Splayed legs

[mybunnysnameisbubbles]

Hi everyone, the younger of my two buns, Blue (broken blue Holland Lop), has got splayed legs. He’s able to hop normally but when he’s stationary he tends to spread out on the floor like a furry puddle, with his legs (especially the front legs) splayed out on either side of him. He’s rather inactive compared to my other bun, Bubbles; he doesn’t sit up or hop about much and I’ve never seen him telescope. He does, however, have an excellent appetite and no problems whatsoever reaching his bottle or grooming himself.

I’ve carpeted his playpen to give him some traction, and took him to the vet to find out whether it would be advisable to brace his legs. The vet (she’s rabbit savvy) said it would probably be best not to brace him because he could break something if he panics and tries to run while bound up.

Has anyone else had experience with a bun with splayed legs? Blue is a really chilled out bun but I don’t know if his inactivity is due to his temperament or because he’s got splayed legs. Is he in pain? Will he be in pain in the future? Is it worthwhile to brace him despite the risks? Is there anything else that can be done to treat/improve his condition? Is there anything else I should do/avoid? Is there a better surface for him than carpet? I’m willing to try anything.

I’m at a loss here and any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

[Deleted User]

Poor Blue! I don’t know anything about splayed legs, but I’ve seen videos on Facebook about buns going thru a “physical therapy” for it. I would get a second opinion from another rabbit vet; not that ur vet isn’t right, but just to see other doctors’ opinions (kinda how we humans get second opinions on surgeries). Good luck to the baby!

[Aeyja]

Sorry, what do you mean by telescope? I’ve never come across that term before Also by splayed, do you mean that the legs themselves are bent?

[LongEaredLions]

Telescope/periscope is when bunnies stand on their hind legs.
Most bunnies with splayed legs get on fine and don’t experience much pain. My guess would be the inactivity is partly caused by the splaying, but likely it is also just his personality. The good thing is, he really doesn’t know he’s disabled, so I am sure he’s very happy.
You might get a second opinion. I have never seen a rabbit with splay legs be braced, I don’t think it’s necessary. All these special bunnies need is a soft floor and a lower litter box, and of course lots of love!
Sounds like you are doing a great job taking care of him!

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