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About 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.
- If your rabbits is LETHARGIC
- If your rabbit is NOT EATING
- If your rabbit is PHYSICALLY INJURED (including broken bones)
- If your baby rabbit has DIARRHEA
...it is an EMERGENCY.
Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian at www.rabbit.org/vets for immediate help, and don't risk your bunny's life by spending time asking questions online!
RULE #2:
Help me help you! Please make your subject line informative if you have an urgent question.
- If you already have been to the vet and still need help
- if you can't find an available vet with the resources above
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
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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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Rabbits > Can't stand up
Rabbits - Can't stand up
Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/1/2009
Question
My rabbit Cookie can't stand up. She tries but she only uses her front feet. Are her back legs paralyzed or does she just not have enough energy? She is eating and drinking the banana and I will try the mushed food pellets with her in the next hour. I feed her every hour but should I feed her more often?
Answer
Dear Lily,
You mentioned yesterday that she had a head tilt. Please read these immediately:
www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html
and
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/tilt.html
But if she also is suffering from hind limb weakness, please read this:
www.bio.miami.edu/hare/paresis.html
Both these signs can be caused by a parasite known as Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which can be treated with Panacur (fenbendazole) and/or ponazuril from a rabbit-experienced veterinarian:
www.rabbit.org/vets
I can't tell without seeing her whether the back end weakness is due to illness or just weakness. But if she is eating and drinking her banana mush, then she should be able to regain her strength. Feed her as much as she'll take of the pellet mush, but don't force her to take more than she wants at any time. You can check how receptive she is every few hours, and also keep food that she likes close by and available (try fresh herbs such as cilantro, kale, parsley, etc.) so she can nibble even if you're not right there.
Be sure to provide enough water for her to drink, since dehydration also can cause weakness.
While she's immobilized, be sure to keep her on soft, absorbent bedding that will wick away any pee so she won't get urine burn. This condition should be treatable with the proper medications, so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read those articles above, so you'll know what to ask the vet and not just agree to euthanasia that is not necessary.
I hope she'll hang on and continue to improve, but I think you need to ask the vet about fenbendazole (NOT albendazole!) and/or ponazuril.
Dana
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