Vet Grabbed Rabbit by the Skin

[Roxie]

I took my rabbit to the vet for a regular check up. The vet grabbed my mini rex by the skin on his side. She got a hold of a chunk of his fur/skin and restrained him this way until she was able to wrap him in a towel. I need to know if this would have done any muscle or tissue damage? He was on the counter while she held him this way, she wasn’t holding him in the air (thank goodness).

She did not grab him by the scruff. It was specifically his left side. I can’t find any information online if this would have done any damage. Most of what I’m finding is that rabbits shouldn’t be held by the scruff, limbs, ears, etc. which is evident.

Would anyone know the symptoms to look out for if he has muscle or tissue tearing? Has this happened to anyone? Should I report the vet?

I should have said something and I’m ashamed that I didn’t.

[Bam]

It’s not very likely that your bun suffered any injury from being grabbed. A rabbit’s skin is loose over the muscles, which is why it’s so easy to give rabbits sub q fluids. He didn’t hang in the air. That the vet got her  hand full of fur could be due to stress shedding – animals often shed hair during vet visits, from the stress of being in a new and somewhat scary place.

I think your bun will be fine. Obviously keep an eye, see so he eats and behave like normal and all that.

[Wick & Fable]

It’s hard to make any judgments based on a description, but objectively no, there shouldn’t be a need to grab “the skin” of a rabbit to restrain them — you do a proper hold. If the area appears to be swelling, flinches in pain, etc., those would be concerning signs I’d think of. Skin has a decent amount of give (e.g., you can probably grab some skin on your arm), so that is promising that likely there isn’t damage.

Is this vet rabbit-experienced? I would search for a different vet, if possible: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Choosing_a_rabbit_veterinarian#Rabbit_veterinarian_listings

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.

[LBJ10]

Not the best way to grab/restrain a rabbit, but I doubt any damage was done. Their skin is pretty loose and it doesn’t sound like his full weight was being held by his skin.

[Roxie]

Thank you for everyone’s reply. There’s so much about rabbit anatomy that I still need to learn. All responses were logical and informative and gave me peace of mind. The vet is allegedly rabbit-savvy but I may look for a different one.

He’s doing just fine so no damage done! 🙂

[Author]

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