Rabbit

[AdopterOfMisfits]

Hi- has anyone ever dealt with a rabbit who suddenly couldn't use his back legs?

[CarolC]

Yes, I had a mini Rex rabbit who became paralyzed with a spinal tumor...

[AdopterOfMisfits]

I have a great old English spot who is relatively young -only two years and we heard a yelp and went outside and he was dragging them behind him. He seems perfectly happy- no change in mood or food.

[AdopterOfMisfits]

It dosent seem like a tumor but I can't tell.

[CarolC]

Oh dear, it sounds like he needs to be seen by a vet if you haven't been already. I agree if he yelped it does not really sound like a tumor.
Here are some links that were helpful to me.

http://www.hopperhome.com/Disabled%20Rabbit.htm
http://www.mybunny.org/info/paralyzed.htm
http://www.catsandrabbitsandmore.com/th ... cial_needs

One of the most important things I can recommend it to put him in diapers right away to protect his skin from dragging, because bunnies have very delicate skin and dragging will cause a sore that can abscess and be hard to treat. I used preemie disposable diapers and cut a hole for the tail. You cut the hole about on the fold of the diaper where it is folded when you take it out of the package. The disposables fit my bunny best if I put them on him backward with the tapes to the back. There are videos on youtube showing how to express a rabbit's bladder if the vet tells you you need to do that. I did not have to do that with my rabbit, he dribbled all the time. If your rabbit is outside and is incontinent, you will have to worry about fly strike. I kept my bunny indoors and did not have a problem.

[AdopterOfMisfits]

I work at a petting zoo, and take home the disabled animals; and the vet that works with us took a look and said to just keep having him excessive, but I worry about how that will affect the legs after time, with the whole attrophy process. Is a wheelchair something I should look into?