Rabbit Having Trouble with Hind Legs

[sidereus7]

As I was leaving work today, I noticed that my bunny, Edison, was just sitting with his head poised over his water dish. That struck me as odd and I noticed that he was sitting with his back legs splayed out a bit, leaning over to one side and constantly correcting himself.

I encouraged him to move a bit and when he walked, his back legs were moving independently of each other, instead of together in a hop like usual. He seems generally lethargic and is refusing to eat everything except a few nibbles of carrot. I did watch him drink a bit of water, but still very concerned.

I left a message with my main vet and if she doesn't call me back in the next hour or so, I'm going to take him to the crappy (but better than nothing) emergency vet.

Any ideas on what this might be or what I should advocate they test for at the emergency vet?

 

[JBun]

There are a variety of health problems that can cause hind limb weakness in rabbits, such as back injury, stroke(especially if confined to one side of the body), spondylosis/arthritis, other problems with the spine or hips, e. cuniculi parasite, or even an ear infection causing vertigo can give the appearance of hind limb problems due to balance issues causing a reluctance to move. If you want to take a look at these links, they explain it in more detail.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=490
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/paresis.html

They may want to do xrays to rule out an injury and check for arthritis. They may also want to do a blood test. Make sure they give pain meds/anti inflammatory, as well as some for you to give at home. Sub q fluids are also helpful if he is dehydrated at all. If your bun isn't eating well on his own you will also need a syringe feeding mix to give throughout the day. What other meds will just depend on what the vets findings are. I hope the vet can sort out what is going on and that your bun will be ok. Best of wishes and please keep us updated on how it goes and how your bun is doing.

 

[sidereus7]

There are a variety of health problems that can cause hind limb weakness in rabbits, such as back injury, stroke(especially if confined to one side of the body), spondylosis/arthritis, other problems with the spine or hips, e. cuniculi parasite, or even an ear infection causing vertigo can give the appearance of hind limb problems due to balance issues causing a reluctance to move. If you want to take a look at these links, they explain it in more detail.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=490
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/paresis.html

They may want to do xrays to rule out an injury and check for arthritis. They may also want to do a blood test. Make sure they give pain meds/anti inflammatory, as well as some for you to give at home. Sub q fluids are also helpful if he is dehydrated at all. If your bun isn't eating well on his own you will also need a syringe feeding mix to give throughout the day. What other meds will just depend on what the vets findings are. I hope the vet can sort out what is going on and that your bun will be ok. Best of wishes and please keep us updated on how it goes and how your bun is doing.

I had the same thoughts about EC. He had x-rays 6 months ago after he took a tumble and the vet said she saw no fractures or any signs of arthritis, so I think I can rule that out even though he's 8 years old.

He seems to be drinking ok, but eating is slow. I can get him to nibble at a carrot, but only just. Might give him some Critical Care if it doesn't pick up soon. I have Metacam at home, but not sure if I should give him a small dose or not.

I'll keep you posted with what I find out at the vet. Thanks so much!

 

[Nancy McClelland]

ray::goodluck

 

[sidereus7]

Back with a laundry list of fixes from the vet.

They suspect he has either arthritis or EC, which will be confirmed later on with x-rays and blood tests. (They tried to draw his blood there, but he turned blue and they gave up after a few failed attempts). Also, as a result, his ears are a mess since he hasn't been able to properly clean them. And he has a blocked tear duct in his left eye, so he needs eye drops for that, in addition to the pain meds and gut support he already needs to take. >.<

Poor guy has been through the ringer, but I'm hoping the pain meds will perk up his appetite soon and we can start being on the mend. =(