Fiona my 8 month old rabbit has a knee problem please help.

[PrisciClavel]

Hi my name is Priscilla and I have a mini lop bunny who has a fluxuating patella or something like that which means it moved out of place which usually happens in small dogs but the vet put it back into place and shes been on pain meds but she still favors her left back leg, while her right (the injured one) is still oddly sticking out to the side. I have looked everywhere and have not found anything about this problem, so if anyone has advice please help me out. Thanks, much love Priscilla. :bunnyhop:

 

[ladysown]

I can't see what the problem is in the picture, she does look like a cute girl.

Sorry... beyond that I have no words of help...

 

[dangerbunny]

I've never heard of that in rabbits, hope your vet can help.

 

[arachyd]

I'm not sure why a luxating patella would have the rabbit's leg out to the side - it's a knee cap. This is not a common rabbit problem so you should ask your vet about it. Can you post a pic so we can see what you mean about the leg?

 

[Dood]

I'm not sure what information your looking for?

It can be caused by trauma or genetic defects in their bone and ligament or tendon structures.

If its from trauma then prognosis is better but in dogs and cats with a genetic luxating patella, or two, often need surgery to tighten the ligaments that hold it in place, or removal of the bone to prevent arthritic damage and chronic pain.

 

[Mele]

I'm not really familiar with luxating patella in rabbits but I did assist in a few treatments with dogs. Do not take what I am to say as treatment or diagnosis of your rabbit. You should call your vet with any questions about the rabbit. Since he's already treated it, he may provide insight over the phone. Don't stop asking questions until you fully understand what is going on with your rabbit. If you don't understand what the vet is saying, ask another way or ask to come in to see him. Don't be afraid to say "I don't understand what you're saying, can you please explain it a different way?" It is vital that tell your vet what you do and don't understand, and don't be embarrassed about it. You would be surprised at how many people nod their heads at whatever the vet says then come back a day or two later because they didn't understand a word that was said to them.

Basically, luxating means it's dislocated and patella means the kneecap. The kneecap is kept in place by cartilage and ligaments. Like Dood says, it can be trauma or genetic. The leg can look crooked because the kneecap is causing the limb to stay extended. This injury could have happened from the rabbit jumping down from something high, or it could be that it inherited weak ligaments and such from its parents. Often, owners don't know how it happens, they simply notice their animal limping one day.

Surgery can be required to fix severe luxating patella but that is not always the case. Many times, with dogs, joint supplement pills or shots are given to help boost the health of the cartilage surrounding the kneecap. Keeping the animal at an appropriate weight, and providing adequate exercise is also very important. We also did hydrotherapy with the dogs (making the dog walk on a treadmill while it is in water up to its neck) but all of these things require strict veterinarian supervision.

Incidentally, I did do a quick google search for "Luxating Patella in Rabbits" and got back a fair amount of results. I'm sure you can find plenty of relevant literature if you make sure you spell it right. However, google is not a replacement for talking with your vet.

Best wishes, hope your bunny makes a swift recovery!