Leg deformity

[angel10252]

Hello I just got a bunny yesterday and he has a leg deformity. It sticks out on the side and he is five weeks old. I found out that it could be what is called Splay Leg. And that it could be from the mom accidently stepping on him when he was still a baby. Thats what the breeder was telling me might have happened. I was wondering if there is something I could do to help him. Because I also heard that with time it could get worse and begin to make it hard for him to get around. He is a Holland Lop and He was born around the end of March if that helps. I'm not sure how to post photos of it but I do have some if you want me to send them to you somehow.

 

[LakeCondo]

I don't know, but I'm glad you were willing to take on a special-needs bunny. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Get a rabbit savvy vet to check him over.

 

[angel10252]

Thank you and I think I will take him to the vet and see if they have any tips to help me out.

 

[caustin4]

If your bunny is still young here's a great link to help. http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/splayleg.html

I also have a splay leg bunny, she's my English lop. I got her when she was 5 months old, so it was a little too late to try to correct her bone growth by then. When I got her she was VERY underweight, all skin and bones. Both of her back legs are splayed and at first when she was in wood floors she would slip all over. I did some research and there are so many different opinions out there. I ended up taking her to a vet (the old vet my rabbits go to who isn't a super great rabbit vet) and she said there really wasn't anything I could do. I was quite worried she had other issues as well. Each month I would weigh her and she gained weight and filled out, besides her back legs which still lack muscle. She is now able to beg/parascope on her own and enjoys running all around. I can let her on the wood floors now as she doesn't slip as much at all. I had also read that it only gets worse, however with my bun (in the last 6 months) this has not been an issue at all.

As far as suggestions, other then the link I posted, housing is very important. Do not let your bunny on slippery flooring as that will most likely make it worse. For a little box I use metal grating and let the urine and droppings fall through because otherwise she urinates on her legs and causes urine burn. I keep her on carpeted flooring and let her play outside in the grass during the day. Both of those are almost completely slip resistant. Your bunny may never have normal leg movement, but can still enjoy life and be happy!

It might help that he is smaller and has less weight to put on the leg. That also makes amputation and option if it's only one leg. Good luck and if you you have any questions ask away.