Injured Baby Bunny

[Crys]

I just recently got a Polish Bunny at 9 weeks old from a nearby pet store. He’s been doing great, however he is full of plenty of energy. I let him out after work like I usually do, and for about 5 minutes I left him unsupervised to do a quick load of laundry. When I came back from the laundry room I could hear him running around from the hallway to the living room. We have a small desk in our hallway and as I was walking back into the living room, I herd a huge thud and saw my bunny Nesquik running out from underneath the desk. He ran and hid behind my couch right away and once he finally felt comfortable to come out, I noticed he was limping because his front left foot was injured. This happened yesterday and I took him to the Animal Emergency close by right away. I just paid off all the bills I needed to before their due dates on Friday, however the vet told me he still has some feeling in that foot but not very much and gave me medication for him to give once a day. The problem is she recommended a follow up this Tuesday for x-rays however I don’t get paid until Friday. He’s been put on bedrest. I already took out his platforms, his little hammock and everything to make sure it’ll help his foot heal before I can get him x-rays by Friday. I am currently looking for suggestions on how I can help him heal his foot or preventing it from getting more damaged in the meantime. When he’s under his medication, because he can’t feel his leg, he still tried jumping around when I was cleaning his cage for him before putting him back in and trying to jump on a hideout I have for him and it stressed me out because the poor thing is only a baby, and I don’t want him getting injured any more than he already is. He’s eating perfectly fine and drinking water, but I can tell he’s stressed/bored/frustrated in his cage. It’s a pretty large cage and he has a variety of toys but I know he’s not very happy with the whole bed rest situation, and I’m not sure if I should be wrapping his leg like a mini cast, or if I really should just give it time until I get him in for his x-rays… I’m open to suggestions, and am not sure if I should just leave his leg alone and let him do his thing, or if I should be icing it or anything. My vet didn’t really specify when I asked her, she just told me to keep him on bed rest and to take him for x-rays but I’m still worried about him.

[Wick & Fable]

No experience but generally speaking, preventing your rabbit from aggravating the injury is best. Following Wick’s neutering, he really wanted to hop and climb as usual because he felt fine and didn’t know the ramifications such actions would have on his sutures. I had to make sure he stayed calm and on the ground until it was clear he was fully recovered. Until your vet clears it, I would try and keep your rabbits activity to a minimum, even if he is trying on his own. He doesn’t understand how healing works!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Crys]

Thank you! Yeah he definitely doesn’t seem to understand the healing process. It’s upsetting for me though because I can tell he’s upset with me from taking out his hammock, and platforms with his slides but I can’t even have one of his little hideouts in there either because he climbs on top of it and falls off. The poor thing is depressed, he’s been eating and drinking water but besides that he just lays on his side the whole time looking completely depressed. Do you have any suggestions on how to help his depression until I go in for his follow up to get him his x-rays?

[Wick & Fable]

Is he getting pain medication every day? It makes rabbits sleepy, so could it be a result from this?

In terms of helping, maybe interacting with him gently may be helpful. Be with him during feeding time and such. Talk to him!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Bam]

I agree pain meds can make a bun sleepy/low even if it’s an anti-inflammatory like Metacam.

How is he carrying his foot? Is it hanging loose and dangling you should try to make a supporting bandage to stabilize it. Buns are often eager to remove bandages, so keep an eye out.

How does the foot look (swolleness, color of skin), does it feel very cold to the touch?

If the vet thought it was broken I think she would’ve made a cast or a splint for him.

You must restrict his movements as the others have said.

[Author]

Messages