1 year old NZ male, runs, and not moving back legs much

[gash]

I have a one year old male NZ bunny who as of today is not moving his back legs much, has the runs, but is eating and drinking water. He moves his back legs a little bit but he doesn't support his weight on them, he has the runs...it was all over his rear/feet/underside so I cleaned him. I'm not sure what happened as nothing has changed in his eating habits...all rabbits are given veggie treats, some sunflower seeds and unlimited hay/water. The hay we have is a 2nd cutting of a mix of alfalfa and grass....probably 90% grass, 10% alfalfa. We have good quality grass here. His water is clean and changed out daily. All veggies are listed to be safe so are the fruits we give them from time to time. I read to give him lots of fresh hay, fresh water and see how he does. Is this correct?

 

[Marinea]

I wonder if he hasn't somehow injured his spine. Maybe a scare.

Because of the diahrrea, I would cut back on the fruits/veggies, and add some oats.

*fingers crossed for him*

 

[LittleFluffyBunnies]

Hi, I have a rabbit who at 5 weeks was grabbed my a dog and his spine was bruised. He had similar, he didn't have the runs but he couldn't move his back legs properly, and couldn't support his weight on them. I penned him in just the corner of his cage, so he couldn't move much, and he basically just rested, ate and drank. I cleaned it daily. After a week or so, he was fine.
Pinch in between his toes. if he jerks the foot back, he has a good chance of recovery. If he doesn't respond, his chances are poor.
I am not super experienced with rabbits, but I thought my experience with my rabbit might help.
I hope your rabbit gets better!


And yes lots of hay and water is good.

 

[gash]

Thanks for the info he does pull back when touching between the toes and he's trying to move his legs. I basically have him in the corner with lots of hay and water all within reach so he doesn't have to move. . I gave him oats last night and the runs were gone within an hour.

I sure hope he pulls through, he's a sweetie. I'd hate to have him paralyzed and have to cull him :/

 

[LittleFluffyBunnies]

great! I am glad his runs are better, and pulling back is good! I would give him at least a few weeks and hopefully he should heal.

 

[gash]

He's trying really hard to get up and put weight on his rear legs. I ended up putting a board in the middle of his cage to confine him to one area and I put his "mat" over there too (those plastic mats folks put in wire cages for their bunnies to rest on). His poop is solid and he cleaned himself up, so he must be doing better. He wants lots of love when I pop in there to check on him. *fingers crossed*

Again, thank you so much for the help!

 

[MaggieJ]

LittleFluffyBunnies has given you excellent advice, Gash.

Sure hope he makes it. It sounds as though there is at least a fair chance. He wouldn't be doing the things you describe if his spine was broken.

 

[gash]

2 weeks in and he's finally getting back up on his hind legs. He's weak still but getting stronger each day

This injury was kind of a blessing in disguise too, as he was very shy and jumpy around us. Now he comes straight to the door looking for some love.


Thank you so very much for your help!

 

[Marinea]

Great update!