splayed legs?

[ohiogoatgirl]

i have a kit with splayed legs. what are the long term effects of this? i had planned on trying to sell all of this litter. she is the smallest of the litter of 4. there was a 5th but it died at 2wks old. they are now 7wks old. could i still sell her as a pet or would it be better to send her to freezer camp? thanks!

 

[Miss M]

I found a site that hinted at health problems down the road, but offered homemade braces as a solution:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/splayleg.html

I have no idea what health problems splay-legged rabbits tend to develop, or whether braces prevent them (though the site seems to say that).

Unless I was really attached, I'd probably send her to freezer camp, since I can only imagine the maintenance required for the braces.

 

[SterlingSatin]

i'd say freezer camp. i couldn't feel good about trying to sell her, because splayed legs are caused by a genetic abnormality and her kits would likely have it too. i've heard that rabbits with splayed legs can often develop spine issues and that would be hard to deal with.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Depending on the severity of it, she could develop sores where the legs contact the ground too. It would be kinder to send her to FC.