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About Lia Harvey
Expertise
I can help answer your questions whether you have just one house rabbit or hundreds of rabbits in your rabbitry. I know all about rabbitry management and record keeping. I can answer anything about breeding or showing rabbits. Breeding questions may include: gestation, palpation, nest boxes, line-breeding/out-crossing, prenatal/postnatal care for does, breeding problems (canabolism, scattered kits, stuck kits, etc..), orphaned kits, sexing, breeding methods, and many more. Showing questions can include, but are not limited to: tattooing, conditioning, culling, lingo, pedigrees, registering your rabbit, etiquette, traveling to shows, what you should bring to a show, and what to expect at your first show. I can also help you decide what type of disease your rabbit might have. (Note: I am not a veterinarian.) I am familiar with the following diseases/disorders: Coccidiosis, Fur Mites, Pasteurellosis/Bordetellosis (snuffles), Vent Disease, Hutch Burn, GI Stasis, Malocclusion, diarrhea, Mastitis, Sore Hocks, Fly Strike, worms, Red Urine, and Wry Neck. I also know basic rabbit knowledge, such as: housing, feeding, and grooming. I have a lot of helpful tips such as: keeping rabbits cool in the summer/warm in the winter, force feeding, giving vaccinations, bonding with your rabbit, and so many more. Most of all, I can answer nearly any questions that have to do specifically with Netherland Dwarfs, but I am familiar with all breeds. I can not answer questions about color genetics, cancer, butchering, weaving angora wool, spaying/neutering, and litter box training.

Experience
Over 8 years ago, I brought home my first rabbit. Like many first time rabbit owners, I did not know much about my new fluffy bundle of joy. I bought a few books and looked over several Web sites in search of new information. Over the years I grew a great interest for rabbits as I began to learn more and more. I decided to take my love for rabbits a step further and I began my own Netherland Dwarf rabbitry. I have been breeding an exhibiting Netherland Dwarfs for nearly 3 years now. I've spent countless amounts of time researching, learning, and talking about rabbits. Although I have read many, many books on rabbits, personal experience has taught me the most. I have been through so much with my rabbits, but I do not regret a second of it. I could not go a whole day without discussing and learning more about rabbits. There's nothing I love more than sharing my thoughts and ideas about them with others.

Organizations
American Rabbit Breeders Association-(ARBA)
American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club-(ANDRC)
Illinois Netherland Dwarf Specialty Club-(INDSC)
Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association-(IRBA)

Education/Credentials
I am currently a high school senior with the hopes to go on to become a veterinarian. I want to specialize in rabbits because I do not think there are enough vets who will examine and treat rabbits.

Awards and Honors
I have won several legs (awards) with my Netherland Dwarf rabbits in ARBA shows. Many of which are for BIS (Best In Show) and BOB (Best Of Breed).

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Rabbits > Dwarf Rabbit with Lame Back Legs

Rabbits - Dwarf Rabbit with Lame Back Legs

Expert: Lia Harvey - 11/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: My daughters pet rabbit that we have for about 6 weeks and got as a baby has suddenly got lame back hind legs. Everything else appears to be fine.

ANSWER: Katrina,

What do you mean by lame back legs?
They don't work at all and are being dragged when the rabbit walks or the rabbit is limping?

Rabbits have very powerful hind legs and can break their own backs if they kick their legs too hard. If there is any injury to the spine, the rabbit will have no use of its hind legs.

It is also possible for it to have broken/sprained a toe or ankle. Hyperactive rabbits can easily break or sprain bones if not properly handled.

Limping can be caused from other more minor things as well.

Your daughter's rabbit may have pulled a muscle.
If that is the case it will increasingly get better daily and will soon go away.

Check the bottom of the rabbit's back feet for bare skin. This is called Sore Hocks. It would be unusual for a Dwarf rabbit this young to have Sore Hocks.

Also, check for any splinters that could be in the legs or feet.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply. In the meantime we took the rabbit to the vets who said that she had hurt her spine and that it would take about 4 weeks to heal. That was a week ago and unfortunately the rabbit has gotten worse, we will take her back to the vet again this week. She can't use her back legs at all and drags them completely outstretched behind her we have to place them under her for her to sit or move them for her to lie. On advice from the vet they said not to handle her too much which we haven't. (this has been hard for Lauren as they cuddled a lot). The rabbit has a beautiful nature and doesn't seem upset at all but we think the lack of movement is not good for her.

Answer
Oh dear, I am so sorry.

I accidentally broke one of my rabbit's backs when I was tattooing her. She lost all use of her hind legs. Rabbits hide their pain very well. It is rabbit instinct not to show pain because they are prey animals and the weak are hunted.

I once had a dachshund that lost use of his back legs one day. My vet said that he would need a surgery that may or may not work and he would possibly need a wheel chair. He didn't look too bad at first, but got worse day after day.

Your vet was right. Do not handle her too much. I do not know the severity of the accident that caused the spinal injury, but it is not a good sign if she is getting worse. I hope that she does get better in a few weeks. Please do continue your vet visits and hope for the best.

Good luck to you and your bunny.

Lia

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