Rabbits are lagomorphic mammals, not rodents, which are increasingly found in homes as pets. The problem is that there is not always enough information about the care they need, which can result in the appearance of some disorders.
In this article on our specific site we will explain why a rabbit's back legs fail. Rabbits have powerful muscles, but a fragile skeleton, hence the importance of controlling their hind legs.
Why is it important to take care of rabbits' hind legs?
Rabbits' hind limbs can be broken relatively easily For example, if they are trying to escape. Falls from the arms when we support them or from high surfaces such as tables or chairs can cause a fracture in these extremities. The area of the tarsi, which would be equivalent to our ankles, is especially delicate, since it is an area on which much of the weight of the rabbit is carried, it has a smaller amount of soft tissues, as well as hair covering. For this reason, it is not strange that inflammation, redness or wounds appear on it.
For the general care of the hind legs it is recommended not to use cat litter as a substrate, as it is abrasive, and look for one soft and smooth, maintain hygiene and encourage the rabbit to perform the necessary exercise to avoid overweight and obesity. See all the rabbit care in this other article.
Why isn't my rabbit moving or dragging its back legs?
As we have seen, the rear legs of rabbits are extremely delicate, for this reason there are several reasons that can explain why they do not move. Next, we will review different pathologies that can explain why our rabbit's back legs fail, some of them present among the most common diseases in rabbits.
Tarsal ulcers and pododermatitis
These are lesions on the tarsus that can be mild, appreciable as lack of hair, or serious, to the point that at rabbit's back legs fail, losing functionality. It is convenient that we regularly check this area to be able to intervene as soon as we detect the first symptom. In that case, starting the general care that we have listed may be enough to solve the problem.
However, when there are already mobility difficulties, we are facing a serious pododermatitis that needs veterinary treatment, in addition to the care mentioned, and, even so, healing can be difficult. In these cases, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories will have to be administered locally or systemically. Sometimes, the infection reaches the bone, which can lead to amputation of the affected limb, to which rabbits usually adapt very well, and even to euthanasia when infection becomes generalized.
Encephalitozoonosis
It is a disease caused by a parasite called Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which has a predilection for brain and kidney tissue. It is a very common intracellular parasite in this species. Rabbits can contract it at any time in their lives, including the fetal stage, since it is also transmitted through the mother. Your most typical symptoms include:
- Incoordination and imbalance.
- Circular movements.
- Paresis or paralysis.
- Tremors.
- Seizures.
- Stiff neck.
- Nystagmus or involuntary eye movements.
- Deafness.
- Incontinence.
- Sudden death.
Other times there are eye and kidney symptoms, such as increased water intake and increased urine output. Diagnosis is not always easy because the parasite can hide in tissues that are difficult to access. It is sometimes found in a blood test.
The treatment administered is supportive and includes an antiparasitic that must be given for several weeks. Kidney function is also checked regularly. The rabbit can be cured, although it is common for it to have some sequel.
Spinal cord injury
Injuries at the level of the spinal cord are another cause that can explain why a rabbit's hind legs fail, since they will affect mobility. We can notice that there is a weakness in these extremities, the rabbit drags one or both hind legs because it cannot move them or there is total paralysis. Unfortunately, it is relatively easy to cause this type of damage to rabbits. A struggle may be enough.
To check the state of the marrow, it is necessary to do imaging tests, such as an X-ray or a CT scan. Therefore, it is essential to go to the veterinarian. It can be treated with medication and complete rest, but the prognosis will depend on the existing damage. This will be better if the rabbit retains sensation in the affected limbs and sphincter control.
Fractures
Powerful muscles and light bones, plus the skittish character that characterizes rabbits, result in a combination that favors fractures. Jumps from heights or even incorrect handling in the veterinary examination can end up breaking limbs, hips and even the spine. When startled, rabbits propel themselves so powerfully with their hind legs that, without a good grip or non-slip surface, it is relatively easy for them to break.
The resolution will depend on the type of fracture. Sometimes it is enough to rest, on other occasions it is necessary to immobilize and in the most serious cases it will be necessary to operate. It is worth noting the importance of looking for a good veterinarian, an expert in exotic animals, both to prevent mishandling and to solve pathologies of this magnitude with guarantees.
What to do if my rabbit's back legs fail?
As we have seen, it is essential to go to the vet to detect the cause of your rabbit not moving its back legs, drag them or fail you. Imaging tests are necessary in many cases, as well as blood tests and other tests. Without a good diagnosis, it is not possible to start treatment. Likewise, precisely due to the fragility of these animals, it is essential not to self-medicate them or practice treatments on our own, since we could worsen the clinical picture.
Once the diagnosis is obtained, we will have to follow the veterinarian's guidelines and provide our rabbit with a comfortable place to rest, a calm and totally stress-free environmentIt is also important to control the feeding and ensure that you always have cold water.
In this video we talk about the best diet for adult rabbits.
