Expert: Samantha Sharp - 10/14/2006

Question
Hi, We took on a rabbit from ppl who could no longer give the care and attention it needed due to work committments. When my husband collected him, he was living in a chicken pen (with chickens). He had been well looked after and is a very friendly, loving rabbit. we have had him about 4 months now. Although we have quite a large garden, my husband often takes him out for a walk. A couple of weeks ago we took on another male rabbit, but we keep them in seperate hutches, though they do share the large run,which has been partitioned to keep them apart.
Just over a week ago I noticed that jack, the one we've had for 4 months, didn't seem to be using his hind legs too well. Within a few days he hardly had any control over his back legs at all, though appeared to be in no pain and still had a healthy appetite.
We took him to a vet yesterday, and was told that he hasn't lost the use of his legs and that it was probably caused by an infection, but offered no explanation as to what type of infection it could be. The vet gave him an injection of Baytril, and a course of it to be given to him oraly twice a day.
I'd like to know if he's been prescibed the right medicine because I thought that Baytril was a treatment for chickens, and also, what Baytril is used to treat.
He is a healthy rabbit other wise as I feed him fresh veg about 2-3 times daily, is this too much? I do tend to spoil the rabbits by giving them a variety of different vegetables.

Hope to hear from you A.S.A.P
Many thanks.

Julie

Answer
Hi,
Baytril is a broadspectrum anibiotic, most commonly used to treat infections in dogs and cats. Many vets perscribe and use medications for animals other than rabbits on rabbits, because there are so few meant to be used on them.
It could be something like a UTI-urinary tract infection, that is causeing temorary peralysis, or what you are describing. Not sure what breed of rabbit you have, but i know lop eared ones are more common with back injuries. Keep a good watch on him, and note any changes in appetite and drinking habits. I am not a vet, but I do know if these changes occur, it could be something serious. If this does arise, try to take him to a vet that has had exotic- even though i don't consider rabbits myself to be exotic- animal experience. These vets tend to know how to treat a rabbit better than most.
I would limit the veggies to once a day. Too much can affect their digestive systems- they are very sensitive. Fresh hay at all times, and a small amount of rabbit pellets will do the trick. Use veggies as a treat or such.
http://www.islandgems.net/feed.html
http://www.islandgems.net/treats.html
http://www.islandgems.net/medical.html
Those links above list some really good information you may want to check out about bunnies. www.islandgems.net is one my resources when it comes to bunnies, and generallly i find everything i need to know on here.
Samantha