Paresis In Rabbits

Food for thought:

Paralysis is defined as loss of the ability to move a body part. Paresis is defined as slight or partial paralysis. Unfortunately, companion rabbits sometimes suffer paresis of the hind limbs that makes them unable to stand with those legs, and to locomote normally.

There are several reasons a bunny can lose the use of the back legs, including:

trauma to the spine, pelvis, or limbs

arthritis of the spine or pelvis

degenerated, damaged, or ruptured vertebral disc

the sporozoan parasite, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, the pathogenicity of which is controversial.

Trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative process must be diagnosed via radiography. Once the exact nature of the problem is determined, some mobility may be restored in the short term by a small dose of short-acting corticosteroids under the strict supervision of your rabbit-experienced veterinarian.

If the problem seems to be related to arthritis, then an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Rimadyl (carprofen) may prove very helpful. Some practitioners have reported that glucosamine supplements appear to offer relief from arthritis and other degenerative joint problems.

If the problem is chronic, rather than acute (as from trauma, which may necessitate immediate palliative care and cage rest, as prescribed by your veterinarian), physical therapy may be very helpful. Some rabbit "parents" report success at restoring a bunny's movement by enlisting the services of a qualified, licensed veterinarian who is also a skilled acupuncturist. Massage, acupuncture and skeletal manipulation can sometimes make a very great difference in the bunny's mobility and quality of life.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a protozoan parasite that infects the renal and nervous system of rabbits. Presence or absence of the parasite may be indicated via titer test, in which the laboratory analyzes the blood for the presence of antibodies against E. cuniculi.

That's an interesting idea - massage. Bunny masseuse. I like the idea better than bunny acupuncturist. Which I am already, with the saline. She's getting the anti-inflammatory agent, and the antibiotic, so maybe a full-court press with massage will help....