So i took Chloe and Joey yesterday to the vets for their usual "pampering session" (nails done, general checkup etc).

The usual vet nurse had started her xmas leave so it was a lady id never met before who was sorting my bunnies. She asked lots of questions and I told her it was Chloe's 13th birthday coming up in January. She just said "oh" and left the room. Then she came back and told me I should be preparing myself for when Chloe dies. I asked her repeatedly whats wrong with her and she said there wasnt anything wrong now, but there will be soon. I went out and spoke to the lady on reception as she knows me and asked her whats wrong with Chloe.

No-one was telling me anything and by this point I was completely convinced Chloe was ill, so I made a big scene in reception and demanded to know what was wrong with her. The vet came out and we went back to Chloe and she said she was fine, its just at that point in their lives they like to have a 'talk' with owners who dont seem 'prepared' or are 'unaware' of live expectantancy etc. The vet did say the in my case the nurse may have "mis-judged" my enthusiasm for Chloe's birthday...

Why tell me this days before Christmas? Im completely down now... Chloe is a happy and very active bunny and whilst im obviously aware she is old, she is healthy and I would like to think I am giving her a healthy and happy life... Is she really THAT old? the nurse made it sound like she could go at any minute!

The only consulation I can take away with me is that i detected that the vet was really annoyed with the nurse but obviously couldnt say that to me to stay professional... I must say my vet's have been fantastic for all these years and im hoping this nurse is just a xmas temp!

Aww bless Chloe, she is an old girl but that by no means she will just stop any day I've known a rabbit get to 17 so she still might have years yet

The nurse is out of order IMO, if Chloe was ill then yes have the talk but not with a healthy rabbit she was out of line and I would have given her a piece of my mind

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That's terrible, I would hate any vet or vet nurse to tell me that any of my animals haven't got long, how on earth would they know? I don't think you can ever be prepared for their deaths and just have to take it one step at a time.

thanks guys... im reassured that im not over reacting then! (im glad that the only people you get in vets are pet owners, because people who dont have pets wouldnt have understood me getting angry in the middle of reception! )

and WOW 17... thats amazing! it also reassures me that her body clock isnt just going to stop once she hits 13 or anything!

and you guys are right... if shes perfectly healthy at this point in her life, then I shouldnt start worrying unless she actually becomes ill...

You are definitely not over reacting, who is ever prepared, even when our pets have a long term illness. In your case you pet is perfectly okay.

I have learned a lot by this thread I always assumed pet rabbits had about 5 to 6 year life span. I took on the care of my grandson's rabbit. I had heard that rabbits can live up to 12 years which I assumed was exceptional.

Try to relax and put it to the back of your mind and enjoy your pets.

She's obviously a very well looked after and well loved bunny so i'm sure she's got years left in her yet

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My beautiful buns - Tess and (RIP my beautiful boy) Toby