Why is my bunny dragging its back legs?

Any disease that causes a rabbit to feel weak can cause hind limb weakness and can be confused with a true neurological disease. Bunnies who are anemic or have heart disease, for instance, will not be able to get enough oxygen to their brain or muscle tissue and may appear weak and wobbly, particularly after exercise.
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Can a rabbit live with paralyzed back legs?

Hindlimb paralysis can be a devastating condition. It is essential that your rabbit is treated quickly and kept as comfortable as possible. Some rabbits will recover fully with treatment. For those that are paralysed but pain free, a specially designed cart may allow them to move around comfortably.
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How do I know if my rabbit is dying?

How to tell if a rabbit is dying
  1. They stop eating.
  2. They stop drinking.
  3. They stop passing feces.
  4. They feel cold.
  5. They are not moving as much.
  6. Their breathing is different.
  7. They are less responsive.
  8. They are unable to stand.
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What are the symptoms of a sick bunny?

Subtle signs of illness in a rabbit vary and can include:
  • Slow movement, staying still or hiding away.
  • Breathing faster than usual or noisy breathing.
  • Eating less and/or refusing certain foods.
  • A change in thirst levels.
  • Producing less stool or producing stool that looks different to normal.
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What does a dying bunny look like?

The most common symptoms of a dying rabbit include a lack of appetite, a loss of strength, and erratic movements. Other signs will vary depending on the cause of death, and sometimes you will not notice any symptoms before a rabbit passes on.
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Absolem is ill, Rabbit paralysis



Why cant my rabbit use his back legs?

Diseases like cancer and spinal osteoarthritis can wear down the components of the spinal cord over time and inhibit the ability of the rabbit to move its hind legs. Parasitic, bacterial, and fungal infections can cause a number of disorders that can lead to weakness or paralysis in rabbits.
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Can a rabbit recover from paralysis?

If recovery from paralysis occurs, it generally happens within six months, although it can take a year or more. Ms. Conine finds that recovery is generally quite slow, comes in small steps and, depending on the severity of the damage, can come to a halt at any time.
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Why is my rabbit not standing up?

Floppy Bunny Syndrome is a condition that usually presents with acute onset of generalised weakness or flaccid paralysis of the body, resulting in the rabbit's inability to hop around or, in severe cases, not do anything but lie on their sides.
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Can rabbits dislocate their legs?

Dislocation. Joints can become dislocated in rabbits like they can other animals and people. When a joint "pops out of place" it is called a dislocation and sometimes it needs help going back into place. If a joint is dislocated (such as the hip or knee joint), your rabbit may limp until it pops back into place.
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Why is my rabbit not moving but still breathing?

If you have observed your rabbit is breathing, but not moving, it could be stress-related. We need to look at other symptoms of stress in rabbits, such as compulsive movements, overgrooming, scratching themselves raw or even self-mutilation.
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How can you tell if your rabbit is having a stroke?

Here are the symptoms of heat stroke in rabbits:
  1. Reddening of the ears.
  2. Panting.
  3. Lethargy.
  4. Salivating.
  5. Weakness/Slow movement.
  6. Acting Confused.
  7. Convulsing.
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When should I take my rabbit to the vet?

How often should you take your rabbit to the vet? Rabbits who are healthy only need to be brought to the vet for a checkup once a year. If your rabbit is elderly or has frequent health problems, then you should bring them to the vet every 6 months.
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Do bunnies flop when they are sick?

When a rabbit is extremely ill or dying, it will first stop eating and drinking. When its condition becomes critical, it may flop over onto its side. However, this won't be a leisurely or comfortable “roll” onto its side. A sick rabbit will literally 'flop' or drop in a haphazard and sometimes dramatic fashion.
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What's wrong with my rabbit?

If your rabbit is suddenly or progressively less eager to move around, more withdrawn, or becoming aggressive, they may be trying to tell you something is wrong. Abnormal vocalization or any changes in normal patterns of behavior should also be noted.
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Why is my rabbit can't walk?

For instance, pododermatitis (ulcerated feet) causes pain on movement, therefore the rabbit may sit hunched all day in his cage and appear unable to walk. Arthritic conditions of the spine, hips, knees or hocks can cause an inability to move normally.
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Why do bunnies limp?

Causes of limping include muscle tears, muscle cramps, lack of regular exercise, obesity, arthritis, soft tissue or bone injury, and infection. Bunnies do have delicate bones, so overexercise could lead to injury. Nervous disorders also may cause lameness.
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Why is my bunny lying on its side?

In most cases, a rabbit laying on their side is just sleeping. They aren't sick or dying in any way. Instead, this is a position rabbits will sleep in when they feel completely safe and secure in their environment. This is what's called a rabbit flop.
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How do you know if your rabbit is sad?

The signs of an unhappy rabbit
  1. Chewing cage bars, if they're kept in a hutch.
  2. Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all.
  3. A change in feeding or toilet habits.
  4. Drinking a lot more.
  5. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
  6. Biting and destructive behaviours.
  7. A lack of energy and curiosity.
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Why Does My rabbit put her head down when I pet her?

Gentle nudge

Sometimes your rabbit will softly nudge your hand while putting her head down. This means that your rabbit wants you to pet her. Sometimes the rabbit will nudge your arm or your leg instead, but if she's putting her head down then a massage is in order.
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How do you treat a limping rabbit at home?

However, there are things you can do to help manage the disease: Clip the hair around the perineum to prevent urine scalding and infection. If movement is limited it may be necessary to regularly bathe the area. Provide your rabbit with soft, absorbable bedding to prevent pressure sores and reduce urine scalding.
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How do you tell if a rabbit's back is broken?

Vertebral Fracture or Luxation in Rabbits
  1. An abnormal or unusual stance, including an inability to hop.
  2. Dragging of the legs.
  3. Inability to get up or sit in an upright posture.
  4. Decreased movement in the limbs and tail.
  5. Paralysis or weakening of the limbs.
  6. Trauma to the legs or back.
  7. Pain may be evident.
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How do you tell if a rabbit's leg is broken?

As rabbits' bones are brittle, they may shatter when they break, making repair more complex. The first sign that a rabbit may have a broken leg is they suddenly start to limp. They may also show signs of pain including a hunched posture, shallow breathing, lethargy, or reluctance to move at all.
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How do you tell if a rabbit has been poisoned?

Symptoms of Poisoning in Rabbits
  1. Abdominal tenderness.
  2. Bleeding externally or internally.
  3. Depression.
  4. Diarrhea.
  5. Vomiting.
  6. Difficult or labored breathing.
  7. Elevated or low body temperature.
  8. Hunched posture.
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Do rabbits get cold at night?

Although they may look small and fragile, rabbits are surprisingly well-adapted to cold temperatures. With appropriate husbandry, a healthy adult rabbit can be comfortable in temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate temperatures that are even lower if necessary.
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How long do rabbits live as a pet?

It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one. Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years. If you decide to purchase a rabbit, make sure you are prepared to care for them that long.
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