My rabbit won't move!

My rabbit won't move and will just stay in the same place for hours!! he won't eat on his own, only when I hand feed him. When I put him down he just flops over and will just lay there and not move. He's not using his back feet either. Just won't walk. Usually when I let him out of his cage he is running around chasing things but all he does is lie there looking dead :/ , I don't think he has diarrhea or anything. WHATS WRONG WITH HIM? PLEASE HELP!

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Sep 16, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbits won't move and they are dying
by: Tonka

Guys I need help 😭 My babies are dropping, I don't know why.

I went out this morning and I found one of my Lop-Flemish mix was upside down and I picked her up and she had no control over her body she had some control over her head and she could blink but my pure New Zealand was the same way this morning but she was not upside down and I had a mix baby who would not move out of her corner and she had no control over her body but head and eyes.

I know they don't have mites because I treat them every month and I also treat them for worms. I don't let them run around and I give them a healthy diet.

I'm getting a vet appointment set up but they can't get me in till next month. I don't think they will make it that long 😭

I don't want to lose my babies, please help I need advice on what it could be please I'm still new and I don't know much about them.

***** Karen Sez *****

I'm not a vet, Tonka, but it looks to me like you may be overmedicating (poisoning) your rabbits accidentally, since you're medicating for both mites and for worms.

Your rabbits are showing what could likely be neurological poisoning symptoms. Perhaps the dosages are not correct? So quick: STOP all the medications immediately, and see if the symptoms get better.

And yes, do keep that vet appointment.

Even if your rabbits get entirely better, you can at least ask the vet how to manage worms and flies in your rabbits. (Perhaps the same anti-parasitic will work for both, and you can cut way back on dose and frequency? The vet will know for sure.)
Mar 16, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbit does not move - I need to syringe feed him
by: Sarah

Hi! My bunny is a mixed race of a dwarf and some other breed. He’s over 3 years old and for the past year he had few episodes when he was fine one day and the other he was just not moving. I would pick him up and he would have no control over his body and could barely move his tongue to lick me (because this is what he always do when I pick him up).

I went with him to the vet every time and they took care of him by giving him the medicine, but no one found the reason. I don’t know if it will be of any guidance, but when the first time it happened, just few days before his eye started discharging a white and thick tear-like substance. He didn’t have that in the previous 2 years of me having him. Do you think it is related?

Because no vet paid any attention to that and although they gave me some eye drops for him - after a year the discharge is still there and I have a feeling it has got something to do with the sudden disease. While he stops moving, I need to syringe feed him, give anti nausea and anti bacterial medicine, but this case keep happening.

My question is: how to treat him so not to expect the same issue again?

***** Karen Sez *****

Hi Sarah,
I am not a vet, and certainly cannot make a diagnosis from way over here. But, you've given me enough clues for me to take a guess or two at what is happening.

The thick white tear substance is a giant clue. This is typically caused by a germ called Pasteurella multocida, which usually lives in the respiratory tract and sinuses, but can also make its way into the brain. My suspicion is that your bunny is sick with this germ affecting the brain. The problem is that the prognosis for recovery from this infection is very poor. I'm very sorry to have to say that. (Check with a vet for confirmation...)

There is a vaccine for this infection, which can be used off-label in order to "treat" an existing infection. It is certainly worth a try, in the case of your bunny. Check Out Bunny Vac Info

(I don't recommend using the Bunny Vac in show herds.)
Oct 23, 2020
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starstarstarstar 		My baby rabbit sleeps all the time
by: Ananya Rout

My baby rabbit is only 3 weeks old. I bought him 4 days ago. He was very playful and happy at first. But since 2 days he's has became very calm. He only moves when it's time to eat. Except that he's sleepy all the day, doesn't move at all. I am afraid if he's I'll or something. Please suggest me what to do!

***** Karen Sez *****
The absolutely youngest age a bunny should be parted from its mom is 4 weeks of age. (People will scream at me for saying 4 weeks, and swear they need to be 8 weeks. What is true is that bunnies can survive and thrive on their own at 4 weeks of age, though we don't recommend it.)

But, do I understand you to say you acquired this bunny at 2.5 weeks of age???? I fear for its survival. It needs milk replacement feedings stat.

Supplemental Feeding for Baby Rabbits

For the record and for next time, the ideal age for acquiring a bunny is 5+ weeks of age or older. I hope this helps.
Jul 12, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two babies died in pen in two days.
by: Anonymous

We've had three babies (3.5 weeks old) die in three days in our pen with our dam, she had nine babies total and the first to die was very malnourished so we assumed this was due to more babies than nipples.

Two days later the second and third both died in apparently the same way, I found them laying on their side twitching, breathing, but limp and generally unresponsive and unblinking. The second one I found in the morning and assumed its back had been broken by its mother, it died about an hour after I found it, its various legs would occasionally twitch but none of them ever in a coordinated fashion.

The third one I found this evening, about 12 hours after the second one, same symptoms, and after about an hour it too expired. Both of the ones that died today were very light compared to their siblings, I would guess less than half the weight of the others so these two had not been eating/feeding properly for some time apparently.
Jan 08, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbit was just laying on his back upside down not moving blinking nothing he looked dead what's happening to my rabbit is he OK?
by: Anonymous

I just walked out to check on my rabbit and he wasn't moving. He was laying on the ground, his back legs in the air, eyes open but not moving them, not even blinking. I can't say if he was breathing normally because I freaked out a little and yelled out to my partner to come look.

I thought he had died somehow but to my surprise and only after I got very very close to his enclosure he bounced up looked at me and hurried to the corner!

Is this something a rabbit does from time to time or should I be concerned for my rabbit? This is the first rabbit I've ever owned so my knowledge of them is practically none. Any advice would be great, thank you.

***** Karen Sez *****
Heheh, I apologize for chuckling, but that is a pretty funny story, especially if you realize in advance that rabbits can sleep with their eyes open, and in the most relaxed of poses!

It is kudos to you that your rabbit is comfortable enough to be able to sleep so soundly outside of a hiding burrow or spot. There is no concern whatsoever if you just startled a sleepy rabbit.

You could simply keep an extra eye on him for a few days to ensure that there is no underlying health issue. You've said nothing in your story that rings any alarm bells, so I hope all is well, and that your own blood pressure has dropped into the normal range. :-)
Dec 04, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		6 days
by: Anonymous

My bunny is quite old (purebred Champagne and 9 years old now) and last week started to lose function of her legs. By Thursday she fell into her litter box and didn’t get up again. It’s been 6 days and she hasn’t ate or drank anything but she is still breathing. I feel awful. How much longer will this take before she’s out of her misery? She hates cars and the vet so I wanted her to be able to peacefully die at home.
Nov 03, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Rabbit won’t move
by: Anonymous

I have a 5 year old Rex, he is not eating unless hand fed and will not drink unless bottle is held to his mouth and his head is supported. He has become extremely skinny and will not move his back legs and is not mobile hardly at all, tends to flop over it just lay to one side. Only vet for rabbits didn’t have an appointment until later this week as most around here are large animal vets and very expensive. Also he is an inside rabbit who is allowed to roam and litter trained. His poop/pee seemed normal.. I have no idea what is wrong as this all seemed sudden last week he was fine and now this week he seems to be rapidly deteriorating! I feel horrible as I am unsure how to help. Diet consists of pellets, hay, carrots etc the usual bunny offerings.

***** Karen Sez *****
So sorry for this unfortunate turn of events, Anon!

It sure sounds like your rabbit's problems stem from a little more than just old age. It could be a parasite called EC (short for Encephalitozoon cuniculi) that has made its way to the brain. In more than a few cases, this parasite infection results in death. (I'm sorry about that!)

Many pet rabbits carry EC with no symptoms. But as they age and the immune system weakens, the rabbit may get re-exposed and then become very sick.

Sometimes there isn't much one can do, except to support the rabbit's nutritional health as much as possible. Your rabbit is wasting away, due possibly to both aging and illness. If it will tolerate it, see if you can boost its intake of both protein and fats. Cut back on carrots and hay, and give more pellets, supplementing with whole oats and/or black oil sunflower seeds.

It'd sure be great if you can obtain a vet's diagnosis, along with some sort of appropriate anti-parasitic medication. (Take great care as to the method of administration - oral antibiotics can kill rabbits outright.) I don't know if this will be the magic bullet in the case of your rabbit, but clearly your animal needs veterinary attention.

Both of the following links gives more information on infectious diseases of rabbits:

Rabbit Illnesses

Rabbit Raising Problem Solver - starting page 261.
Jul 19, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		HELP
by: Anonymous

A couple of hours ago my rabbit was fine. We bathed him and dried him and for a moment he was moving and eating. Then we started to notice he wouldn't hop, move, walk, or eat; he was just laying in his cage shallow breathing and looking dead. He would move his neck in one direction and stretch out a little but no major movement. Many times we thought he was dead but he was still breathing. What's wrong?
Oct 18, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		My bunny won't move!!!
by: Anonymous

My bunny has been laying on his side and won't move. He has poop and pee stain on him. He is really cold.we're using a hair dryer to warm him up. But he is still eating and drinking water fine. We don't know what to do.

***** Karen Sez *****
Hey Anon, This is a 'stat' question for a rabbit-savvy vet. If I were to guess at the problem, I would think possibly a parasitic infection that has managed to invade the brain.

Certain anti-parasitic medications have been known to make a big difference and restore the rabbit's health.

But, this may not be the actual problem, which is why you need a vet's opinion as soon as possible. Good luck with everything.
Sep 12, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Worried
by: Anonymous

We got a female giant flemish nearly 2 weeks ago. She's under a year. She's had a healthy appetite (mostly pellets with some Timothy hay which she doesn't really enjoy and the occasional treat of raw veg). She's had healthy poops, the occasional softer one, and is still learning to use the litter box. She gets hours of run around time. She would run up to greet us whenever we walked into the room. She was actually much more active than we thought. She's very sweet and loves getting stroked. She's also friends with my lovebird. They are never left unattended together and only sometimes actually touch (I can count 4 or 5 times). As of yesterday afternoon, she seems very lethargic... She isn't moving much (as in, just lies there, you can't even see her breathing sometimes), barely eating and drinking for hours at a time. She just lies there. She shows no struggle in hopping about though, can jump onto a bed no problem. Doesn't show pain if we pick her up or touch her. She had some dried "sleep" in her one eye. The only thing I can think of is that she ate some seed husks from my bird last Tuesday.. Any advice please???

***** Karen Sez *****
It is difficult for me to say what is wrong, me not being a vet. Always get a vet's opinion if you think your rabbit needs it. Another very good source for general health and disease answers is Rabbit Raising Problem Solver. Best of luck with everything.
Jun 19, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		How can I help my bunny?
by: Anonymous

I've had my bunny for about 3 years. He's a male dwarf, usually he's fine and fairly energetic, but recently he's been acting somewhat lifeless. He eats only tiny amounts of food at a time and doesn't drink much water. He hides in corners as much as possible and hardly moves. I've tried feeding him just about everything I can think of: Timothy hay, his normal pellets, blueberries, pineapple, grass, and oats (maybe a couple other things). He just won't eat and I don't know why. His stomach is smaller than usual and I don't want him to starve. Besides taking him to the vet, is there anything I can do?

***** Karen Sez *****
Yeah, a vet visit is in order. Ensure that the people-food you feed is 100% free of pesticides (so the rabbit's gut bacteria don't also die).
Jun 16, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Maggots
by: Anonymous

My Flemish Giant seemed perfectly healthy then 2 days later I found her lying on her side not moving under a bush in her fenced area outside. She looked like she was dying. I took her to the vet and was surprised to find out she had maggots in her vulva/vagina. Vet said maggots when they bite release a sense of toxin in the body.

Vet washed her out multiple times to remove the maggots, put her on temporary iv fluids, gave me an antibiotic and advised me to keep her indoors for at least 3 days while she healed. Vet said summer months can be bad for fly larva ("fly strike"). I thought I was doing a nice thing for the rabbit by letting her run around in the pen outside in the summer. I am glad I am aware of this now.
May 17, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ear infection per vet but...
by: Anonymous

I have a 9.5 lb, 2 yo velveteen lop, run of the kitchen with a litterbox (wire above kitty litter). Monday he was less active, I thought. Tuesday after work obvious he wasn't hopping around, stayed in his box (food and water are attached). He ate minimal. It seemed he was tilting his head to the right. I called the vet first thing Wednesday and took him in in the afternoon. I noted since 9pm Tuesday night to 2 pm Wednesday he drank 9 oz of water (usually drinks more but 9 oz is okay), eaten 1/4 cup pellets (did eat a small, fresh apple branch and leaves). Urine output okay and stool small but well formed.

Vet: temp 98.4, good bowel tones, no abscess or painful areas noted, Ear canal red (esp. on right). Cultured (+) for small, large, and rod bacteria - bilat. Baytril otic 4 gtts each ear twice daily 2 weeks (swabbed out goop this morning and tonight before gtts). Doc said ear pain can radiate to mandible so eating may be painful. Just completed 4th dose. He hasn't eaten much of anything, sleepy and quiet. Drank about 7oz today. Had a soft stool last night and this morning. Now stool has mostly stopped other than a few tiny round pellets. What soft food can I feed him?

I'm calling vet tomorrow for more guidelines on if he needs to be seen again but I hate to stress him going to the vet if this is just the normal process, and we need to be patient. Is it okay he doesn't eat for a few days as long as he drinks?

***** Karen Sez *****
Wow, good job. Anyone who gives such a glorious description of symptoms and says "gtts" for drops like they mean it, might be medically sophisticated.

So, from one to another: Whenever a rabbit is treated with antibiotics, even if otically, one risks the chance that the gut flora will take a hit. This is likely why your rabbit's stools are a bit soft, why he is not as active as you'd like, and why he seems to have no appetite. Besides still recovering from infection, his guts probably don't feel "right."

Yes, it's okay if your rabbit doesn't eat for a few days as long as it drinks. Better than feeding soft foods is feeding straw or grass hay only for a few days to a week. This is food for the healthy gut biome, and will help prevent a case of dysbiosis (which can easily devolve into frank diarrhea).

Good luck with everything.
May 12, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fox attack!!
by: Tina c

My bunny was attacked by a fox, luckily I heard him and was able to scare the fox off. Vet said he’s a very lucky bunny to come off unharmed! He has had treatment from the vets- X-ray, medicine etc but there’s nothing physically wrong with him apart from that he doesn’t want to move!? It’s like his front legs aren’t working! I’m hoping it’s just the stress from the attack and it will pass in time but any advice on how to help him in the meantime? Thanks.
Apr 06, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		Luna
by: Anonymous

My bunny was perfectly healthy and then she suddenly died. The only odd thing that happened is about 3 hours before she died I checked in on her and for the first time ever she didn't run up to me. So I went to over to her gave her a quick pet and left for the store. When I came back she was cold and stiff with food in her mouth and her body sprawled out like she was asleep...
Dec 28, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbit just lays on her side
by: Anonymous

My rabbit is 11 years old. But recently I notice she isn’t hopping and just laying on her side. She tries to move but seems to just drag her back leg. Her feet move, just can’t stand up and hop. I don’t know what can be wrong with her. She is still eating and drinking water. But just can’t seem to stay up. Please help.

***** Karen Sez *****
So sorry to hear it, Anon. I fear that old age is catching up to your sweet bunny.
Dec 04, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		My year old rabbit wasn't moving this morning
by: Anonymous

I have a rabbit who is about a year old. She is an albino dwarf and I don't know what is wrong. She was perfectly fine last night and when I went out to feed her this morning, she wasn't moving, except for her ears and her nose. I tried to feed her some lettuce leaves and some of her food and she wouldn't eat it. Should I take her to a vet? Is there anyway she could be fine without? I don't know what would have caused this other than the cold temperatures. She won't eat or drink anything and she just keeps looking at me. What should I do?

***** Karen Sez *****
We aren't vets. Whenever in doubt, always resort to a rabbit-savvy vet.
Oct 21, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		My baby rabbits won't stand up and they stagger
by: Glory J

My baby rabbits won't stand up and they stagger they eventually die no sign of termites infection nor do I think their parents jump on them. What might be the cause, I need a solution without the vet 'cause the vet is not around in my area here in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

***** Karen Sez *****
It is very difficult to know what is wrong with your bunnies, Glory. It sounds like it might be infectious. Coccidiosis is a possibility, however I cannot be sure.

You could try disinfecting their living quarters as best as you can. Implement wire floors if possible in order to lift the rabbits above their droppings. This breaks the coccidiosis life cycle. You need a vet and a diagnosis. I certainly hope you can find answers.
Oct 16, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		My Rabbit is having trouble moving
by: Anonymous

My bunny is usually very lively but I have come home from work and it is lying down on its side. When it tried to hop around its like its legs aren working. She is still eating and pays attention to everything around her.
Sep 21, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		My 5 year Old giant flemish seems to be shutting down!!!
by: BunnyB

I recently took my 5 year old giant Flemish to the vets because she seemed to have started signs of head tilt. I have had other rabbits in the past; and have gotten to know more about them each time. we got her put on some meds and urgent care diet; which at first helped her. But now; she won't eat anything; has not pooped in almost a week. hasn't eaten any hay for over 3 weeks. even weirder; starting almost 4 days ago; her left front leg seems to not be working at all. I don't know what to do. I have thought of putting her down. as much as that breaks my heart; but if there is any hope of recovery; I would like to know!!!

Please; if any of this makes any sense and can be explained as to what is happening... I love my bunny.

***** Karen Sez *****

So sorry to hear this, BunnyB. I'm afraid the news is not very good, as you may have sensed after reading this page. Complicating the not-so-good news is the fact that your bunny is a Flemish, meaning, very big, and probably not as long-lived as the dwarf bunnies.

The head tilt could be from a parasite or from Pasteurella multocida; it is hard to know from my vantage point, but I see you are obtaining professional help. This is good.

There IS a bit of hope. Animals (and humans) come with immune systems that are equipped to handle attacks from outside and inside the body. It is more than capable of successfully defending the rabbit's health, and has done so for the last 5 years with very few hiccups, I'm guessing.

Immune systems tend to flag as the animal ages, which may be why you're finally beginning to see problems. IF your bunny's immune system can overcome this latest onslaught, it may recover completely. Only time will tell.
Aug 23, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Two rabbit deaths within days
by: Anonymous

I had 2 velvet rex rabbits, male and female. First one died on Sunday; the day before he was fine. I went out on the Sunday came back to find the male just laying there spead out unable to move. When I picked him up he was all floppy. I took him to the vets; while in the car he quickly started to degrade on me and then died just before we reached the vets so we have sent him for a postmortem.

The next day in the morning the female was eating happily and hopping around. By 6 o'clock it had the same symptoms so I rushed to the vet and the vet said she has about an hour to live and it could be an intestinal virus. They had both had their injections and I had to let them put her down.

Now I have four 7 week old babies in the hutch. I'm taking them to the vets today. At the vets they said over the weekend they have had multiple rabbits come in with the exact same thing but they don't know what it is. Please get all rabbits checked as this could be a new virus killing our beloved bunnies.

***** Karen Sez *****
Sorry to hear it, Anon. I thought your concerns deserved more than a quick remark on this page, so I have made some comments over here: Raising-Rabbits.com/rvhd.html

I suspect your vet was thinking Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease may be the disease that killed your two rabbits, and I'm wondering if the postmortem necropsy bears this out? I'd be appreciative if you'd let us all know what were the conclusions of the exam, if you're willing, of course.

Best wishes for the continued health of your 4 bunnies.
Jul 08, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		my rabbit is tired? or is he sick?
by: Anonymous

My rabbit came along on a family road trip. It was a two hour ride, and we stopped once in a while to give him water and food. When we got there, he acted like himself, energetic and happy. We came back from the road trip and it has been around a week. He is not moving around as much as he used to and he seems like he doesn't trust me. It is molting season for him and it is summer, so it is a little bit warmer than usual. He eats and poops normally, but he just isn't as active and I feel like he looks very tired as well. Do you have any ideas as to why this is?

***** Karen Sez *****
Really hard to tell, Anon. Is its immune system stressed from the molt and stress of travel? Or is it just the heat? When in doubt, get a veterinary opinion. Good luck.
Jun 30, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Please help me and my baby
by: Anonymous

Please help... please. My baby bunny was fine before I left to go to the grocery store, library and hardware store. Before we left she was happily hopping around her cage and eating fresh dandelions, clover, and grass. When I returned about 30-40 minutes later, I went down to check on her and say hello. She was bundled up in her blanket, so I peeked in, and she was awake, breathing slowly, her heartbeat was also relatively slow. I removed the blanket, and I noticed that she was laying with her on hind leg out. She doesn't usually lay like that. I picked her up and she started doing a weird flopping thing, until she was on her back, and then she flopped herself again, so I gently tried to stand her up, but she flopped herself back down. Yesterday night I also noticed she has this weird black gunk on her lips. Please... Please help me, I am so sad and scared and I don't know what to do.
Jun 15, 2017
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starstarstar 		Idk what to do
by: Broken paw...

My sister's cat attacked a baby bunny its neck was bleeding but we stopped the bleeding and now the front right paw won't move. What am I supposed to do?

***** Karen Sez *****
Good job on stopping the bleeding. Sometimes a vet can fix the problems we don't know how to fix. A vet can x-ray the paw and see what kind of damage there is. Perhaps your parents can help you with deciding what do do and how best to keep the bunny comfortable in the meantime. Good luck.
May 14, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbit was bitten by a rat in the head
by: Anonymous

It's been 3 days since my rabbit got bitten by rat in the head. The wounded area was small but it's a little deeper. We treated him with antibiotics, pain reliever and we cleaned the wounded area. Now he still lying, can't move but he is always eating while lying down and we give him water. At least he is trying his best to survive and I'm glad he is eating. But I wonder is there a possibility that my rabbit could move his paws and legs? He was just paralyzed.

***** Karen Sez *****
Did you get those antibiotics from a rabbit-savvy vet? One needs to be ultra-careful how one gives antibiotics to rabbits, because it is so easy to wipe out the normal, healthy digestive gut bacteria. Improper administration of antibiotics to a rabbit can kill the rabbit. I mention this for the sake of others reading this page. More info here: Rabbit Raising Problem Solver
Mar 16, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbit wont move its back legs plz help me
by: Anonymous

My rabbit is 4 years old almost 5 and I found it a couple days ago just laying there. So I tried to get her to move and she started to play herself with her front legs. I have been keeping an eye on her and she isn't getting better.

She is barely eating only if I feed it to her and same with her drinking. She won't drink unless I give her water bottle to her and when I do she grabs it and makes like a grunting noise. I feed her regular rabbit pellets and I give other foods like carrots and other things. Her water is purified. And she is pooping and peeing on a regular bases but she just lays in it. We called the vet and they just told us to look up her symptoms.

***** Karen Sez *****
Yikes, so what did you do when the vet left you to the mercy of the internet? (Not all pet vets are trained in caring for rabbits, but some are.)

Glad you found this website. You left your comment on the "My rabbit won't move" page. If you read through the info here and in the other comments, you might realize she could have broken her back due to a fright of some sort. If this is indeed the case (I'm not a vet, but have lots of rabbit experience), then there is not much hope of further improvement in the rabbit's condition if the spinal column has been broken. If possible, you might want to find a vet that understands rabbits, and get a proper opinion. You may also find it most compassionate to put this animal down.

Best of luck with everything.
Dec 27, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbit's front left paw is not being able to move
by: Anonymous

my rabbit left front paw is really weak and when she walks she is not able to move it around so it's just being drag all over while all the rest of the 3 paws are okay. What do i do? And she doesn't eat or drink as often as it used to.

***** Karen Sez *****
Normally when a rabbit breaks its back, it is the hind legs that get paralyzed. So, not a broken back. The next logical thing to do is to inspect that paw of hers: is it hurt? Did she step on anything? Are there scabs or bleeding? If you squeeze it, does she flinch or draw her paw away? Or does the paw seem perfectly fine?

If the paw seems fine, then one can check the rest of the leg - any sore joints or signs of anything else that would possibly cause the rabbit to favor the leg and paw to the point of not using it?

If the whole leg seems to be okay, then you must consider the possibility of a problem with the control box that drives the leg muscles: the brain. Unfortunately, there is a nasty parasite that is more common in pet rabbits than people realize, and if a rabbit gets infected with it (EC), it has the potential to travel to the brain and then affect the rabbit in many ways depending on WHERE in the brain the little bugger takes up residence. Also unfortunately, if your rabbit's paw is normal, then your vet should probably test for this parasite.

The bad news is that there are no "official" treatments, though there are some anti-parasitic medications that have worked for some rabbits.

The good news is that immune systems are designed for this very purpose - to kill off the bad guys and keep the living creature healthy. IF the rabbit survives the initial problem, it may fully recover. I hope the end of this story is a good one!

A couple of additional resources might help:
Rabbit Raising Problem Solver

E-Book: Keep Your Rabbit Healthy
Dec 14, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		My bunny will not move
by: Anonymous

My bunny will not move he just sits there, and when I pick him up he just flops over.
Dec 13, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Am I doing the right thing
by: Anonymous

About last week me and my little girl walked out onto our front garden to find a bunny (presume to be a pet as she's white and brown) This bunny laid on her belly not moving and breathing fast paced. However when I scooped her up and she was skin and bone... All I had in were carrots, so I hand fed it to her and got her some fresh water.

We've bought some rabbit food from the pet store and placed that in front of her, she had 3 bowls full that night. She doesn't have diarrhea, having normal poos, she's now beginning to play and run around. She doesn't have a cage, she has a cat litter tray with sawdust in and she has our kitchen with her own bed. No holes she can get into and no wires around her, there's also a stair gate on our kitchen so my toddler doesn't pester her constantly.

The bunny (Flop) is a completely different rabbit from when we first found her. Her diet consists of fresh fruit and veg at night (as a snack), rabbit food from the pet shop (always filled breakfast, dinner and tea) I've been told she also needs hay every day is this true? She's also slowly gaining weight, but she actually has energy to hop around, and she loves her cuddles, especially from my little girl.

Do I need to get her seen by the vets, as I can't afford them as I never planned to have a rabbit, yet I couldn't leave this poor little mite outside in the state she was in. To be honest I didn't think she would last the night. Sorry for all the questions but I've never had a pet bunny. But now we've taken Flop in she's now part of the family and want her to have the proper care.

***** Karen Sez *****
You're doing great, Anon. That's one lucky bunny. No need for a vet that I can see, if the bunny isn't showing signs of illness. (Your description raises no red flags.)

When people say a rabbit needs hay, they're saying the rabbit needs enough fiber or roughage in the diet. The pellets are designed to provide that, and everything will be fine as long as the amount of fruit you give remains "snacks" only. That said, it doesn't hurt to provide a bit of hay daily. Even straw will work. A healthy rabbit will self-regulate the amount of feed and the amount of hay it consumes.
Dec 12, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Is my rabbit dead?
by: Anonymous

I've had my rabbit for about 3 weeks now, my brother yelled in the room earlier and later when I came back the rabbit wasn't moving, granted I thought it was asleep but I cannot see it breathing, let alone detect its heart rate, I turned it over and it didn't react, let alone move anything. Although earlier I tried to move her before my brother yelled inside the room, and she kicked her leg at me, any suggestions/ideas to see if the rabbit is alive? (BTW she has a diet of only timothy hay and a steady supply of water at her paws, she isn't constantly in the sunlight and is seemingly pooping regularly.)

***** Karen Sez *****

You'll know the rabbit is dead when it stiffens up in rigor mortis. Somehow I see clues that this rabbit was in trouble long before your brother yelled. When it kicked its leg at you, what else did it do? I think it might have been unconscious at that point already. Because, a diet of timothy hay and water is not enough nourishment to support life, not even for rabbits.

Where did you get the advice to feed only timothy hay? A friend? Where did the friend get that advice? Because, I know that several animal rights organizations make it a point to supply wrong information, especially about rabbit care, and this creates all kinds of havoc for both pet rabbit owners (like yourself) and rabbit breeders, who are the main target of their animosity.

For the record, the House Rabbit Society (HRS) does not provide consistently reliable information. They recommend feeding MOSTLY timothy hay, though they do also suggest minimal rabbit pellets and lots of people-food out of your kitchen. Their recommended diet does not supply enough protein through most of the year.

(Here's the full scoop on the underlying intent of the House Rabbit Society, and why it fails to provide straightforward information on rabbit care.)

As a rabbit breeder, I recommend using rabbit pellets as the backbone of the rabbit's diet, and supplementing it with timothy or other grass hay along with small amounts of raw vegetables if desired.

I'm very sorry for the loss of your rabbit, but I know you'll do much better next time.

So, go bury the rabbit, and then when you're ready, get yourself another bunny and try again, this time with better rabbit care information. (You've found the Raising-Rabbits website, so you're off to a great start already. There's lots of info here, all of it reliable.)
Nov 15, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Bunny Is Barely Moving
by: Anonymous

My young bunny got pregnant. It looks like she gave birth and the neighbor's cat ate them all. She has gotten weak and is lying on her side and cannot stand for just a second and lies down. I don't know what to do. I do not know if she is upset and weak because of the babies, or is she sick. Please help!!!

***** Karen Sez *****
Sorry to hear it, Anon. Very hard to say what the issues are here, sounds like your rabbit is very sick. High time for a vet visit, stat. Good luck.
Oct 05, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rabbits essentially are paralyzed from waist down
by: Anonymous

I had 12 rabbits and over the coarse of 2 years I'm down to just 3, and two started yesterday with symptoms. Nearly lifeless but still eating. Not drinking. No apparent trauma. I think it is E. cuniculi. Has anyone received a diagnosis for this apparent paralysis sickness that seems to be going on?? A lot of forums I'm reading have these similar symptoms.
Sep 29, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Something wrong with my bunny
by: Anonymous

We have a dwarf bunny at home he's around the age of 3 months I guess. Since a few days he's very quiet, sitting in the same corner all the time and he barely eats. Today he did something very weird, he started running like a madman and he ran against everything, Then he fell on the ground and started shaking severely, now he just lays down in his cage. Does anybody know what's the problem? Thx in advance.

***** Karen Sez *****
So sorry to hear it, Anon. This sounds very much like a case of EC (or Nosema), which is a common parasite infection especially among smaller pet rabbits. Officially, there are no treatments, but unofficially, some breeders have gotten results with certain antibiotics.

You'll find the treatments folks have tried in this book: Rabbit Raising Problem Solver, but I cannot vouch for whether or not they will work. Also, I have no experience with EC in my own rabbits, as they never were infected.

Best of luck with everything.
Aug 15, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Boy rabbits not moving
by: Anonymous

Hi, my girl bunnies are fine but I am holding the daddy and the only male baby tonight. Both are limp but breathing, they twitch sometimes. The babies were in the cage with mom, daddy bunny has his own cage area. Any idea what might have happened and how long can they live like this before I might have to put them down. I live in the middle of farm country with no easy access to a vet.

***** Karen Sez *****
Sorry to hear it. I am not able to tell if the cause is diet or disease. You really need a vet's opinion, but I am also not sure if there is time to make a difference in the longevity of your rabbits, sorry!

Try withholding pellets and feeding nothing but grass hay and water to ALL your rabbits for 48-72 hours. This would be in case they have a case of early-onset diarrhea (meaning no symptoms yet) which can be fatal. By treating all the rabbits, you may be able to avert problems in the other rabbits. (Going forward, examine your feeding practices for excessive sugars.)

If the issue is disease (the most likely culprit is EC - see the info on EC on the Rabbit Iillnesses page), there is little that can be done, except to ride the storm and hope for a good outcome. The page mentions some medicines that others have used successfully; if you have any of them on hand, you could perhaps give that route a whirl.

Good luck with everything.

Lastly, Rabbit Raising Problem Solver offers comprehensive info on rabbit health emergencies like this, which can be especially useful for folks like yourself without ready access to veterinary care.

Aug 08, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same
by: ROSE

My bunny is doing the same thing he was all happy then this morning he just wasn't. He keeps falling over and I have to give him his food. He's still alive but he only trys to move his front legs and his head goes up... it's just really scary because I love this bunny
Aug 07, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I think my daughters bunny is dying.
by: Johnny

Our bunny is around 4 months old and is always running around when we let him outta his cage. Yesterday he was fine but today he's having diarrhea and barely moving he's not wanting to eat or drink and his breathing is down to barely nothing compared to the normal. My daughter is 8 years old and is hysterical. She loves this bunny to death its a mini Rex. What could be wrong?

***** Karen Sez *****
Sorry to hear it Johnny, follow the directions on the Rabbit Diarrhea page to a "t" - the info in red letters, and the list of information directly following. Good luck with everything.
Jul 12, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bunny was still soft after passing away
by: Anonymous

When I came home one night I noticed my daughters bunny on her side. She was a month and one week old. I went to move her to see if she was just laying down - no reaction when I moved her, no breathing. She was lifeless. She was gone. Since it was late at night the next day we went to bury her. When I picked her up she was still soft and limp. She's a white bunny; you could tell she was gone because her skin looked dark and she was already starting to smell, no breathing, no moving, nothing.

Does anyone have an idea on how she could have passed away, and why was she was still soft?

***** Karen Sez *****
We're sorry the bunny died, Anon. You'll find the probable reason for death at this link:
https://www.raising-rabbits.com/weaning-worries.html

It was limp because after rigor mortis sets in, a bit of time passes, and then rigor mortis relaxes again as the rabbit begins to decay. This tells me that the rabbit had been dead for, well, I don't know, a vet would know, but for a long while at least, especially if you could already smell something decaying.
Jul 08, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Baby bunny is sick, not moving
by: Anonymous

Hi I have a litter of baby bunnies. They are 5 1/2 weeks old. I noticed yesterday one seemed to have a slight upset tummy and wasn't moving around a lot. Though sitting upright still. today her bum was plastered in her own mess.

I brought her in to bathe the bottom 1/2 of her and now she's pretty lifeless. I have her wrapped up and on a hot water bottle to get her warmed up. She is still breathing and every now and again letting out a little squeak, I've managed to syringe a little water with vitamin drops into her and also a little kitten milk to try give her some energy. Is there anything else that can be done.

I've tried pulling her front leg out slightly to see what her reflexes are like and she isn't even attempting to pull it back. Is there any hope for her.

***** Karen Sez *****
Ugh, sorry to hear it. This is not a back problem, this is gastroenteritis. Probably by the time you read this the sick little one will have passed. Its gut bacteria population is all messed up and unhealthy, hence the sticky diarrhea.

But there's hope for the others if you will follow the directions on the Rabbit Diarrhea page - remove all feed for 24-48 hours and offer only grass hay, such as timothy, and water. Get a veterinary opinion if needed.

Lots more info in our book: Rabbit Raising Problem Solver.
Jun 26, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help Me Please
by: Anonymous

My rabbit Thumper is not moving. She sleeps outside in a cage since she's still small. I woke up to check on her this morning to find out she was in the sun. I quickly went towards her and moved her. I was kinda scared cause I picked her up but she didn't react.

I gave her a shower because of the heat thinking it would get her moving. Now she only moves her head and front arms. She DOESN'T move her back legs. She doesn't eat or drink anything. Even when I hand feed her. I'm really scared because I don't want her to die. Please help me.

***** Karen Sez *****
Sorry to hear it Anon. I guess you already know the heat and direct sunlight was a problem. You've been doing the best you can to help make her better. Now, time will tell. Taking Thumper to a vet, will also be helpful, if it survives the weekend, to learn if the rabbit also injured the back, in addition to being heat-struck. Good luck with everything.
Jun 09, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Please help, hind legs not working
by: Anonymous

My bunny, he's two months old. He can't walk on his back feet. He just drags them with him. He was out in my backyard for two days and just today in the morning I noticed that. Maybe he ate something or a spider or something bit him. Please help.

***** Karen Sez *****
Sorry to hear it, Anon. Sounds very much like a broken back, but it also might be a poisoning (doubtful), or a parasite infection in the brain. Your bunny needs a vet visit right away. There may be hope for the bunny, depending on the diagnosis, but the vet might also say there's nothing that'll bring back the use of the legs, especially if the back is broken. Wishing you all the best....
Jun 08, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I think my bunny is dying
by: Anonymous

I had my bunny for less than a week and it's probably 2 weeks old. He was always pretty calm but this morning I found him lying down. Like on his side. I thought he was dead but I picked him up and he wasn't. I knew this because when he fell to his side I could see his chest grow then deflate. My sister said she felt his heartbeat. He won't eat too. He opened his mouth twice too. But closed it quickly after. And if I position him straight up on a flat surface he moved his arms a lot. I'm not sure what's up and I need help.

***** Karen Sez *****
Please tell me your bunny is older that 2 weeks old. At that age, they barely have their eyes open, and still need mom's milk for at the bare minimum 2 more weeks. You probably meant 12 weeks, right?

The bun does seem to be gravely ill. It needs a veterinary opinion stat....
May 19, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not sure what happened
by: Anonymous

My baby rabbit just died, She was roughly 3 months old. She was very still but then she didn't wake up in the morning. From what I've read it sounds like maybe she had damage to her spine, but would that be fatal in only a few hours?

***** Karen Sez *****
Hey Anon, sorry to hear it. It is much more likely that your young rabbit suffered an upset of the digestive tract. (A diet high in sweet treats can be hugely problematic, for example.) Other likely possibilities are an acute infection that traveled to the brain or that overwhelmed the animal's immune system. If the rabbit had had spinal damage, you would have seen some paralysis or difficulty moving rather than the symptoms you describe.

If you have other rabbits or plan to replace this one, you'll find a ton of answers in Rabbit Raising Problem Solver.

Apr 17, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstar 		My rabbit isn't standing.
by: Anonymous

Okay, my Rabbit is acting himself other than his back right leg isn't supporting him. Nothing feels wrong and he's not making any sound like he's in pain. He just won't stand up on his hind leg. I can set him up but he just flops over. He eats and drinks fine, he poops and all that but he just won't stand. We have a vet exam coming up this week, just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas. Thanks!

***** Karen Sez *****

Yeah, a vet exam is what is needed. The two most likely health problems given your description of the symptoms is a damaged spinal column due to a wrenched back from a fright, or possibly EC, also known as nosema. This is a parasite that can get into the brain. In this case, the symptoms depend on what area of the brain is affected.

Both rabbit sicknesses have been known to heal completely, but so much will depend on the condition of the rabbit and the extent of the injury. Your vet will be able to pin it down exactly.

On the other hand, it might be as simple as a sore on the bottom of the foot. But I'm sure you've already checked the feet?

Let us know how this works out, okay?


Apr 14, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bad news
by: Anonymous

Yesterday, I went on this site to see what was wrong with my female rabbit as she was lying down and not doing anything. We then went to the vet and she was uncomfortable during the car ride. When we got to the vet we explained what happened and she suggested a broken back. We then let them examine her and waited. They came back with bad news. Her stomach felt like it had too much liquid inside like blood. Unfortunately I had to put Clover down because even if we had her go through surgery there was a very high chance of her passing away on the table. The vet suggested that it may have been cancer in her uterus. We said our goodbye's and now she's gone.
Jan 19, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		my bunny can't hop
by: Anonymous

One of my 4 bunnies can't hop, every thing else is fine she eats, pees and poos and she crawls around but she just can't seem to hop.

The vets around my area don't know much about bunnies so I don't know what to do. It is about 4 weeks old. All the other bunnies are very well and this bunny seems healthy, it just can't hop. Pls help!

***** Karen Sez *****

Hmm, either there is possibly some sort of a birth defect, or possibly a microbial infection that is affecting the motor area of the brain. It's called EC, short for Encephalitozoon cuniculi, the causative parasite. This bug is fairly common in pet rabbits. If this is the cause, then the bunny got it from her mom, and the other kits are exposed. They may never show symptoms and live just fine if the body can control the parasite before it gets an upper hand somewhere in the body.

In the case of EC, there IS a chance your bunny could eventually get better and be none the worse for it all. Also in the case of EC, ALL your bunnies should be quarantined from any outside bunnies for, say, 4-6 months. (After this time frame they are no longer infectious).

Of course, there's no way for me to be able to make any sort of diagnosis from way over here, and besides, I am not a vet.

There's a helpful section about this infection in the book,
Rabbit Raising Problem Solver.

Also, I would think a vet should be able to help you test for EC, and also to check the bunny over for defects or to make a proper diagnosis. Good luck, and enjoy your rabbits.
Jan 17, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbit's leg
by: Anonymous

Please can somebody help me - my rabbit has done something to its leg when it walks about. It's just dragging its leg along. The leg is just out at the side it looks like dead leg. I don't think it has done anything to hurt its leg. Can somebody please help

***** Karen Sez *****

Hmm, almost sounds like the rabbit has dislocated the hip? (I can't be sure, of course, cuz I'm way over here.) Hip or back problems can happen if the rabbit startles sharply from fright for whatever reason.

Your best bet is to make a trip to the vet, if the bunny doesn't get much better soon.

Another possibility is a sprained back with swelling around the spinal column causing weakness/paralysis of one leg. The fact that the other leg is working is a good sign. Try immobilizing your rabbit carefully so swelling in the spinal column can subside which will restore function to the damaged leg.
Dec 14, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Rabbit has stopped moving but still breathing
by: Anonymous

Hello ,

I am here for some advice, My bunny has stopped moving COMPLETELY but he is still breathing!! HE usually is very energetic and tries to run away when you pick him up but today I tried to pick him up and he didn't move, I have been giving him water without him trying to stop me.

I have him laying on a wet face washer and have the fan blowing on him , I thought it may be dehydration or something? ANY HELP WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED
Nov 21, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		More Questions
by: Deb

Thank you for your comments. I have no problem showing mercy on my little friend. But I don't want to put her down for mere convenience on my part. As I stated she still eats and drinks. She still plays and tosses her toys. Her initial blood work is all good. She does have redness on her hind hocks which is unclear to me if this is causing her to fall. I believe she is around 8 but not sure since someone dumped her off in my yard 6 years ago. The vet said she saw no reason to euthanize when I took her in 2 weeks ago. She is supposed to be a bunny only vet. Perhaps I am just fooling myself but I feel the real diagnosis of her problem is being overlooked. If anyone else has had a bunny who old fall and could not get up and has since recovered I would be greatful to hear about it. Thank you so much.
Nov 20, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Bunny is Flopping and Can't Get Up
by: Anonymous

Unlike the other bunnies on this post, my bunny has never lost her appetite. I took her to the vet as thought I should put her down. Did blood tests... all vital organs are functioning fine.

Getting poopy stuck to her butt from sitting in litter box. Washing her daily. She is on the 14th day of her antibiotic but is still having incidents when she falls she cannot get back up. She does still hop a little but seems unable to maintain balance and at times hops crooked. She does have some red lines on her hind feet and a just noticed a big bump on the base of her ear.

Why did the vet not see any of this? Any suggestions. I feel bad as I have to change her bedding twice a day and usually wash her bottom too. It's all okay as long as she is not suffering. Does this sound like she her quality of life is gone. She seems herself except she cannot get up when she falls over on her side.

I am very worried and just found this site so thought someone might have some suggestions.

***** Karen Sez *****
Ugh, sorry to hear it. I cannot speak for the vet; rabbits are very different from cats and dogs.

The most likely causes of your rabbit's symptoms are either pasteurellosis, or EC, a parasite that likes to travel to the eyes, brain, and kidneys. This disrupts the rabbit's balance and can cause other brain or eye-related symptoms.

With pasteurellosis, you would be seeing sneezing and either clear, yellow or white nasal discharge. Pasteurellosis can also travel up the ear tubes to the brain, causing the dizziness and "flopping." All bad news, I know.

It is difficult to speak to the rabbit's quality of life. I am not sure whether it is in pain or not, but it sure sounds like the animal is quite sick, and the antibiotics are not doing the trick.

If a bacterial or parasitic infection continues to rage, and with sufficient treatment does not improve, either the antibiotic is not as strong as the germ, or the treatment program is incorrect for the problem, or the rabbit's immune system is giving out.

The loose stools are probably due to the antibiotic killing some of the intestinal flora. So, withhold food for 24 - 48 hours, and feed just hay/straw and water for 2 days. Hopefully this should help improve the poo situation.

You did not mention how old was the rabbit. Sometimes, with rabbits, if the immune system is inadequate or the infection is particularly strong, the rabbit cannot seem to get better. If so, putting the animal down is a merciful thing to do.

(Some rabbit owners pursue treatment options for as long as the rabbit draws a breath, and that's their choice. You also have choices as the owner of your rabbit; how you choose to to proceed is entirely your choice, no judgment passed.)

Oct 08, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Need help
by: Anonymous

I have had the same problem, I raised 5 baby rabbits because a dog had gotten into the nest and killed the others. They were all boys and were doing fine but after about 2 weeks I came home and one had the same problem and died, then about a couple weeks later another one died with the same problem, the 3rd one got the same thing but pulled through and I had him for another month and a half then let him go. I just let the 4th one go about a week and a half ago and he had no problems the entire time. I kept the 5th one and now I come home and he isn't acting right and it seems like he's developing the same symptoms. I came home and he was sitting in one spot instead of hopping around to come to me, underneath him when he moved was a lot of poop. What can I do? Any recommendations?
Oct 08, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My rabbit won't move again
by: Anonymous

A while back my rabbit couldn't move, couldn't even stand and the vet said it was e-cuniculi but it's been a few months now and no problems but I went to pick her up and she was all floppy again but this time she was just managing to stand up, took her straight to the vet and she is having to stay overnight as the vets do not know what is happening to her? Is there any reason why?
Sep 15, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bunny
by: Anonymous

My bunny was fine hours ago I cane home and it could only move it's eyes and nose. It died in my arms. Very sad
Aug 21, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I'm so lost with my bunny
by: Anonymous

So I let my bunny run around in the yard sometimes and I left him out and later when I found him he looks dead but still eats food by hand and drinks little water. He can move his front legs but back ones are a fail. I don't want him to die ... but he poops very diarrhea like ...
Aug 06, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		my bunny wont move or eat!!!!!
by: Bella Pop

My bunny is staying in the corner of her cage and won't move or eat she is still alive but acting like she is hurt or something does anyone know why??

***** Karen Sez *****
Sorry for the problems. Your description matches a lot of problems; it is very difficult to make a diagnosis from way over here; you should probably get a vet's opinion as soon as possible. Good luck...
Aug 05, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I don't know what's wrong with my bunny!!!
by: Anonymous

Tonight when I went to check on Jinx and give her some food and water, she was sitting in a corner of her cage kind of laying down. I noticed that her water bottle was empty so I refilled that and tried to get her to drink some of it, but she just sat there. I know that she is alive because she is breathing. I put a handful of Timothy hay in her tray and she only took a little nibble. She won't move at all and I'm really worried! Please help I don't know what to do!!!! Thank you!
Jul 20, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Nails
by: Anonymous

Are your rabbit's nails clipped? It alters their walk and hurts their back when they are tooo long.

***** Karen Sez *****
Thanks, great observation to consider, especially if the rabbit can move, but appears to walk or hop with difficulty. Also, check the bottom of their feet for sores.

On the other hand, if the rabbit appears to be literally paralyzed especially in the hind extremities, the feet or nail length are likely not contributing to the paralysis.
Jul 15, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rabbit not moving
by: Anonymous

Last night when I saw my rabbit it can not move. After that I saw she stretched her behind legs and sit. Her back portion is not moving. She can only feed by hand. And a white liquid come out from his back when I slightly touch his belly it comes out more. Please tell me what can I do.

***** Karen Sez *****
That white liquid is urine, indicating no control over the bladder. Lack of bladder or bowel control accompanied with paralysis is indicative of a broken back and severed spinal cord. In a very rare case, swelling around a bruised spinal cord can result in the symptoms you mention. After the swelling goes down, the rabbit might regain function, but at first, it is hard to know the true extent of the damage without professional help.

Ideally, a vet's opinion along with an x-ray will reveal whether or not this condition is likely to be permanent. If the back is fully broken and the rabbit is permanently paralyzed, we recommend euthanizing the rabbit.

Sorry I cannot give better news than this!

Check Rabbit Raising Problem Solver for more details on care.
Jul 12, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Kip
by: Anonymous

My rabbit was found the other morning not moving. We took him to the vet and they x-rayed him, but found nothing to be broken. Within the next day he could not hold his head up and only eats and drinks by hand.

It is sounding like I may need to have his ears checked, but why is he not standing or even sitting up? Absolutely NO movement in his back legs.

***** Karen Sez *****

Well, the good news is the x-ray results, but this does not explain the progression of symptoms affecting its head and upper body.

So you know, a strained his back will likely heal within a couple weeks, restoring movement to the hind extremities (if the problem was a back strain).

But there are three other diagnoses for the symptoms: the parasitic EC (traveled to the brain), bacterial pasteurellosis (also traveled to the brain via the ears or sinuses), and ear mites creating a secondary inner ear infection that then affects balance and/or the brain.

Sometimes the rabbit's immune system can fend off the parasitic attack by killing the parasites or defeating the secondary infection. The best way to figure out how to treat or how to proceed is by consulting a rabbit-savvy vet.

With pasteurellosis, the prognosis is usually a bit more grim, since the bacteria have figured out methods of hiding from the immune system and then flaring up when the immune system is knocked down through stress or some other infection.

Even so, persistent treatments sometimes yield a favorable result, if the rabbit can survive long enough.

Good luck!
Jun 03, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		rabbit
by: Anonymous

My rabbit won't move, just lay there. He was fine a couple days ago, came home from work he was laying sideways.....any suggestions????
May 26, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bunny limp, and falling over
by: Anonymous

My bunny was hopping around just a little while ago and all of a sudden he just couldn't move. Nothing out of the ordinary happened but earlier this week i noticed some pee in his cage that looked like had blood in it. Please help me find answers.

***** Karen Sez *****
Sometimes the best next move is to get a vet's opinion. This is one of those times. The problem sounds like a very serious infection, but perhaps the vet can tell you it isn't all that serious, or can give you some medication or other treatment that can help your rabbit. It might also be a broken back, though your brief description doesn't convince me of a back issue.

See Rabbit Raising Problem Solver for extensive information on taking care of many rabbit health issues. Even so, when in doubt, your best choice is the vet.

Good luck with everything.
Jan 28, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sick bunny please help
by: Anonymous

My rabbit isn't moving at all. He's breathing but is acting lifeless. He's always been a very active bunny and now acts like he's dying. We don't have money to take to vet please send me suggestions. My little girl is a mess and I'm so scared. He's caged so he doesn't get out much unless we are with him. Any suggestions . He's breathing but won't walk or jump. Just falls over . Dear Lord please

***** Karen Sez *****

I'm so sorry to hear it. And even more sorry to have to bring not-so-good news.

You're describing a rabbit that has developed a very serious infection, or possibly a parasite infestation which may be affecting the bunny's brain or inner ear (equally serious). Either way, if I'm right, it will require medication to save her life, if she doesn't die in the meantime.

There is still a possibility that the rabbit's immune system might overpower the infection and the rabbit will get better, but time will tell. In the meantime, do all you can to ensure the rabbit drinks enough water every day. If it's not moving very much, this means you might have to bring the water to the rabbit like every couple hours to keep it hydrated.

Give your little girl a hug - I hope her bunny gets better. If it doesn't, life will not stand still. There will be another bunny for her, perhaps.

Wishing you the best of outcomes...
Oct 27, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bunny not moving
by: Anonymous

Saturday night as I went out to lock up the animals I noticed my daughter's bunny hadn't eaten and was laying flat in her cage. I picked her up, she was lifeless. I thought she was dying. I brought her inside and hand fed her and gave her water in a syringe. She ate good and she was going to the bathroom fine. I thought for sure I would have to take her to the vet come Monday. Well today is Monday and much to our surprise, she is walking and hopping around again. Thank God! I have no idea what could have happened to her but very glad she's back to herself again.
Aug 26, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bunny not moving
by: Anonymous

We put our male rabbit in with the female last night. They were both running around in their cage. This morning when we came out she wasn't moving but breathing. I have checked her all over and can not physically see anything wrong. She won't stand up or move. We removed the male right away and now 8 hours later she still isn't moving but alive. I don't understand what happened to her. Can any one help?
May 20, 2014
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Floppy bunny syndrome
by: Anonymous

Our bunny had same thing called floppy bunny syndrome can't move vet gave antibiotics we were feeding with syringe she still died
Apr 13, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Failure to thrive
by: Anonymous

I have a mom that gives birth to 3 babies and one by one within 2 months they all quit eating, lose use of back legs and eventually die. I think it must be genetics. She is german angora and produces beautiful colored off spring, but after 3 litters none survive.
Apr 01, 2013
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bunny won't move, only hand feeds, seems sad
by: Allie

Is there an update on this? I am having the same exact situation- my bunny was perfectly healthy two weeks ago-- jumping, running , hopping...and now she stays in one spot all day and if she falls to one side she can't get herself back up. She is only interested in feeding if we hand feed her.

We went to the vet and she said it may just be a bad ear infection but I have my doubts. I think something else is going on. Any update on the original posters bunny?

Thanks!!

***** Karen Sez *****

No, we don't have an update, sorry.

Unfortunately, your vet is probably spot on. A "bad ear infection" can cause a loss of balance that in rabbits is called wry neck or head tilt. This is due to the infection progressing into the inner ear where the balance mechanism is. The likely culprit is pasteurella multocida, in which case the prognosis is not good at all. Pasteurella is very difficult to treat. An inner ear infection might lead to the formation of an abscess, which can progress to the brain. Ugh. Learn more:

https://www.raising-rabbits.com/pasteurella-multocida.html

Another possible infective agent is nosema, a parasite. Nosema can kill, but if the immune system manages to kill the parasites, your rabbit might also recover fully. Learn more:

https://www.raising-rabbits.com/rabbit-illnesses.html

Hopefully you can work with your vet to narrow down the diagnosis and see if there are any health solutions for your rabbit.

Nov 21, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I think I might know
by: Anonymous

My rabbit had the same thing and it's called dropsy or something like that, it's common in fish but rabbits can get it as well. I had to stay up all night and hand feed him and give him water and I also gave him vitamin B tablets dissolved in water. It took about 3 night until he was fine but I just kept him in a box in my room and then one night he was hopping around and was all fine :) Hope your bunny turns out okay.

****Karen Sez****
Thanks for the comments. Hmm, what you describe almost sounds like a poisoning or a toxicity, perhaps from a toxic plant or a pesticide. Just sayin', and just thinking out loud.... at any rate, you handled it well.
Sep 07, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help
by: Anonymous

My rabbit has the same thing !
Jul 18, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		RE My rabbit won't move!
by: Silver Desert Rabbitry

That does not sound good at all. I would say take him to a vet. You can check for a broken back yourself by running your fingers along his back. If you feel something that is not right, then i would say you would have to put him down. Normally rabbits with broken backs do not survive that long though.

Jul 17, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		When rabbits can't move
by: Moderator

From your description, it sure sounds like a broken back. If so, then the next question is: can the rabbit pee or poo by itself? If not, the spinal cord may be completely severed.

Your bunny needs to see a rabbit-savvy vet, who can do an x-ray, and let you know for sure whether the back is broken or not.

You may need to brace yourself for some very bad news - rabbits with broken backs are usually euthanized. We hope for your sake the news is not too bad...

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