Broken or Sprained leg?

[Josh]

A few days ago my bun jumped off something after being scared, at first it didnt seem like anything happened but after watching her for a bit I’ve noticed she’s not putting any pressure on her back leg. Could this be a sprained or broken leg? She still walks around, scratches herself with that leg, stretches it out, cleans it and sit’s on it but just wont put much pressure on it.

[Wick & Fable]

I’m more towards sprained — I feel broken would show many more dire signs.

My only instance of this lasted for about 30 seconds, and it’s when Wick went around lifting up his right front paw (literally so cute but I was freaking out at the same time) because he tried to get up something but fell down. After 30 seconds and me touching it a bit to see if it was hurting, he was back to using it as normal.

If it’s been a few days and it’s still not getting pressure put on, I’d suggest a vet visit? Unsure how people have dealt with potential sprains/broken limbs in the past, but a vet would know best, and considering rabbits are “silent sufferers”, it may be best to have a professional look at the extent of the damage.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Josh]

What kind of signs would a broken leg show? Sadly I won’t be able to take her to the vet until Friday and I want to make sure she’s okay

[Jessie]

Ive never seen a rabbit with a broken leg, but I imagine they exibit similarly to other mammals.  in a break clean through) there will be swelling at the break sight, and the location will feel hot. If your rabbit will allow you to extend her leg, you will observe a break easily because the point where it broke will flop loosley. Push on the toes, and if they have mobility that is also a sign there is no break. There is a chance however that there could be a hairline fracture, which is almost impossible to differentiate from a sprain (it will be painful but still functional) without medical training and equipmemt. So if it persists into days, its best to have it looked at.

[Bam]

Jessie has given you great advice. As Wick says, it does seem like a sprain. We’ve had buns with breaks here. Most do recover with fixation of the broken limb in an anatomically correct position. Until the bone has been fixated, a broken bone hurts. Sprains hurt when you use the body part, but it’s possible to use it. If she’s still not putting pressure on by Friday I’d take her in. Obviously if she stops eating and/or pooping, you’ll have to act sooner. It’s important to keep an eye on appetite.

[Author]

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