Holding up paw

bunnyberry · Dec 21, 2015

I noticed that my bunny slightly holds up his right paw when sitting down or tucks it under his body. I didn't think much of it but when I plopped him down (just an inch from the ground), he flinched and held up his right paw. Now I notice that if I touch it he quickly moves it away from me.

About a month ago on his right paw his "pinky" nail came all off. I noticed some blood and saw that his whole nail was coming off. It came off by itself and I thought it was okay. I have been at college since then and my family didn't notice anything strange, but they don't watch him the way I do.

Do you think he is hurting from the nail that came off last month? His foot looks fine and he puts weight on it when hopping, but just tends to hold it up slightly. Could it be broken, sore, or infected?

Sarahbun · Dec 21, 2015

it could be any of those things, it's best that you take him to the vet for a check up

Babsie · Dec 21, 2015

He is obviously in pain and needs to see a vet to establish what is wrong with his paw.

Shimmer · Dec 22, 2015

Rabbits hide their problems really well. If you suspect there is something wrong, you are probably right. It is best to follow your instincts and get it checked out at a vet. It could escalate over Christmas when it will be more difficult (and much more expensive) to get an appointment. Flinching would tend to indicate that there is some pain or discomfort. Bunnies in pain can stop eating properly and that can lead to other problems. I would suggest a check up now to be on the safe side.

esupi · Dec 22, 2015

It might not necessarily be from his nail coming off - he could have caught it on something else, or landed awkwardly and sprained it etc. It does sound like there's something bothering him though - I would get it checked out too x

Angie B · Dec 22, 2015

Aww poor bunny! Yes, if he is favouring his paw and flinching with it then he definitely needs to see a vet I'm afraid as it is evidently giving him pain which requires proper medical attention. It could be from when the nail came off, but not necessarily so. There may be a mild infection from where the nail came off, or it could be something different altogether but a rabbit ideally needs all 4 paws in order to run, hop, jump etc so pop him to your vet for a thorough check as soon as possible and don't forget to let us know what was wrong too

Holding up paw

bunnyberry

New Kit

Sarahbun

Mama Doe

Babsie

Wise Old Thumper

Shimmer

Warren Veteran

esupi

Warren Veteran

Angie B

Wise Old Thumper

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