Help! He's having trouble hopping

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 11sd replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 16 years ago by Kokaneeandkahlua.

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- 02/17/2010 at 9:32 PM
  tikimel
  Participant
  9 posts
  Bun was neutered last Friday and has been confined to his cage until today. When I let him out to run arond and get some exercise, he wouldn’t hop. Before the surgery he would hop about like crazy, and now, his back feet slide out from under him as if he’s walking on a frozen pond – they just slide all over the place.
  
  HAs this happened to anyone???!!?!??!
  
  Could it simply be from not getting out to stretch his legs for several days? Or could there be something wrong with him? His stitches are healing nicely, he has a great appetite, and he’s not thumping in protest. But I don’t know if he’s in pain.
- 02/17/2010 at 9:41 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Have you called your vet to let them know this has happened? There was someone who posted here about this happening to their bunny but I don’t recall exact reasons. Theirs did regain some ability.
  Was your bunny sitting up ok in his cage beforehand? Have you tried him out on carpeted floor?
- 02/17/2010 at 9:48 PM
  tikimel
  Participant
  9 posts
  I have’t called the vet – they are closed, and I JUST let him out to run around.
  
  He is sitting up fine, and can hop ~3 inches down to a lower level of his cage, he just can’t hop on the floor.
  
  I haven’t tried him on carpet – I only have wood and tile here. Maybe on a towel???
- 02/17/2010 at 9:55 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  mmm…? It could be he’s a bit unsteady but something sounds a bit odd. Does your clinic refer you elsewhere after hours?
  You could try him somewhere where there is more traction. On a large towel or blanket, but these can slip around too. What about on top of a bed, provided you don’t let him jump down. If he can hop on somewhere like that, hopefully he’ll gain strength and confidence. Don’t allow him to over do it though.
- 02/18/2010 at 6:43 AM
  Elrohwen
  Participant
  7318 posts
  I would definitely call the vet. If you had just got him and he couldn’t get the hang of the hardwood floors, I would say give him some time. But since you know he was ok with the floors before, I think something could be wrong.
- 02/20/2010 at 7:03 AM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  tikimel, how is your rabbit doing now?
- 02/20/2010 at 8:23 AM
  bunnyluvr
  Participant
  409 posts
  any updates?
- 02/20/2010 at 2:41 PM
  tikimel
  Participant
  9 posts
  he’s doing MUCH better. the vet thinks it was from being in his small cage for several days post-op, and that he just needed encouragement to get out to stretch his legs. I put some towels down for traction to help him out, and now he seems to be doing ok.
  
  He has really, REALLY mellowed out a lot since the surgery – is that normal?? He just kind of sits there, and only hops about for a few minutes at a time. He used to “Bunny 500” all the time, and circle everyone’s feet. I’m hoping it’s just hormonal, and that he isn’t depressed or something. This is my first bun, and he was a rescue from a lady who had a little boy that would let the dog chase him around the yard, so she kept him in a tiny outdoor cage. I’m hoping he’s just enjoying some relaxing down time??
- 02/20/2010 at 3:08 PM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Is he better on the wood floors also? I’m wondering…is he on any pain meds? These might effect his behaviour a bit. Also, if not on meds and experiencing discomfort. It could be it will take him some time to get over the op. Given his history, I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes him some time to feel comfortable and secure again. Poor boy, thanks for rescuing him.
- 02/20/2010 at 3:25 PM
  tikimel
  Participant
  9 posts
  He’s better on the wood floors, but only with the help of the towels He was only given 3 days of pain meds, so he’s been off of them for a while. I’ve had him since the beginning of January, so he’s been through a lot of change with the new living space (indoors now!) and the surgery in a short amount of time. I feel so bad for the little guy. I’m trying everything I know to make him more comfortable
  
  Thanks you guys for all of your support! I couldn’t do it without you!!
- 02/20/2010 at 3:50 PM
  RabbitPam
  Moderator
  11002 posts
  You can get some rug samples or remnants with a very low, natural (not dyed) pile that might make it easier for him to get his sea legs back, rather than the towels which can be kind of slippery too. Or a few large seagrass mattes, maybe tied together, so he can have a practice run with traction.
  
  Glad he’s doing better, and that you asked your vet earlier. He’s got a lot to adjust to, but he might just be acting cautiously, plus no hormone surges happening. Give him a bit more time to settle in with you.
- 02/24/2010 at 1:23 PM
  Kokaneeandkahlua
  Participant
  12067 posts
  I know my buns do not like wood floors (or lino or anything slippy really). Did he used to do ‘bunny 500’ on the wood? Maybe he just needs to get his bearings and get going again? Small carpets could give a lot of traction -that’s a great suggestion
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