How to help rabbit with healed broken leg?

[Cjmaxwell]

So I recently caught a stray domestic rabbit, and have decided to keep him. (note: I’ve had rabbits most of my life, so I already know all the regular bunny stuff!)

Now that I have gotten him back to good health and neutered, the one lingering problem is that his back leg was crushed at some point before I found him. It has long since healed, and it causes the leg to splay out to the side. Not fully- more like 45 degrees. The vet confirms that there isn’t anything we can do to fix it at this point.

My concern started because he is a very active/athletic rabbit and doesn’t give a DAMN about his leg. I can clearly see as he moves around the way his back, limbs, and joints are being used just a little differently on account of the change in his body.  I can’t imagine that this won’t causes problems over time. I worry about him having hip/back problems, or even worse, that the other leg will start to splay out because of his unique imbalance.

I am hoping there is something I can do. Be it physical therapy for him, anything… I just don’t want him to go from having a very minor disability to loosing more of his mobility over time. I am also curious to know if amputation of the damaged leg would be in his best interest, or if he will fair better with it as is.

If anyone on here has dealt with this type of injury, of knows of resources for it, please let me know! The disabled rabbit groups that I have explored really only cover options for genetic splay, which are things that won’t be possible for his situation.

[jerseygirl]

*bump*

I’ve PM’d someone who might be able to give some advice on this. Bumping topic up also in case there are other members who have advice to offer.

[Beka27]

I have not dealt with this, but just reading your post, these are my thoughts: if he is using it, I wouldn’t consider amputation ( at least not yet). It sounds like he’s moving around okay right now which is good. I would have varied flooring surfaces for him, but probably stay away from anything slippery (tile, hardwood, linoleum). Keep an eye on his leg bc it might develop sores/pressure points (similar to sore hocks), but not necessarily on his heel, it could be more to the side if a different area is making contact with the floor. You wouldn’t want that to result in an abscess.

It is very possible to care for a disabled rabbit with some concessions. It sounds like he’s in good hands with you and your vet.

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