Crippled Rabbit

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 14sd replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 5 months ago by Bones.

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- 10/11/2011 at 8:49 PM
  Bones
  Participant
  160 posts
  I may be getting a crippled rabbit. Some one is selling it on Craigslist so I sent them a e-mail but have not herd back yet. The rabbit can’t use it’s front legs but they said that it is able to hop around. They think it was cause by to small of a cage or a birth defect. I am wondering how this will affect the care of it. Has anyone had a rabbit like that before?
- 10/11/2011 at 8:52 PM
  Sam and Lady's Human
  Participant
  2001 posts
  Aww sad! I would call the vet you’ll be using and ask them what kind of care it will need.
- 10/11/2011 at 9:46 PM
  peppypoo
  Participant
  1945 posts
  I think there are a couple of members here with disabled bunnies, and they get along just fine . Some modifications might have to made to the litter box so that it is more accessible, or maybe a flooring that provides better flooring or traction, but these buns can be perfectly healthy otherwise. Thanks for rescuing the little bun!
- 10/11/2011 at 10:56 PM
  Kokaneeandkahlua
  Participant
  12067 posts
  I would suggest joining the disabled rabbits group on yahoo-we certainly want you here-but they will be able to help with specific suggestions from people who have cared for many disabled rabbits.
  
  If the rabbit has an inhibited gait due to any paralysis -there will likely be incontinence and safety (i.e. falling down stairs or getting stuck) issues.
  Also you’ll want to have the rabbit immediately to a vet for a very thorough exam and x-rays. Are you set up to do this right away? If it will be a hardship I suggest planning with a shelter, that you could get the rabbit from teh owner and take to a shelter. It’s extremely important those animals with compromised health have very thorough and regular vet care. The person rehoming this rabbit doesn’t even know the cause of the paralysis so the very best thing for this rabbit is to see a vet, and have tests/xrays done.
- 10/11/2011 at 11:12 PM
  Bones
  Participant
  160 posts
  Thanks everyone. I joined the yahoo group and I have been reading online and I am pretty sure that it has splayed-legs. From what I read splayed legs is genetic and can not be fixed in a adult rabbit. I also read that it will get worse and worse and eventually I will have to have it put to sleep.
- 10/12/2011 at 8:47 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  It’s commendable you are wanting to help this rabbit. Did this person say they got the bunny when the legs were already splayed or it developed later? And has the bun been to a vet for a complete exam? Are they rehoming because they can no longer provide the specialized care required?
  
  I think even if you only had the bun for a short time, you could provide a wonderful life, but it would take a great deal of commitment, time, and money. Let us know if you get the bunny.
- 10/12/2011 at 9:11 AM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  It does take a huge commitment, money and time to care for a rabbit with special needs. You will be cleaning the bunnies pen at least twice a day and possibly the bunny. You can certainly form a very special bond with a special needs animal but it comes with alot of hard work and heart break many times as well…are you prepared for this?
  
  All that being said, you could give this rabbit a very nice life if you are willing to commit and also be honest about their quality of life when it may come to the time you have to make a decision that they aren’t having a good quality…this is a hard decision that I’ve had to make too many times but having a good vet on board with the care who will be honest with you is a top priority.
  
  We did have a forum member who adopted 2 darling splay legged rabbits and they did not live very long but they got the best care from her and we loved hearing updates about them.
- 10/12/2011 at 10:34 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  I remember those buns, Sarita. It was heart-breaking when they passed, but they knew so much love in their short time on earth…
- 10/12/2011 at 11:30 AM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  It was Holiday & Fiesta – unfortunately the photos are gone from their posts when I went back to look them up :~(
- 10/12/2011 at 11:36 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  If I remember they were precious little dutch bunnies, right?
- 10/12/2011 at 11:44 AM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  Yes, little dutchie buns.
- 10/12/2011 at 11:46 AM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  And if I remember right, she kept them in a big kiddy pool with towels on the bottom which worked out great for them and for her.
- 10/12/2011 at 5:31 PM
  Bones
  Participant
  160 posts
  Thanks, I still have not herd back from them yet. It had splayed-legs when they got it and they did not say anything about it having been to a vet. It’s a Dutch too I have had to have a lot of animals put to sleep before so it does not bother me to have that done because I know that they are not in pain anymore.
- 10/12/2011 at 8:42 PM
  Kokaneeandkahlua
  Participant
  12067 posts
  Well it sounds like you would be just a perfect person to take this bunny and care for him. Like Sarita said-it can be two or more times a day keeping their area clean for them, but they certainly can enjoy life and bond to you and that would be wonderful if you could provide a home for this bunny.
  
  Keep us posted!!
  
  PS A sweet video of my favorite pair of special needs splayed legged buns-ok not sure if you’d consider both splayed legs, but you’ll love this video
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7pqU_BUcEk&feature=player_embedded#!
- 10/13/2011 at 4:23 AM
  Bones
  Participant
  160 posts
  It’s amazing how good they get around.
  
  UPDATE: I called the lady who is selling the rabbit and we are going to see her next week She wants to make sure that the rabbit who’s name is Love will be going to a good home. She wanted the rabbit to live outside but was ok with me keeping her inside if I let her run around the yard often. Love has had three litters but the other rabbits don’t like her so that is why the lady is selling her.I can’t wait to have a rabbit again.
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