Caring for a newly disabled bun?

[cin]

Hi All,

Long time lurker, I’ve created an account as I’m desperate to find answers for my poor Ben. 

My beloved 8 year old mini lop recently developed a spinal disorder. We had x-rays done after I noticed him favoring walking around instead of hopping and eventually developed a splay leg about a week later. The vet gave me some anti inflammatory medicine which seemed to do nothing and his conditioned worsened, now he is unable to move both legs. 

After his followup Veterinary visit, they suggested that we put him to sleep. 

I’m not quite sure if its time. 

He shows interest in eating, is still curious of his surroundings, and shows affection toward me and his 8 year old bonded paired english spot. Actually, he just seems to be his regular old self, except he simply cannot walk. 

I have no idea how to take care of a disabled rabbit, but I would like to try if he is not ready to give up. 

My biggest concern right now is that he has terrible urine scald, and its hard to get underneath of him to clean as his one leg is a bit shriveled underneath of him. He’s starting to develop sores on it. I think he needs to be shaved so I can wrap his leg and bandage it up. I was really hoping that the Vet would offer this option   

Or is her assessment correct and I’m just not letting him go? I really don’t feel like its time, but I guess we never do. 

Where to start…can anyone offer any advice? 

I am just heartbroken, I feel so helpless. 

[Azerane]

I’m sorry to hear that this has happened to your bun. I have no experience with disabled buns, but I do know that there is a good group on Facebook (if you’re on there) for disabled buns, called Disabled Rabbits. It has thousands of members and posting there will likely give you some good information on care and daily requirements and how to handle things etc. They also have a web page http://www.disabledrabbits.com/

[tobyluv]

I’m sorry that Ben has developed these problems. Here is a website that might be helpful to you: http://www.disabledrabbits.com/.
I hope that you will get some more answers and help here on Binky Bunny too.

[Mikey]

I have a bun with splay leg (genetic) and some back problems too. As he gets older, there is no doubt it will start to cause more and more of a problem for him. In the future, when his walking starts to get worse, Badger (my disabled bun) is going to get a wheel chair. Is it possible to get one for your bunny/do you think getting one would benefit your bun? You can find some great resources http://www.disabledrabbits.com/wheelchairs.html <there

[cin]

Thank you all, I will try posting in the Disabled Rabbits facebook group too to see if they can offer any ideas. 

I’m considering the wheelchair or cart, I think he might do well in it. He really is his same old self, he just seems annoyed that he can’t get around like he used to  

I’m wondering how they sleep in them though? Or do they need to be taken out to go to sleep? 

[Deleted User]

I don’t know if this is possible. But Ive done it with geriatric dogs before. A diaper? If it is possible it should help the urine scalding. Also there is a triple antibiotic cream with pain reliever in it that works good for urine scald. (its over the counter, made for humans) Also after the scalding clears up then you can apply diaper rash cream. Butt paste works well there is also some generic brands available too.
I know it hard to have to put an animal down. I wish you much luck and many blessings with your bun. Do let us know if you do get the cart and how it works out for you. {Hugs}

[Author]

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