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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Why won’t my bunny lay down?

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    • Puddles
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        My bunny was in and out of the vet a month back for bladder crystals. The vet said he needs to be on an all hay/low-calcium diet. No kale, pellets, or anything like that. I’ve been doing this for about a month. I’ve been noticing lately that he won’t completely lay down. Like, he sits halfway down but without tucking his front feet under like he usually does. The vet didn’t feel any stones. Plus, he has no symptoms of a stone. He still eats normally. He obviously drinks more because of the hay, therefore he pees more. His poops are normal. He shows no signs of pain when he’s out of the cage. He will run for a tiny bit, but when he sees food coming he gets really excited and eats rather than exercises. It just concerns me that he hasn’t been laying in either of his relaxed positions: the ball or flopping on his side. 

        The only thing I can think of is that he has sore hocks. He’s had them for a few months now and they won’t go away!! :'( I had to take out the litter box and replace it with towels. (He doesn’t eat the towels) I’ve bandaged them, but the bandages get wet because of his pee. I took  the bandages off for a bit because they aren’t working, they irritate him, and they get wet anyway. I replace the towels every morning and every night. When he’s out running, his feet don’t seem to bother him. His hocks are a dark pink, but no ulcers or bleeding. 

        Any suggestions as to why he is sitting the way he is and if it’s caused by his hocks? Also, what can I do about his hocks?


      • LongEaredLions
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          He could be hunching up if he has stones. You cannot often feel bladder stones by palpating, you need an X-ray or ultrasound. I would get that checked out as he has calcium issues.
          You do not have to cut out all veggies from the diet. Lettuces like green and red leaf are very low in calcium and I know many people have used them successfully.
          As for his sore hocks, you can use Epsom salts to help heal them up a bit. Combine them with warm water, and soak a towel in it. Wring out the towel and place it in a carrier. Put your bunny in the carrier for 10-15 minutes. You could also use memory foam mats for his bedding.


        • Puddles
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            The only thing about stones is that he has no symptoms of it. He’s not straining to urinate, there’s no wetness around his bottom, no urine scalding, no toothpaste-like urine, no lethargy, and no blood in the urine. He has a great appetite. And like I said above, he’s on a hay/low-calcium diet, so I do give his greens. Mostly romaine lettuce in the morning and at night. I’ll call my vet tomorrow.
            I’ll try the memory foam.
            Do you think he’s depressed? I read that depressed rabbits sit still for long periods of time.


          • LongEaredLions
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              They can have no symptoms, but have stones anyway. Not to say that is definitely what it is, but I would rather be safe than sorry.
              Romaine lettuce is not high in calcium but some owners have noted increase in calcium deposits while using it compared to leaf lettuces.
              I guess he could be depressed, but it’s not likely if he gets aquatate attention and stimulation.

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          Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Why won’t my bunny lay down?