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No Use of Back Legs...

Bellikinz

Bellikinz

Warren Scout
Hi,
I've been taking care of a male bunny for a few months now. He was going to be shot if he didn't get a home so I took him, and now my good friend was hoping to take him. The hutch has taken some time as hes often busy, but meanwhile Tucker got out. We suspected he was originally a pet bunny turned loose at a young age. He's extremely friendly, just enjoys to explore.
The neighbors brought him back two days ago and he was in terrible condition! His back legs are basically immobile. :cry:

We rushed him to the vet and get him assessed. As we live in the country, our vet isn't specialized in rabbits but he has some experience. He suspects it might be a spinal injury, but we don't have the funds to x-ray... He said he doesn't think Tucker is in pain, and he can't be sure of anything. He doesn't think all hope is lost though, because when you touch his tail or pinch his foot he does recoil.

He said we should give him a bit of time as hes has a rabbit before that was more severe than this and he managed to heal. Otherwise to euthanize him would be the only other option... :cry:
Any advice as to how to keep him comfortable?
 
I'm not sure, but it sounds horrible for the wee bun. I've heard hydrotherapy is good, but I don't know how you go about it. Just hoping one of the more experienced members sees this and can advise.
 
I am afraid that without a full assessment including xrays it is absolutely impossible to say what may be the cause of the paralysis. Aswell as spinal injury there are other possibilities including infection by a protozoal parasite which can attack the central nervous system- Encephalitozoon Cuniculi or 'EC'

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Parasitic/Encephalitozoonosis.htm

Or a spinal abscess as a result of a systemic bacterial infection- Pasteurella

Has the Rabbit received any treatment at all ?

Does he have control of his bladder and bowels ?

Is he eating ?

I am sorry to be blunt, but if funds for treatment are not possible then euthanasia may be the most humane option.

What about the SPCA, could they help ?

http://ontariospca.ca/5-partners.shtml

Again without establishing the cause of the paralysis we cant advise you as to what you may be able to try to do to help. For example physio may actually exacerbate the problem if it is a spinal injury

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/PhysicalTraumatic/Spinal_InjuryLagomorphs.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Floppy_Rabbit_Syndrome.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/Spinal_abnormalities_rabbits.htm

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/paresis.html
 
Any vet service in this small town costs a lot and my family is struggling to pay off debt as is. I've grown to really care for this rabbit, but I'm just not sure what there is to do. The vet said even after an x-ray it might not show anything.

Yes we did call our local rescue center and they gave us up to $100.00 in vet service which we're very gracious for, but I don't think we'd be able to pay for Tuckers treatment if there was an option. :cry:
I think we're all denying it, but if he doesn't show some signs of improvement within 2 weeks-a month(?) we might just have to make the most humane decision and let him go.
Any advice as far as keeping him comfortable while he tries to heal?

Thank you
 
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