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Splayed Leg

M

MoBunny

Warren Scout
Hi,

I have just taken over the care of two 11 week old baby bunnies which were the runts of a litter of 7.

Mother being a standard size bun dad a giant, that is all I was told.

Over the past few week one has put on weight and is getting on well, the other who is a real runt ( I hate that word ) has not grown or appears to have put on weight at all. He is as big as my hand and has a spalyed leg (deformed leg and hip) back leg. He eats for Britain and runs around and jumps on top of his house. His poos are large and full of fibre.

My question is, has anyone ever experienced this and any tips on how I can get him to put on weight. I have booked him in to the vets Monday to see what we can do about his leg/hip and to see where we go from here. He is such a happy little sole and deserves every chance.

Any advice would be appreciated


Maureen
 
I guess Hugo's There is the person to talk to. :)
He might be more likely to get arthritis and perhaps sores due to his leg, so it might be something you have to watch and may need long term painkillers in due time.
The weight could be something internal, perhaps kidney problems? :(

When you get to the bottom of his problems you should be able to monitor them and treat him as needed. While he's happy he should every chance. :wave:
 
Sadly with 'failure to thrive' kits there is often internal issues as well as those which can be seen. Personally I would not make any drastic dietary changes, assuming you are feeding a Breeder/grower pellet feed + ad lib hay. Trying to bulk a baby Bun up by feeding a lot of carbohydrates and/or too much protein will just result in gut problems. Giving some Fibreplex may help him utilise nutrients more efficiently.

http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/small...texin-Fibreplex-for-Rabbits-15ml-Syringe.html

Good luck at the Vets xx
 
Jack's-Jane said:
Sadly with 'failure to thrive' kits there is often internal issues as well as those which can be seen. Personally I would not make any drastic dietary changes, assuming you are feeding a Breeder/grower pellet feed + ad lib hay. Trying to bulk a baby Bun up by feeding a lot of carbohydrates and/or too much protein will just result in gut problems. Giving some Fibreplex may help him utilise nutrients more efficiently.

http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/small...texin-Fibreplex-for-Rabbits-15ml-Syringe.html

Good luck at the Vets xx
Click to expand...

Snowy would be a good person to ask for good advice. http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/member.php?u=6209
 
MoBunny said:
Hi,

I have just taken over the care of two 11 week old baby bunnies which were the runts of a litter of 7.

Mother being a standard size bun dad a giant, that is all I was told.

Over the past few week one has put on weight and is getting on well, the other who is a real runt ( I hate that word ) has not grown or appears to have put on weight at all. He is as big as my hand and has a spalyed leg (deformed leg and hip) back leg. He eats for Britain and runs around and jumps on top of his house. His poos are large and full of fibre.

My question is, has anyone ever experienced this and any tips on how I can get him to put on weight. I have booked him in to the vets Monday to see what we can do about his leg/hip and to see where we go from here. He is such a happy little sole and deserves every chance.

Any advice would be appreciated


Maureen
Click to expand...

Snowy would be a great person to ask for good advice. http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/member.php?u=6209
 
Jack's-Jane said:
Sadly with 'failure to thrive' kits there is often internal issues as well as those which can be seen. Personally I would not make any drastic dietary changes, assuming you are feeding a Breeder/grower pellet feed + ad lib hay. Trying to bulk a baby Bun up by feeding a lot of carbohydrates and/or too much protein will just result in gut problems. Giving some Fibreplex may help him utilise nutrients more efficiently.

http://www.animeddirect.co.uk/small...texin-Fibreplex-for-Rabbits-15ml-Syringe.html

Good luck at the Vets xx
Click to expand...

Totally agree with what Jane has said, with such young bunnies making changes to their diet can do more harm than good, in my experience I have found that 'runts' (hate the word too) usually stay on the small side but can go on to live happy and full lives but obviously need monitoring, I do have to ask the question though...why on earth was a normal female mated with a giant male?

I have also looked after several bunnies with splay legs and they have done amazingly well, it certainly doesn't stop them from being active and doing everything 'normal' bunnies do, the only thing they can't do is scratch themselves

Good luck at the vets and keep us updated
 
Hi,

Thanks for all your advice,firstly the mating took place through wire the owner did not realise that this would not stop them:?:?

I have him ( I think ) on junior rabbit excel he loves it and it is a small pellet like him!..He eats hay all day long and his poos are massive. He has been introduced to veggies and loves them ( I'v done this slowly one at a time).

He seems to be able to scratch himself which I was amazed at. I'm seeing the practice owner at my request and if he thinks it would be best to do an xray to see where his bones are I'm prepared to pay so that I can get some form of definitive answer to the problem. I will get him on the scales as well and will let you know.

Fingers crossed

Maureen
 
Sorry for delay,

He was 500g when put on the scales,he has had an x ray which shows that the main bone from the hip is growing bowed. This could have been damaged when born or by a knock.

He is a happy little chap and the RSPCA have agreed to now take them on but I will continue to foster until a new home can be found.

Maureen
 
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