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Rabbits/back legs not working: no help from vet

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Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/8/2009


Question
I am writing concerning our pet dwarf rabbit. He can't walk on his  back legs. He just drags them behind him. No vet available to see him. Is he suffering? What medication would help him? Please answer quick. Thank You.

Answer
Dear Linda,

Please read this article, and *especially* the link to the article by Dr. Susan Brown:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/paresis.html

There are many possible causes of hind limb paresis, and the appropriate treatment will depend on the cause.  So read the article, and then find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

even if you have to drive a couple of hours.  Because there is no way you can treat this on your own.  Only an experienced vet who is rabbit-savvy will be able to help you, unless one of the local vets will be amenable to reading Dr. Susan Brown's article (linked to the article above) and try to work with you on treatment.

I hope this helps.

Dana

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

Expertise

I've lived with companion rabbits for more than 35 years, and consider them members of my family. I can answer any questions about the biology and health of rabbits, from the commonplace to the unusual. But please note:

RULE #1:
THE INTERNET IS NOT THE PLACE TO SEEK HELP IN AN EMERGENCY.

...it is an EMERGENCY.

Find a rabbit vet at www.rabbit.org/vets for immediate help, and don't risk your bunny's life by spending time asking questions online! If you can't get in touch with your vet, read these Emergency Sick Bunny Instructions.

If you have found a wild baby rabbit, please read these EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WILD BABY RABBITS and then use this link to FIND A LOCAL WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR who can give you the right advice.

RULE #2:
Help me help you! Please make your subject line informative if you have an urgent question. then LET ME KNOW IN THE SUBJECT LINE so I can give your question highest priority over non-urgent questions. If you don't do this, then I can't guarantee timely assistance!

For all the best, most accurate rabbit health, care and behavior information, visit The House Rabbit Society.

Experience

I have been rescuing domestic and wild rabbits for more than 25 years. I have written articles for many rabbit rescue publications, as well as for the veterinary journal, Exotic DVM. I own EtherBun, the internet's largest listserve dedicated to health, care, and behavior of domestic rabbits.

Organizations
Houserabbit Adoption, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (H.A.R.E., Inc.) president National House Rabbit Society (Board member)

Publications
Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide

Education/Credentials
Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English

Awards and Honors
Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)

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