My rabbit can't hop properly!

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This topic has 18sd replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 10 months ago by RabbitPam.

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- 06/21/2010 at 5:12 PM
  alynaffit
  Participant
  6 posts
  When my rabbit (stew) tries to hop, his legs just fall behind him and sometimes he loses his balance and rolls over. My mother says he fine and its just probably old age (i’m not sure how old he is but I have had him for 5 years now). He’s eating and drinking fine, but i’m really scared he might be sick and will die! I would take him to the vet but the nearest one from my home is 4 hours and my parents are not willing to travel for the rabbit. What can I do, what’s wrong?
  
  Thats my Stewie about three years ago
- 06/21/2010 at 5:17 PM
  mocha200
  Participant
  4486 posts
  he really needs to see a vet ASAP!!! are you sure there are none closer? why wont your parents take him? how long has he been like this?
- 06/21/2010 at 5:19 PM
  alynaffit
  Participant
  6 posts
  I am positive there are none, thats the closest one we found when my dog was sick. I don’t think my parents think it’s serious enough to drive 4 hours and pay for a vet bill. He was fine yesterday. I’m very worried!
- 06/21/2010 at 5:23 PM
  mocha200
  Participant
  4486 posts
  can you tell them this is VERY serious and he needs to be seen by a vet! does that vet do rabbits? could you call the vet and tell then what is happening and if they say to come in tell them your parents wont drive you and ask what you can do for him. has he been eating and drinking and pooping normally?
- 06/21/2010 at 5:27 PM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  It’s impossible to know – maybe it’s arthritis but only a vet can truly make an evaluation. He’s very cute.
  
  Is he an indoor rabbit?
- 06/21/2010 at 5:29 PM
  alynaffit
  Participant
  6 posts
  He is, I don’t want to lose my stewie-poohy
  and yes he is, but he love being outside.
- 06/21/2010 at 5:30 PM
  mocha200
  Participant
  4486 posts
  does he seem like he is in pain?
- 06/21/2010 at 5:33 PM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  There are so many dangers that can infect an outdoor rabbit – is it possible to at least bring him indoors so you can make sure he’s safe and watch him? Just because you feel he loves being outside doesn’t mean he’s safe out there from parasites and predators.
- 06/21/2010 at 5:35 PM
  mocha200
  Participant
  4486 posts
  i thought she said he was indoor but loves the out doors i am not sure though
- 06/21/2010 at 6:10 PM
  alynaffit
  Participant
  6 posts
  Yes he is an indoor rabbit, sorry for the confusion, and no it does not seem like he is in any pain
- 06/21/2010 at 6:55 PM
  Nibbles_NZ
  Participant
  751 posts
  This could be very serious. There is an internal parasite that can do this to a rabbit and it is not an uncommon parasite of pet rabbits. Here is an article about it. It is called Encephalitozoon cuniculi. If you read the signs you will find that it can cause complete hind limb weakness or paralysis. I am actually glad that I found this article because it says that up to 80% of clinically normal rabbits tested in some populations were positive for this disease. Maybe if you show the article to your parents they will believe that it can be serious and he needs to see a Vet. Good luck to you.
  Here is the article.
  http://www.hrschicago.org/rabbit2fr.html
- 06/21/2010 at 11:37 PM
  BinkyBunny
  Moderator
  8776 posts
  Well, there is no easy answer here. I know how inconvenient it is, but the only humane thing to do for an animal your family has taken responsibility for is to make sure he get vet care. (That’s just part of the basics of having animals) Since animals depend on us it is our responsibility to make sure they are not suffering. I hope your parents will change their minds.
  
  I don’t mean to come off cold as I know YOU want your bunny to get the care it needs and you are in a very heartbreaking situation. Do you have any friends or other family that would be willing to make the drive?
- 06/22/2010 at 12:29 AM
  alynaffit
  Participant
  6 posts
  Nibbles thanks for the article, ill have to give it a read.
  And to Binky, I was thinking of taking the bus and paying the vet bills myself, I’ve been saving up for college or a car but I love my bunny so much, I would do anything for him.
- 06/22/2010 at 8:10 AM
  Beka27
  Participant
  16016 posts
  If you can send a message to me or one of the other forum leaders with your location (city and state), we may be able to help you locate a closer rabbit vet. You can click on the envelop underneath one of our pictures… or click one of our names at the top of the page (FORUM LEADERS: Beka27 BinkyBunny KatnipCrzy KokaneeandKahlua Petzy RabbitPam Sarita)
  
  It sounds as if you are under 18, so please don’t post your location publicly on the forum.
- 06/22/2010 at 10:48 AM
  Andi
  Participant
  1048 posts
  How often is this happening?
  Is he falling to one side more then the other?
  Has he ever fallen from a height, or tried to jump around while being held?
  Is he peeing ok?
  When he falls over is he able to easily upright himself?
  How is the mobility/movement in the back legs?
  
  I think it’s great if someone on this forum was close to you and able to help you locate a closer vet.
- 06/22/2010 at 1:23 PM
  alynaffit
  Participant
  6 posts
  I am 18 and I live in a small community in Ontario, I am Positive the closest vet is 4 hours away. I am hearing though that a vet comes to town every few months, so i’m hoping he’ll be here soon.
  
  Its happens every time he is walking around, its as if he is hopping on a slippery surface.
  I haven’t notice if there is a particular side he falls on, I don’t think there is.
  There have been times when he has jumped out of our arms, but not in awhile and was fine until yesterday.
  I believe he is peeing okay.
  When he falls, he does have trouble getting back up.
  His back legs do seem to be fine when he’s sitting and even walking on the grass, but inside on the carpet and hardwood floors he has a lot of difficulties.
- 06/22/2010 at 1:27 PM
  mocha200
  Participant
  4486 posts
  have you called the vet to see when he will be in town? this could be very serious!
- 06/22/2010 at 2:16 PM
  Andi
  Participant
  1048 posts
  I had a Rabbit who had similar issues, and it was the start to partial paralisis becuase of an old TINY spinal fracture, as she got older the symptoms started showing.
  In the time between being able to see the Vet, try not to handle him to much, or allow him to jump up & down onto things. Many rabbits can live with this, some it progresses others it stays the same. This may not be your rabbits issue at all, but just in case i would be careful with handling and such.
  Good luck, hopefully he’ll be back to his happy little moble self soon.
- 06/23/2010 at 5:23 PM
  RabbitPam
  Moderator
  11002 posts
  Is there a dog/cat vet that is closer to you, or is it the only vet for all animals is 4 hours away and only visits on occasion?
  I’m asking because, if you have a local vet that’s for dogs or cats, it’s possible they could call the rabbit specialist and consult over the phone for a mutual diagnosis and treatment. Many vets are willing to work with a specialist from another place if it means helping a special animal.
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