Sick Rabbit

[4hduckproject]

Hi everyone! I know this website is for poultry, but I have an issue with one of my rabbits I was hoping someone could help me out with. Today I noticed she wasn’t walking in one of her hind feet, and taking a closer look she sticks it out to the side and doesn’t even attempt to use it. She has lost a TON of weight, but I have not changed food amounts recently. I think she is being “bullied” by the other rabbits. I have isolated her now, and she’s eating and drinking fine. Does anyone know what might be wrong? Thank you!

 

[AltonaAcres]

First off, how old is she? What breed? Why was she kept with other rabbits? How is her stool? I think she may have a broken back if she is unable to use a leg. I had a rabbit born in a litter of 9 who was the runt, and when he was about 4 weeks old he began developing a splay leg. However, it was not sudden, it happened over time. He was definitely picked on sometimes before I weaned him.

 

[AltonaAcres]

Here is a picture of him when he was 11 weeks old.

 

[4hduckproject]

First off, how old is she? What breed? Why was she kept with other rabbits? How is her stool? I think she may have a broken back if she is unable to use a leg. I had a rabbit born in a litter of 9 who was the runt, and when he was about 4 weeks old he began developing a splay leg. However, it was not sudden, it happened over time. He was definitely picked on sometimes before I weaned him.

She’s about a year and a half. She’s a thrianta. She’s kept with two other females about her age- ones a mini rex and the other a harlequin, and they haven’t had an issue before. Thanks for the photo- looks pretty similar to my situation. Thanks again

 

[JadeFarms]

What is the floor made of? I know that a common mistake rabbit owners make is flooring. I love my rabbit, they are not as easy as people say they are! But, they are worth everything.

 

[4hduckproject]

What is the floor made of? I know that a common mistake rabbit owners make is flooring. I love my rabbit, they are not as easy as people say they are! But, they are worth everything.

they live outside on grass/dirt. the hutch is wooden.

 

[JadeFarms]

they live outside on grass/dirt. the hutch is wooden.

Is there wire flooring at all, because I was just thinking there was a small chance of this, but they could have hock sores.

 

[4hduckproject]

Is there wire flooring at all, because I was just thinking there was a small chance of this, but they could have hock sores.

Nope! It doesn’t appear to be sore hocks, as i have had to deal with that before. The fur on her feet is fine, no sores and no blood. Thank you very much for your help anyways!

 

[cassie]

Just a comment. Rabbits are usually a lot better off housed individually. As Bunnylady has said, rabbits get along with each other just fine until they don't, then it can get pretty bloody.

 

[AltonaAcres]

I would say especially if she's being picked on, she should be kept alone. Rabbits who get along are fine to live together, but you have to be careful if they don't. One and half is too old to just be developing splay leg, which is usually a birth defect. I would say she has a back injury, and a vet is a good idea, though broken backs are a tough thing to treat. Good luck! Sorry you have to go through this