Hip dysplasia due to lack of floor traction surface

[The Bunny Room]

Hello everyone. I have four rabbits, and over the last few months I noticed some atrophy and splaying of the back legs of one of my rabbits. I assume that it was probably due to a minor back injury that was causing some nerve damage. The rabbit did not seem to be in any pain and she is still able to hop around and do her normal activities. When I got back from a short vacation, I noticed that the hind quarters seemed even more atrophied. I realize that her large pen which is 12 feet x 4‘ Long and exactly like the other pens
Did not have upside down tiles in the middle section. I had remove those tiles a while ago because this rabbit tends to mark her territory more and also spills her water when she drinks in that section of the pan. What I realize now is that the lack of traction was causing her legs to splay, and that because she uses that part of the pan when she eats and drinks, this lack of traction was especially problematic. I have since adjusted her pen so that she has almost double the space and can free range the room. I also added padding to her flooring in the area where there had previously been nothing that could provide traction. It has been difficult to feel comfortable putting materials into the rabbits pants, but I am providing padded rugs, and rubber mats for all the pens , so that they all have softer surfaces that still provide traction, as sore hocks has also been somewhat of an issue from time to time due to the hard backs of the texture tiles (bottom tile sides.) there have been times, and the rabbits will chew on their rugs and mats, but I feel that this issue is secondary to the worry of hip dysplasia or sore hocks as my rabbits are about 12 pounds and over three years old.

 

[Watermelons]

Id be more worried about some type of spinal/neuro issue causing this. In a healthy adult rabbit, legs dont just suddenly splay from a lack of traction. Most rabbits would avoid the surface all together if its too slippy. But would be able to walk on it with no issues.

I would consider a visit to a rabbit savvy vet especially if there is a previous injury.

 

[The Bunny Room]

Id be more worried about some type of spinal/neuro issue causing this. In a healthy adult rabbit, legs dont just suddenly splay from a lack of traction. Most rabbits would avoid the surface all together if its too slippy. But would be able to walk on it with no issues.

I would consider a visit to a rabbit savvy vet especially if there is a previous injury.

 

[The Bunny Room]

Yes, this was my first suspicion. Thank you for your insights.

A friend who works in orthopedics (for humans) suggested the hip dysplasia theory.

I thought it might be a spinal injury or a neurological problem (and I can’t fully rule this out) without seeking medical care for this rabbit with a specialist.

My friend inspected the rabbit and felt strongly that there was some dysplasia but the underlying cause is uncertain. But we googled that a lack of traction can cause this. But again, my friends works with people and is not a veterinarian and I am also not a medical professional of any kind.

Regardless, whatever the cause, the hips seem to be showing signs on mild dysplasia. I am hoping that proving surfaces with better traction (rubber pads and fiber outs mats or short, burner type carpet) will help my rabbits.

The rabbits were adopted during in an emergency situation where the previous owner had to surrender them to anyone who was willing to take them. I was the only one who stepped up. The rabbits had been poorly cared for and it is possible that this early life neglect may have contributed to her present day problem but her sister is in good health, so, maybe it is a genetic problem that is specific to her or perhaps she was injured at some point?

The rabbits were adopted at the beginning of the pandemic and I could not find a veterinarian at that time who would accept new rabbits as patients.

Unfortunately, today, I am dealing with financial stress and my own personal medical issues. It is awful to not be in a place where I can afford to take her to the vet. At least, she seems happy and is healthy, other than the weakened legs. It impossible for me to take her in to see a veterinarian (even if I could find a specialist who is accepting new rabbit patients).

I have been trying to find a loving home for two of my other rabbits. I adopted four rabbits about three years ago. The other two rabbits are in very good health and they are more sociable. Sadly, this rabbit, Maude and her sister, Hazel are more “feral” … (for lack of a better word).

I am trying to give them the best care to them that I can. There room is air-conditioned and it is spacious and comfortable housing. I provide high quality nutrition and fresh hay daily with organic salads. They receive love, attention and nurturing care. I just cannot afford to do more for them, unfortunately.

All of my four rabbits were rescued from a previous owner who could no longer care for them. I admit, I had no idea how expensive their care would be but travel farm vets (not specializing in rabbits) have seen them when they came to care for my cats and told me that they felt they were receiving very good care. So, I am doing the best I can. Thank you for your advice.

 

[JBun]

Splaying from slippery floors, usually only happens in young developing rabbits. If you're seeing it in a rabbit older than 6 months, like Watermelons said it's likely there's an underlying medical issue like spinal problems. I had an older rabbit with similar symptoms, hers was due to spinal degeneration, but with yours being only 3, I would suspect either an injury, early onset arthritis, or a genetic issue like hip problems that can be more common in large breed rabbits.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Paresis_and_paralysis

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Arthritis

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Oregon

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/caring-for-giant-rabbits/

 

[The Bunny Room]

Splaying from slippery floors, usually only happens in young developing rabbits. If you're seeing it in a rabbit older than 6 months, like Watermelons said it's likely there's an underlying medical issue like spinal problems. I had an older rabbit with similar symptoms, hers was due to spinal degeneration, but with yours being only 3, I would suspect either an injury, early onset arthritis, or a genetic issue like hip problems that can be more common in large breed rabbits.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Paresis_and_paralysis

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Arthritis

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Oregon

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/caring-for-giant-rabbits/

Thank you for your valuable perspectives. I appreciate both of your insights. I feel better to at least feel that this is probably not something that I could have prevented. I hope she continues to stay as a healthy as possible and I will keep a close eye on her and watch for symptoms of arthritis or other painful conditions. I will not let her suffer and I do have a vet who is willing to provide humane euthanasia, if that ever becomes necessary. Thank you again.

 

[JBun]

There may not be a whole lot that could be done for hip problems, other than what you're doing by providing flooring with good traction. Provide a low sided litter box if needed. Maybe trying an arthritis supplement like msm (myristol pellets), might be something to look into. And if you get to a point you can get to a vet, giving meloxicam a try to see if that helps at all.

https://www.vgr1.com/metacam/

 

[The Bunny Room]

There may not be a whole lot that could be done for hip problems, other than what you're doing by providing flooring with good traction. Provide a low sided litter box if needed. Maybe trying an arthritis supplement like msm (myristol pellets), might be something to look into. And if you get to a point you can get to a vet, giving meloxicam a try to see if that helps at all.

https://www.vgr1.com/metacam/

I wanted to share some exciting news about Maude! Her leg musculature and gait seems to be improving! She is moving around in a more normal
Way without splaying out her legs as much! If she has a spinal
Issue, it may be less aggravated by having a firmer and softer surface. Hopefully, I was able to spot the splay legs early enough before too much permanent atrophy occurred. I hope her leg strength continues to improve.

I think that she was in the slick area of her pen more than was healthy for her because that is where she eats and drinks water. I removed the times because her pen is n the ground at it is difficult to clean when she dribbles her water (it is attached in a bowl on the side of the cage) and it was sometimes getting under the tile which required me getting down on my hands and knees to pull the tiles out. The rubber mats are easier to remove.

I put sturdy “welcome” style door mats, rug panels with rubber backing and rubber yoga mats in all areas of each of the rabbits pens to help them avoid needing to stand on skippering surfaces. I removed the hard upside down tiles that seem too rough for their feet now that they are about 3 1/2 “middle aged” or closer to this stage of their lives as large, 12 pound rabbits.

I also wonder if it is possible that the mild (level 1) sore hocks were causing some of the splaying behavior for Maude. I am not sure if this was cause and effect or the result of her walking oddly in a splayed manner that contributed to sore hocks. I treated the mild sore hocks with a Bunny-safe Vetricin wound healing spray.

The rabbits do not seem to be chewing on the mats. I was anxious about putting down rugs or mats in their large pens.

I will need to trim their nails more often since they no longer have the back of the tiles to promote nail wear.

I am hoping that the trade off for the rabbits being more comfortable and softer surface will help their hocks stay healthy. It is a trade off that I hope will balance out the more frequent need for nail trimming.

Since I adopted my rabbits as adults with previous owners who were inexperienced with caring for rabbits, they had all been mishandled or in Maude’s case, not handled at all.

Maude and her sister, Hazel were in a 2 by 3 hutch with a wire floor with not protection for the heat. The owner placed an urgent advon Craiglist to have anyone who wanted them to come and take them. It was a first come first take situation and we’re lucky to have gotten to them in time. Most people in our area who respond to Craiglist are using rabbits as food, especially the larger breeds. In addition, It was 103 that day!

So, Maude and her sister beat the odds but their first home was very neglectful and it is hard to tell if this has impacted her health today.

Maude and Hazel are sweet and now allow gentle pets but they are still somewhat “feral” (for lack of a better term). They do not like to be handled but a vet taught me how to trim their nails with a partner to help me.

So, let’s hope Maude keeps improving! I want all of my rabbits to have the best life. I wish I could provide a better life. I will keep Hazel and Maude until they pass of natural causes. They are not adoptable.

I still have the post up for rehoming George and Gracie who are in excellent health and are more sociable and attractive. So far, no one has showed an interest. I have explored every responsible option.