Symptoms of Back and Neck Pain in Rabbits Back and neck pain can often be difficult to recognise, however often owners notice that their rabbit's gait changes from hopping to stepping due to reluctance to place even pressure on their hind limbs, reduced range of motion of their neck and back and reluctance to be held.
Rabbits have powerful hindlegs and can damage their backs if they resist restraint. A stressed rabbit may kick and twist to escape and fracture their spine. Rabbits can also fall when being picked up or fight with other animals and injure themselves.
Is my rabbit likely to recover? Generally, injuries lower down on the spinal column hold the best changes for survival but if paralysis is present, ongoing medical issues will persist and could decrease the chances of the rabbit having a good quality of life. In these cases, euthanasia may be the only option.
signs of pain, such as not wanting to be touched on parts of its body. teeth grinding. flinching. difficulty with breathing, especially if your rabbit is breathing through its mouth rather than its nose.
Rabbits that are floppy, weak, sitting or lying in an odd position might be injured or dehydrated. It is important to carefully observe rabbits and get to know their natural behaviors and positions so you can notice when something is abnormal.
A fracture or dislocation in your rabbit's back will cause compression on or severing of the spinal cord. Symptoms include: Paralysis (inability to move) of the hind quarters. Loss of bladder and bowel control.
Sick or injured rabbits may be identified by abnormal behaviors such as lying on their sides for extended periods of time, head tilting, falling over, or inability to run in a straight line.
We know that rabbits have the same neurophysiological mechanisms as humans to produce pain and therefore have the capacity to feel pain in the same manner as ourselves. Often, rabbits do not cry out or make sudden movements like humans, dogs or cats when painful areas are palpated.
Meloxicam. The most important arthritis drug for rabbits is meloxicam. It is a very effective anti-inflammatory and should make an obvious difference for rabbits in pain. It's also very easy to give as it comes as a palatable liquid.
My rabbits like being stroked on their forehead and cheeks. They put their head on the ground and close their eyes in contentment. They also love getting a good back scratch around the shoulders. That said, they tend not to like being touched on the ears, neck, feet, stomach or tail.
Rabbits have very fragile spines. The force of their legs moving has been known to cause back fractures. To pick up and carry a rabbit safely and securely, place one hand behind the forelegs, and the other under the rump. Holding a rabbit close to your body will make him feel more comfortable and secure.
Leg and Foot Injuries
These are relatively common injuries in rabbits. They have small delicate bones which can easily break. Leg fractures, broken toes and torn toenails are all injuries that could affect your bunny. Trauma, inappropriate handling and dropping are the most common causes of leg fractures.
Spondylosis, osteoarthritis, vertebral disc deterioration, and other degenerative processes can cause hind limb weakness and paralysis in rabbits. If these are suspected, your vet may wish to get a positive diagnosis via radiography. The exact treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.
Flopping is when a bunny flops onto their side to rest or sleep, sometimes even rolling onto their back. This can be frightening for a rabbit owner because it can look like a medical emergency. But really, it is just a rabbit's (somewhat dramatic!) way of saying that they feel completely safe.
Thumping. Rabbits will arch their backs and use their feet to hit the ground, and this is known as thumping. It is a form of communication that signals fear, displeasure or annoyance.
If your rabbit does not settle down over time, you may wish to bring a blanket or towel. If your rabbit remains steady and crouches in the same spot, throw a towel around them to keep them warm and provide a safe haven. Petting a rabbit may be a great method to soothe them and help them relax.
The most common drugs we see being given incorrectly to our pets are over the counter pain relief, like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Both of these medications can be exceptionally toxic to our pets, causing liver and kidney failure, and potentially even leading to death.
Pain. A rabbit may bite if it's in pain. If you suspect your rabbit is in pain, take it to the vet immediately, but be sure to protect yourself.
Rabbits love nothing more than having the space to run around, play, dig and explore while enjoying a bit of 'me' time. Show your bunnies you love them by offering a secure environment where they can display these natural behaviours safely away from predators. A happy rabbit is a loved rabbit!
Rabbits generally have a few sensitive spots where they dislike being touched - their dewlap (under the chin), whiskers and feet. Some rabbits are also extremely sensitive about their ears or tail.
Probably the most common sports injury you may notice is limping. This could be caused by a muscle bruise, tear or cramp, a bone fracture, or perhaps a torn nail. Limping is likely not a life-threatening injury and you have time to perform a physical exam yourself before taking him to your veterinarian.
Because rabbits are fast healers, skin sutures can often be removed in as little as seven days. After ten days they can become imbedded in the newly healed tissue. When the non-dissolvable type of suture material is used, many rabbits are inclined to excessively lick or chew at their skin sutures.
Full recovery, including skin healing, is generally under ten days. Keeping the area clean will allow that natural healing process to take place as quickly as possible. Rabbits should be kept inside during recovery on clean, dry bedding that won't stick to or irritate the surgical area – towels are a good option.