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Doughnut - loss of back legs - anyone else's rabbit had this?

cpayne

Warren Veteran
Just thought I would start another post as on Friday night Doughnut lost the use of her back legs due to her arthritis. Took her on Saturday morning, heartbroken, thinking I would have to put her down. I couldn't keep her alive when she's wet and can't get about. I want her to have a happy life not just exist however painful it is for me.

They told me to up the gabapentin and she also had some more cold laser therapy. She was dry for a couple of days and has actually move around. Nowhere near as active as before as her left leg is really bad, but she can get around and is eating, pooping and drinking normally.

Has anyone else got a rabbit that can't use it's back legs. The specialist said some rabbits are fine and she is alert and seems happy. While she can still move I am carrying on with the treatment and just seeing what happens.
 
Just thought I would start another post as on Friday night Doughnut lost the use of her back legs due to her arthritis. Took her on Saturday morning, heartbroken, thinking I would have to put her down. I couldn't keep her alive when she's wet and can't get about. I want her to have a happy life not just exist however painful it is for me.

They told me to up the gabapentin and she also had some more cold laser therapy. She was dry for a couple of days and has actually move around. Nowhere near as active as before as her left leg is really bad, but she can get around and is eating, pooping and drinking normally.

Has anyone else got a rabbit that can't use it's back legs. The specialist said some rabbits are fine and she is alert and seems happy. While she can still move I am carrying on with the treatment and just seeing what happens.

Some Rabbits can have a reasonable quality of life if they have hind leg paralysis. But they do need 24/7 care and imo cannot be left alone. As Doughnut has severe spinal arthritis I doubt a cart would be appropriate for her as she will still have pain in her Cervical & Thoracic spine area

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IMO each case needs to be judged individually, what is 'right' for one paralysed Rabbit may be inappropriate for another Rabbit with the same condition. And as I said, IMO the provision of 24/7 company & care is essential. Not something that many people may be able to provide due to working etc.

Daily Physiotherapy is an essential for a paralysed Rabbit & they are likely to require a lot of hands on care to keep them cleam. They may need help to empty their bladder. Bladder sludge is a common secondary problem when a Rabbit has severely impaired mobility

I am very saddened to hear that Doughnut has deteriorated :cry: I am sure that you will do whatever is in her best interests.

This site may be useful to take a look at

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/
 
Thank you. I just keep crying, feel so sad but I will do what is right for her. She is hopping around a little now but I won't let her suffer.

Yes I saw the carts, they can have them apparently when you're around but not left alone, like you say she would need a lot of care. At the moment she is painfree and when I was giving her nose rubs and kissing her fluffy head this morning, her teeth chattered so she's still happy. But she is quite a lot better than on Friday night.
 
I don’t have any experience of this so I can’t advise, but I’m sending lots of vibes and hugs xx
 
Oh Doughnut, bless her, so sorry to hear this. I really hope that she can manage to get about, and stays pain free. Sending lots of vibes and nose rubs for her xxx
 
Lisa’s Millie Moo from Bunny Mad Magazine has had this problem for 4 years and seems to be happy and managing well. I’m not sure of the cause though. Liz from Rainbow Rabbits has had several rabbits with hind leg problems.

My Bramble had hind leg paralysis secondary to EC and was very subdued and I don’t think would have adapted well to the lack of mobility so I guess it comes down to the individual rabbit.

Doughnut has been through so much so I hope something can be sorted to control her pain.



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Loads of vibes for you & wee Doughnut. I've had 2 bunnies lose use of their back legs but both through EC - one of them is Rudey but he's making good progress with it now. I hope the increased meds & laser treatment buy her some extra time. Its lovely to hear she is still bright & enjoying loves xx
 
I'm sorry to read of Doughnut's further difficulties. Sending healing vibes your way for her newer therapies to work quickly and well for her. xxxxxxx
 
Thanks everyone for your continued support. I took her for her third treatment and she even stamped at the nurse! Couldn't believe it. She is hopping around a little, not lots but can actually move around and is dry again. Eating, pooping, drinking and weeing well. So the therapy is either helping or the extra gabapentin. I've bought some clear plastic runners which she will be able to grip on so will see how she gets on with them when they arrive. She's certainly not in any pain. Back for therapy on Thursday then Sunday and seeing my specialist then.
 
Thanks everyone for your continued support. I took her for her third treatment and she even stamped at the nurse! Couldn't believe it. She is hopping around a little, not lots but can actually move around and is dry again. Eating, pooping, drinking and weeing well. So the therapy is either helping or the extra gabapentin. I've bought some clear plastic runners which she will be able to grip on so will see how she gets on with them when they arrive. She's certainly not in any pain. Back for therapy on Thursday then Sunday and seeing my specialist then.

Great news, so pleased that there has been some improvement :)
 
Only the best for little Doughnut. Whatever it is working for her, its really great to hear how well she is doing now xx
 
I'm glad to see Madam is a bit feisty. That's the way, Doughnut! :lol:

So pleased she is doing better. Long may it continue! xxxxx
 
Doughnut has good days and bad days. Sometimes wet, sometimes dry. But at the weekend I was in the kitchen then someone came to join me! So cute. She always used to follow me everywhere.

This morning she was dry again after being wet on Sunday and having her bum bath!. I'm taking her to see the specialist weekly now, continuing with all the meds and the laser and will see what happens. She's happy and eating but nowhere near as mobile as she used to be. As long as she can hop around a little I will continue with everything.
 
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