip bones or spine. However, there are other symptoms that may indicate your rabbit is too thin. An underweight rabbit may have poor muscle tone, appearing thinner along the shoulders and hindquarters. The abdomen may appear sunken or tucked up instead of being rounded. Underweight rabbits often have less energy and may sleep more than usual. They may be hesitant to move around due to muscle weakness or fatigue. An underweight rabbit's coat may appear dull and thin. Digestive issues like decreased Appetite and soft stools are common in underweight rabbits. Rabbits require daily eating to maintain a healthy digestive system, so healthy rabbits are almost always interested in food. If your rabbit is refusing to eat, loses interest in favorite treats, or eats less enthusiastically, this can signify inadequate nutrition. Monitoring your rabbit's eating habits, energy levels, muscle tone, and coat condition will help you determine if weight loss is a problem. Contact your vet if you suspect your rabbit is underweight for an exam and advice on diet and care.

Do Rabbits Get Diarrhea?

Yes, rabbits can suffer from diarrhea just like other animals. Diarrhea in rabbits is characterized by loose, watery stools rather than the normal round, firm pellets. There are a few potential causes of rabbit diarrhea to be aware of:

Dietary Changes – Sudden changes in diet, such as introducing new foods too quickly, can upset the delicate balance of gut bacteria and cause diarrhea. Make any diet changes gradually over 2-3 weeks.

Infections – Bacterial infections, like E. coli or Clostridium perfringens, viral infections, and parasites can all cause diarrhea. Infections may need prescription medication to treat.

Antibiotics – Antibiotics kill off some of the good gut bacteria needed for healthy digestion. Probiotic supplements help counteract this.

Dental Disease – Rabbits with overgrown teeth or sharp tooth points often develop diarrhea and reduced appetite due to mouth pain.

Stress – Stress from travel, new environments, loneliness, or pain can alter gut motility and bacteria, leading to diarrhea. Reduce stressors when possible.

Certain Foods – Some foods are more likely to cause loose stools in sensitive rabbits, like dairy, excess sugars or starch, and gas-producing veggies.

Dehydration – Diarrhea leads to water loss, which can make diarrhea worse. Make sure ample fresh water is always available.

Seek veterinary advice if the diarrhea persists more than 24 hours or is accompanied by lethargy, reduced appetite, or other concerning symptoms. Providing supportive care and gut-soothing foods like hay, leafy greens, and probiotics can help resolve minor cases.

Can Rabbits Become Constipated?

Constipation is uncommon in rabbits, but it can occur. Constipation is defined as difficulty passing stool due to hard, dry feces. Typical signs include:

• Lack of fecal pellets or small, hard dehydrated pellets

• Straining, grunting, or repeatedly squatting to pass stool

• Infrequent defecation

• Small amounts of mucus or bloody discharge

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy or depression

• Swollen, firm abdomen

Diet is the most common cause of constipation in rabbits. Insufficient hydration, inadequate fiber, too many pellets or treats, or sudden diet changes disrupt intestinal motility and moisture content in the colon. Other potential causes include:

• GI tract infections or parasites

• Injury or obstruction of the colon

• Certain medications

• Dental disease preventing proper chewing

• Neurological issues affecting gut function

• Pain causing avoidance of defecation

• Stress or fear altering digestion

• Dehydration

Mild, intermittent constipation may be relieved by increasing hydration and exercise, adding more hay to the diet, and gently massaging the abdomen. Seek veterinary assistance if the constipation persists over 12 hours or the rabbit seems in distress. Severe constipation may require laxatives, IV fluids, pain medication, and diagnostic testing. Addressing the underlying cause is key to preventing recurring bouts of constipation.

Reasons Why Rabbits Lose Weight

There are several possible reasons why your rabbit may be losing weight:

• Dental disease – Overgrown teeth or tooth spurs make eating painful. Rabbits stop eating properly.

• GI stasis – When gut motility slows, food isn’t digested normally. Causes appetite loss. Requires vet care.

• Infections – Bacteria, parasites, or viruses sap nutrients and cause poor absorption of calories.

• Cancer – Some forms of cancer cause gradual wasting away and weight loss over time.

• Pain – Arthritis, sore hocks, abscesses and other sources of pain lead to reduced appetite and activity.

• Stress – Change in environments or bonding with new rabbits causes some rabbits to reduce eating due to stress.

• Heat – Hot temperatures can stress some rabbits and suppress their appetite during summer.

• Old Age – Gradual loss of condition in senior rabbits may be due to poorer nutrient absorption.

• Pregnancy or Nursing – Female rabbits losing weight while pregnant or nursing may need increased caloric intake.

• Disliking Food – Picky eaters or boredom with plain diet leads to selective eating and weight loss.

• Lack of Exercise – Rabbits need daily exercise to maintain muscle mass and healthy appetite.

Monitoring your rabbit’s food intake, fecal production, activity levels, and any signs of pain will help identify causes for weight loss. Consult your vet to pinpoint medical issues requiring treatment.

Do Rabbits Lose Weight in the Summer?

Some rabbits do tend to lose weight during the summer months. Hot temperatures can cause rabbits to eat less and be less active, resulting in gradual weight loss. Reasons for summer weight loss include:

• Heat Stress – Temperatures over 80°F can be dangerous for rabbits. They reduce activity to avoid heat stroke. Their appetite is also decreased.

• Dehydration – Rabbits require increased water intake in summer. Dehydration causes digestive issues and appetite reduction.

• Molting – The stress of shedding their thick winter coat in summer may suppress appetite.

• Lack of Appetite – Some rabbits voluntarily eat less during hot spells, possibly due to altered metabolism.

• Boredom – Being kept indoors more on very hot days can cause boredom and disinterest in food.

• Fly Strike – Flies are more prevalent in summer and can lead to deadly fly strike infections.

• Illnesses – Bacteria and parasites thrive in warmer weather, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal infections.

To help combat summer weight loss, ensure rabbits have access to cool, shaded areas and fresh water. Limit outdoor time to cooler mornings and evenings. Consider indoor AC spaces for sensitive rabbits. Feed leafy greens and fresh foods to stimulate appetite. Monitor weight weekly and contact your vet if weight loss seems excessive or the rabbit stops eating. Address any signs of illness promptly. With proper care, rabbits can safely maintain good condition all summer.

Rabbit Molting and Not Eating

It's common for rabbits to show some signs of reduced appetite and minor weight loss when molting, the process of shedding their coat. Here's some more information on molting and associated changes in eating habits:

• Molting occurs in spring and fall as rabbits transition between their thicker winter coat and shorter summer coat.

• Hormonal changes related to the molting process may temporarily suppress appetite.

• Loose hair being swallowed during grooming may also reduce interest in food.

• Molting requires extra nutrition and calories to regrow the coat. But rabbits often eat less due to stress.

• Weight loss averaging less than 1/2 pound during molting is normal, but greater losses can indicate problems.

• Ensure unlimited hay is available when molting to minimize weight loss and keep the gut functioning.

• Try hand feeding small amounts of fresh greens or favorite treats to stimulate appetite if needed.

• Remove loose fur from the environment. Brush regularly to get rid of extra hair.

• Check for signs of hair blockages or GI stasis if your rabbit stops eating.

• Schedule an annual vet check to identify any underlying health issues.

• Monitor weight weekly. Contact your vet if weight loss exceeds 1/2 pound or your rabbit seems ill.

With patience and supportive care, most rabbits will resume their normal healthy appetite and regain any small weight losses after molting is complete. But significant weight changes or appetite loss warrant a prompt vet visit to check for illness.

Rabbit Weight Loss and Balance

Sudden weight loss paired with balance issues in rabbits can signify potentially serious health conditions requiring veterinary attention. Potential causes include:

• Ear Infection – Inner ear infections, common in rabbits, cause vestibular syndrome – head tilt, loss of balance, rolling or circling. Requires antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication.

• Parasites – Parasitic larvae migrating through the central nervous system and inner ear disturb equilibrium and coordination. Needs antiparasitic drugs.

• Head Trauma – Injury to the head can damage the delicate inner ear structures controlling balance. May cause gradual appetite and weight loss post-injury.

• Stroke – Cerebrovascular accidents disrupt certain brain centers, often affecting balance, coordination and appetite. Supportive care is needed.

• Neurological Disease – Bacterial, protozoal, fungal, and viral infections can infect the brain stem, cerebellum or inner ear and impair equilibrium and hunger cues.

• Cancer – Some inner ear, brain or pituitary cancers erode surrounding tissues important for balance and weight regulation.

• Arthritis – Eroded neck vertebrae put pressure on the cerebellum and inner ear, causing instability along with gradual wasting.

• Dental Abscess – Abscessed cheek teeth can spread infection to the middle and inner ear.

Quick diagnosis and treatment is vital with balance issues to limit nerve damage and prevent wastage. Schedule an urgent vet visit if your rabbit displays both altered balance and rapid weight loss to identify the underlying cause. Strict cage rest, supportive care and medication may be required.

Rabbit Losing Weight and Drinking Lots

Excessive drinking and urination accompanied by weight loss can indicate possible diabetes in rabbits. Other signs include increased appetite but continued weight loss and general lethargy. Causes include:

• Diabetes Mellitus – Insufficient insulin leads to excess sugar in the bloodstream, increased thirst, and cellular starvation. Diabetic rabbits need daily insulin injections to stabilize blood sugar levels and appetite.

• Kidney Disease – Damaged kidneys cannot properly concentrate urine, leading to dilution and polyuria. This causes dehydration, metabolic disruption, weight loss. Fluid therapy and diet changes help manage kidney disease.

• Pyelonephritis – Bacterial kidney infections also damage nephrons and interfere with urine concentration, causing polydipsia and polyuria along with wasting. Antibiotics are needed.

• Dental Disease – Mouth pain from overgrown teeth decreases appetite and proper nutrition. Excess sugar in the urine may result from altered digestion and malnutrition.

• Medications – Steroids like prednisone stimulate drinking and urination as side effects, sometimes along with weight loss in rabbits. Dose adjustments may be required.

• Diuretics – Some diuretic drugs being improperly given to rabbits increase urination and thirst while suppressing appetite, leading to weight loss over time.

Schedule a vet exam if your rabbit is losing weight while drinking excessively to diagnose any underlying condition. Treating the cause and providing supportive nutritional care can help resolve polydipsia and wasting to restore good health.

Rabbit Lost Weight and Not Moving

Sudden lethargy accompanied by rapid weight loss can signify a serious, acute health problem requiring emergency veterinary care. Potential causes include:

• Gastrointestinal Stasis – When the gut slows or stops, food is not digested, causing appetite loss, gut pain, and metabolic crisis. Fluid therapy, motility drugs, and pain relief are needed.

• Intestinal Obstruction – Blockages from hair, ingested objects, or feces prevent digestion. Causes painful bloating, appetite loss and wasting. Requires immediate surgery in most cases.

• Severe Dehydration – Fluid loss from illness causes critical electrolyte imbalances, organ dysfunction, shock, weakness, and wasting. Needs aggressive subcutaneous or IV fluid resuscitation.

• Septicemia – Untreated systemic blood infections, like pasteurellosis, cause endotoxic shock and rapid deterioration. Intravenous antibiotics and fluids are essential.

• Organ Failure – Liver, kidney or heart disease can result in acute decompensation, toxicity, collapse and weight loss. Intensive care hospitalization is indicated.

• Cancer Complications – Some cancers metastasize rapidly or trigger internal bleeding, leading to sudden weakness and weight loss. Palliative care may be most appropriate.

Do not wait to see if lethargy or weight loss resolve on their own – seek immediate veterinary assessment. Swift, aggressive treatment gives seriously ill rabbits the best chance of stabilization and recovery. electrolyte monitoring, nutritional support, pain control and diagnostics aid treatment.

Weight Loss in Older Rabbits

It's common for older rabbits over 5 years to experience some degree of weight loss and muscle wasting. Contributing factors include:

• Slower Metabolism – The basal metabolic rate decreases up to 50% in senior rabbits. Calories are burned more slowly, making weight gain easier. Muscle mass also declines.

• Dental Disease – Overgrown teeth prevent proper chewing and digestion in older rabbits, reducing appetite and nutrient absorption. Regular dentals help.

• Reduced Mobility – Arthritis and frailty limit exercise. Inactivity allows muscle loss and weight gain. Providing low-impact activity helps.

• GI Changes – Gut motility often slows with age, compromising digestion efficiency and reducing caloric intake from food. Stasis is more common.

• Decreased Appetite – Older rabbits are often less interested in food or forget to eat regularly due to mental decline. Feeding smaller, frequent meals encourages intake.

• Chronic Disease – Conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer create higher caloric needs while suppressing appetite in senior rabbits.

• Medications – Diuretics, pain medication, and steroids may contribute to weight loss as side effects. Dose adjustments can help.

While some wasting is normal in aging, excessive loss can threaten health. Schedule more frequent vet checks for geriatric rabbits, and monitor weight closely. Report significant losses to identify any underlying illness needing treatment. Targeted nutrition and care help support older rabbits.

How To Weigh a Rabbit

Monitoring your rabbit's weight regularly is important to ensure they remain healthy. Here are some tips for effectively weighing your rabbit at home:

• Choose the Right Scale – Select a digital kitchen food scale that measures grams and ounces accurately in small increments. Avoid unreliable bath scales.

• Place on Flat Surface – For accuracy, always place the scale on an even, hard floor rather than carpet. Calibrate if needed.

• Contain the Rabbit – Place the rabbit inside a cardboard box, cat carrier or small animal crate to restrict excess movement during weighing.

• Weigh Box Beforehand – Tare out the weight of the empty container before placing the rabbit inside to avoid including it.

• Monitor Struggling – Gently restrain a nervous rabbit from jumping out to prevent injury. But never forcibly hold down.

• Take Multiple Readings – Weigh 2-3 times in a row to ensure consistent numbers. Average the weights to get the most precise value.

• Track Changes – Log weights consistently week-to-week and watch for small fluctuations up or down over 0.1 pound to identify issues early.

• Compare to Vet – Have your vet periodically weigh the rabbit on a calibrated scale to confirm accuracy of home weights.

Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal weight range for your rabbit based on breed, body condition, and age. Report any consistent increases or decreases promptly for advice.

What to Feed an Underweight Rabbit

If your rabbit is underweight, adjusting their diet is key to recovery. Here are feeding tips to help them gain weight safely:

• Free-choice hay – Ensure unlimited timothy or grass hay always available to maintain gut health.

• Offer fresh greens – Gradually increase leafy greens to 2+ cups daily to boost nutrients. Romaine, kale, chard, parsley and cilantro are excellent choices. Introduce new veggies slowly.

• Add healthy pellets – Feed alfalfa-based pellets for younger rabbits, or Timothy-based for adults. 1/4 cup twice daily helps increase calories.

• Supplement with rolled oats – Mix a teaspoon of rolled oats into the diet for extra carbohydrates and calories. Build up slowly.

• Offer herbs – Small amounts of basil, mint, dill or cilantro promote appetite and provide micronutrients.

• Hydrate well – Dehydration suppresses appetite. Provide fresh water in a bowl (changed daily) and bottle. Encourage intake.

• Check teeth – Make sure overgrown teeth aren't preventing eating. Schedule a dental if needed.

• Monitor intake – Weigh out portions and check if they are being finished daily. Increase if food is refused.

• Exercise – Allow free run time for mobility to increase food digestion and build muscle.

• Give treats – Use healthy treats like herbs, veggies and berries to encourage eating and weight gain.

Consult your exotic veterinarian to rule out underlying illness and create a customized weight gain plan for your bunny. With patience and care, most underweight rabbits can recover and reach a normal healthy weight.