Rabbits have strong back legs and delicate spines, so fractures and dislocations of the lower back are common after rabbits struggle or are improperly handled. Signs of spinal cord injury include weakness, paralysis (inability to move), or loss of control over urination and passage of feces. Some rabbits regain normal function as swelling around the spinal cord decreases, but severe injury might require euthanasia. Treatment can involve hospitalization, pain control, injections of fluids, and strict rest.
In rabbits with splay leg, one or more legs stick out to the side at an abnormal angle. Splay leg can be inherited or can develop in young rabbits raised on slippery floors. Affected rabbits might have trouble walking. Treatment can include splints, bandaging, or surgery, though results vary, depending on the age of the rabbit at the time of diagnosis and how severely it's affected.
