Thumper is the ‘Old Boy’ of the shed now. He is currently 10.5 years old.  Despite his age he is still an active bunny.  He does have a couple of issues that are on the horizon, one is cataracts and the other is a little bit of arthritis starting. I can’t do anything about the impending cataracts but I can try and make his winters easier for his joints. He isn’t anywhere near having to have painkillers yet but I thought he deserved to have a heat mat over winter.  When he gets up after a snooze it seems to keep his legs from being stiff. It has also come in very useful for his gut issue.  Thumper hasn’t been much of a rabbit for being ill but last year he had a severe bout of gut stasis.  After several weeks we got him through it but he seems prone to having regularly bouts of it now. He has a gut statsis plan in place for when he starts and so far this has been effective at speeding his recovery.  Now his bouts last anything from a few hours to 2-3 days and I have never had to syringe feed, touchwood!
So enjoy Thumper having a cosy winter:

Katie also loves the heat mat but you have to wonder that she must get too hot even with her shortened coat but maybe she is just so comfy.  She adores Thumper too so cuddling up is one of her favourite things.

I think it is important with elderly bunnies that you notice how they are really doing and make adjustments for them when needed. They do appreciate the extra help.