Rabbits have powerful hindlegs and can damage their backs if they resist restraint. A stressed rabbit may kick and twist to escape and fracture their spine. Rabbits can also fall when being picked up or fight with other animals and injure themselves.
The rabbit's fragile lumbar spine (lower back) is surrounded by powerful muscles and is particularly susceptible to fracture. Most worryingly, spinal fractures can happen spontaneously. A rabbit can break its own back by simply kicking out violently with his hind legs.
If your rabbit has reduced sensation to the legs or feet, an inability to urinate or defecate with control, or is suffering from paralysis of the hind legs, a broken back may be suspected.
Generally, injuries lower down on the spinal column hold the best changes for survival but if paralysis is present, ongoing medical issues will persist and could decrease the chances of the rabbit having a good quality of life. In these cases, euthanasia may be the only option.
Be safe. Safety is paramount when handling rabbits, as their fragile spines can be seriously, or even fatally, damaged if they feel insecure and struggle when held. Remember: Hold rabbits gently but firmly - ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times.
Rabbits have very delicate bones and spinal columns. If handled improperly they can easily become injured, or even suffer spinal damage that can cause partial or total limb paralysis.
Sometimes, often because of improper handling, caged rabbits can twist their legs right at the junction of their lumbar spine and sacrum (base of the spine), which can result in a vertebral fracture.
Patients who have a spinal fracture or luxation usually show signs of being in significant pain, especially if any pressure is exerted along the injured portion of their spine. Usually, other signs of trauma, such as wounds, “road rash,” broken and bleeding toenails, and lameness, are also present.
Spondylosis, osteoarthritis, vertebral disc deterioration, and other degenerative processes can cause hind limb weakness and paralysis in rabbits. If these are suspected, your vet may wish to get a positive diagnosis via radiography. The exact treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.
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.
Symptoms of Spinal Column Disorder in Rabbits
In severe cases, complete paralysis of the hind limbs may be seen, along with fecal and urinary incontinence. However, in less severe cases it is often change in their pet's gait, reduced range of motion of their neck and back, and reluctance to be held that owner's notice.
Sick or injured rabbits may be identified by abnormal behaviors such as lying on their sides for extended periods of time, head tilting, falling over, or inability to run in a straight line.
Flipping your bunny over on his back can do more than annoy or frighten him. It can cause him to panic and seriously injure himself, possibly even fatally. Rabbits have fragile spines, so it's possible your pet may break his back as he struggles and kicks to orient himself properly again.
Does your rabbit miss you? Many people wonder if their rabbit will miss them when they're gone. You may worry that your rabbit will be lonely. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit, they will undoubtedly miss you when you're away, the same way you miss them.
Never, ever, pick up your rabbit by the ears or scruff of the neck. You'll hurt them and can cause permanent damage. You want your bunny to be well supported and held firmly, which helps them feel safe.
signs of pain, such as not wanting to be touched on parts of its body. teeth grinding. flinching. difficulty with breathing, especially if your rabbit is breathing through its mouth rather than its nose.
Rabbit is limp, floppy or cold
These rabbits are very, very sick and may be close to death. The common end point of dehydration, shock or sepsis is a weak floppy rabbit, often with cold ears. They tend to sit hunched in a corner and 'feel funny' when you pick them up. Wrap them up warmly and get to the vet ASAP.
Hypotension – Low blood pressure is common in collapsed rabbits for many reasons, from gut stasis to heart disease. Dehydration – Rabbits can dehydrate very quickly and can hide the initial signs of this critical condition until they collapse and show signs often attributed to Floppy Bunny Syndrome.
It's best to allow yourself to go through the five stages of grief which are denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and acceptance. Despite what other people may tell you, feeling shocked and sad is perfectly acceptable and normal feelings after the loss of a beloved pet.
Several studies have shown that the response to unwanted pain works the same way in animals. “The changes to their brain waves and physiology are very similar to what you would find in humans,” says Reyes-Illg. Despite knowing that animals feel pain, not all of their pain is treated the same way.
Some people start to feel better in weeks or months. For others, the grieving process is measured in years. Whatever your grief experience, it's important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold. Feeling sad, shocked, or lonely is a normal reaction to the loss of a beloved pet.
Rabbits are small and low to the ground. They are also primary prey animals. So anything coming from above is a big threat, and their instinct is to race away. Even if they can see YOU are the thing coming from above, that instinct is so strong, and so ingrained, that they really can hardly help themselves.
Remember: Yes, bunnies can get mad. And a mad bunny can grunt, box, and, in a few circumstances, bite. No matter how badly your bunny behaves, it is never a good idea to try to physically discipline your rabbit. Not only does it not work -- it can kill your rabbit.
A rabbit punch is a blow to the back of the head or to the base of the skull. It is considered especially dangerous because it can damage the cervical vertebrae and subsequently the spinal cord, which may lead to serious and irreparable spinal cord injury.