Hind leg amputation

Last week we noticed our bunny was holding her back leg funny so after a trip to the vets she was put on painkillers for soft tissue damage. Went back a few days later and she was given antibiotics incase it was an infection.
Today she had some xrays and theres a fracture and they think an infection so the vet said anputation or being put to sleep were her only options. Im devastated. The vet seems to be favouring euthanasia but i want to try amputation. Just asking for any advice or if anyone has had a happy bun after loosing a leg? The vet seems to think it will make her scared and depressed?
Thanks for reading and any advice xx

luna-bunny said:

Last week we noticed our bunny was holding her back leg funny so after a trip to the vets she was put on painkillers for soft tissue damage. Went back a few days later and she was given antibiotics incase it was an infection.
Today she had some xrays and theres a fracture and they think an infection so the vet said anputation or being put to sleep were her only options. Im devastated. The vet seems to be favouring euthanasia but i want to try amputation. Just asking for any advice or if anyone has had a happy bun after loosing a leg? The vet seems to think it will make her scared and depressed?
Thanks for reading and any advice xx

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Hello

I am sorry to hear of your poor Bunny's plight. Rabbits can cope with amputation of a limb, but of course each case needs to be judged individually. I had a Buck who sustained a compound fracture to his femur when he was less than a year old. He had his hind leg amputated and he lived very happily as a 'tripod Bunny' for almost 8 years.

However, if the Rabbit were to have other problems such as spinal arthritis or sore hocks then amputation may not be an option. Could you ask for a Referral to an orthopaedic Specialist ?

luna-bunny said:

Last week we noticed our bunny was holding her back leg funny so after a trip to the vets she was put on painkillers for soft tissue damage. Went back a few days later and she was given antibiotics incase it was an infection.
Today she had some xrays and theres a fracture and they think an infection so the vet said anputation or being put to sleep were her only options. Im devastated. The vet seems to be favouring euthanasia but i want to try amputation. Just asking for any advice or if anyone has had a happy bun after loosing a leg? The vet seems to think it will make her scared and depressed?
Thanks for reading and any advice xx

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Hi luna

I have definitely known rabbits having had back leg amputations get on very well after the op!

Success will depend on many factors, including the age and weight of the rabbit, and also their living conditions.

If I were you, at this point, I would get the X-rays sent to another (very rabbit savvy) vet and let them give you their opinion.


If you need recommendations for a good vet, start another thread here, on the Forum, in Rabbit Chat, and put this in the title:

Rabbit Savvy Vet needed in (your location) ... and members will give you their recommendations

Alternatively you can search here for a recommended vet:

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/vetfinder/vets-owners-recommendations

And the RWAF have their own suggestions for finding a good vet:

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk


Wishing you loads of good luck :wave:

Hi

My 7 year old conti got his hind leg amputated in January and hasn't looked back. He's coped so well with the op.

I'd say it's worth a try.

Leanne x

luna-bunny said:

Last week we noticed our bunny was holding her back leg funny so after a trip to the vets she was put on painkillers for soft tissue damage. Went back a few days later and she was given antibiotics incase it was an infection.
Today she had some xrays and theres a fracture and they think an infection so the vet said anputation or being put to sleep were her only options. Im devastated. The vet seems to be favouring euthanasia but i want to try amputation. Just asking for any advice or if anyone has had a happy bun after loosing a leg? The vet seems to think it will make her scared and depressed?
Thanks for reading and any advice xx

Click to expand...

What has happened to your rabbit? :wave: