Bunny can't use back legs

[charlotte Bunn]

Hello I am hoping someone can help/reassure me. I have 2 continental giant females - age 2. In May we came home to find on wasn't walking as well as normal, a trip to the vets and a prescription for Metacalm was given, 3 weeks later some improvement and we were advised again x-rays due to the risk of death under anaesthetic. No more improvement but she was getting around and interacting and doing all the things she should. Last week our bunny suddenly seemed a lot worse took her to vets and she was kept in, treated with Metacam again and had an x-ray which is perfect. Vet doesn't believe she is in pain but I can hardly look at her, she's frightened, falling over, has to be moved in and out of cage it's just awful. I'm not sure it's fair to keep her like this. Please help if anyone has had a similar experience. Only just joined this group so I'm still unsure if I can add videos or pics. we just need to be patient and it's a muscle injury but her back legs are looking very stiff. Charlotte

 

[Popsicles]

I would look at getting a second opinion, with a more rabbit savvy vet. Depending on your finances/insurance you could go for a CT. But if not, you’re right it may be temporary damage and the fact it improves with anti inflammatory medication is a good sign. Are you giving metacam at home too? What dose?

 

[Niomi]

I have heard of other animals recovering from similar problems, but they recovered with the help of physical therapy. I had a rabbit before with a back injury that lost the use of his legs. Since it is both legs, I wonder if it could be a problem with her spinal chord? If there is no improvement, and you are committed to keeping her alive, you could invest in a wheel chair for animals, but they are very expensive. In the case of my rabbit with the broken back, he would get urine burns from lying in his urine. The vet instructed me to use infant diapers, but I was worried that he would chew them up and ingest them. That was in the days before you could buy pet diapers. He was a happy boy and used to dance with his front feet, so putting him to sleep was the last thing I wanted to do. The urine burn were too hard for me to control, so I did end up having him euthanized.

 

[JBun]

I agree, a second opinion would be a good idea. You have some very good rabbit specialists in the UK, though not sure which one would be closest to you. Large breed rabbits can be prone to joint, hip, and spinal problems. So that might be a possible cause. Then there is also taking a look at the possibility of e. cuniculi being the cause.
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/caring-giant-rabbits/
https://rabbit.org/hind-limb-weakness-in-the-rabbit/

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/
https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/ve...copy_of_county-or-city/england/cambridgeshire