First time blind rabbit mamma! Help!

Holts Hoppers · Nov 2, 2014

I have a Netherland Dwarf Himalayan that was born 4 weeks ago. His mom, about 4 days ago, decided that she didn't want him. I started to bottle feed him but I noticed a lot of stranged things going on with him. Today I found out that he is blind in his right eye and becoming blind in his left. I have never taken care of a blind rabbit in my life so this is brand new to me. People tell me to put him down but I don't want to do that to such a sweet baby. I need advice on how to take care of him. Can anyone tell me how to get him moved onto pellets? How to let him know he's near water or food? How to basically make it seem like he's a normal rabbit. Thank you.

Jack's-Jane · Nov 2, 2014

He may be a 'Peanut' or a 'Max Factor' which is why his Mum would have rejected him. Are his back legs deformed at all ?

http://www.freewebs.com/hareraisers/NetherlandDwarfGenetics.pdf

It may be that the Kit will not thrive/survive, but if you intend to continue to try then what you feed is vitally important to try to minimise the high risk of enteritis.

What Milk substitute are you feeding ?

There is some information about hand rearing here

http://cottontails-rescue.org.uk/health/hand-rearing/

In general blind Rabbits do cope and they have a highly tuned sense of smell which helps them find where there food/water is. But I suspect that your Kit may have more problems than 'just' blindness.

It would be a good idea to consult a Vet as the Kit may have infection in his eyes

Another possibility is that the eye damage has been caused not by a genetic problem but by Encephalitozoon Cuniculi (EC)

EC is a protozoal parasite that can be transmitted from Mother to Kits. Erupting EC spores can damage the lenses of the eyes, amongst other potentially serious health problems. But given the age of the Kit and the breed I suspect a genetic problem is more likely.

Tinsel · Nov 2, 2014

Jack's-Jane said:
He may be a 'Peanut' or a 'Max Factor' which is why his Mum would have rejected him. Are his back legs deformed at all ?

http://www.freewebs.com/hareraisers/NetherlandDwarfGenetics.pdf

It may be that the Kit will not thrive/survive, but if you intend to continue to try then what you feed is vitally important to try to minimise the high risk of enteritis.

What Milk substitute are you feeding ?

There is some information about hand rearing here

http://cottontails-rescue.org.uk/health/hand-rearing/

In general blind Rabbits do cope and they have a highly tuned sense of smell which helps them find where there food/water is. But I suspect that your Kit may have more problems than 'just' blindness.

It would be a good idea to consult a Vet as the Kit may have infection in his eyes

Another possibility is that the eye damage has been caused not by a genetic problem but by Encephalitozoon Cuniculi (EC)

EC is a protozoal parasite that can be transmitted from Mother to Kits. Erupting EC spores can damage the lenses of the eyes, amongst other potentially serious health problems. But given the age of the Kit and the breed I suspect a genetic problem is more likely.

Excellent advice here. Would definitely take him to a vet.

parsnipbun · Nov 2, 2014

xcellent advice from jacks Jane that covers everything!

First time blind rabbit mamma! Help!

Holts Hoppers

New Kit

Jack's-Jane

Wise Old Thumper

Tinsel

Wise Old Thumper

parsnipbun

Wise Old Thumper

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