Adoption: Already Declawed- issues?

[GeorgieTheBunny]

Thinking of adopting a bunny, her chart says she has been declawed!?
1 yr old 1.66kg dwarf mix named Laska

First: Whoa! Meaniepants! Who does that to a rabbit? Or any animal? That’s fingertip amputation! Wtf!?

Considerations: I’m curious what unique issues this might cause and what I need to concern myself with about her environment and care

Thoughts:
1. She’s going to need to be an only child because not being able to tap back isn’t fair…
2. The towel covered ramp inside the condo I have; will it need to change to steps instead?
3. Traction issues?
4. She’s a year old and it long ago healed so am I out of the dark for cysts and infection?
5. No nail trimmings; is there other care stuff I need to do?

[Mikey]

Consider bringing in some papers to whoever you are adopting her from about declawing a rabbit. If they ever get a rabbit again, hopefully they will read the papers and research more before getting an animal

1) Agreed. If it ever causes her pain, with her being a single bun you would be able to monitor that easier, too

2) I think steps could cause pain as she gets older. Can you replace the ramp to be less steep, if it is? She might have a hard time gripping so if its too steep she wont be able to get up. A gradual incline would be best

3) Likely, but thats possible for buns even with claws. Avoid floors where the bun can slide. Fleece blankets and rugs on slick floors should be enough.You might need to line her cage with a fleece blanket

4) Likely for infection, but Ive been told cysts can pop up at any time. You might need to talk to a vet about that

5) Since she wont be able to scratch herself, it might limit grooming. You might need to groom her more often to help out

[pinknfwuffy]

That is very surprising. Not only because rabbits aren’t generally declawed in the first place, but I would be surprised that whoever had your rabbit before could find a sane veterinarian that would be willing to do it. Have you actually seen the rabbit’s feet to confirm this or is it possible it was a typo meaning trimmed nails? Is she from a shelter?

Either way…

1. This is a personal choice but it will definitely protect her to be on her own. I have a successful single bun but many advocate for pairs depending on the rabbit’s personality and one’s willingness to be able to care for multiple rabbits.

2. If the towel is thick and textured she may be alright. 

3. In the cage or out? Most rabbits prefer carpet to hard-wood and have traction issues on slippery surfaces. Definitely have plenty of textured mats or blankets.
4. Infections are generally problematic when a wound is open or still healing so I would just keep an eye on her feet once a week to check her toes and also her heels. Without nails she might be more prone to sore hocks, which make the heels raw and red.
5. Definitely check in with a trusted rabbit vet to see if there is anything necessary as this is a very unusual case.

Best of luck with your new, furry family member.

[Author]

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