Rabbits make amazing pets and quickly become members of the family with their unique personalities and loveable nature. It, therefore, is incredibly hard when they are injured or unwell. A particularly difficult injury to deal with is a broken leg.
Why are broken legs in rabbits so troublesome?
Rabbits are agile creatures. Made to jump, leap and thump, and feel secure knowing they can move quickly away from potential predators. They rely on their limbs to keep them mobile and happy. But, rabbits also have particularly fragile bones which means they are more prone to breaking.
When they break a leg they are unable to express these natural behaviours, and as a result, can become very stressed. As well as being stressed, broken limbs are of course incredibly painful. Stress and pain in rabbits can be very troublesome as they can result in other health issues including but not limited to gastrointestinal stasis (also known as gut stasis) which can be potentially fatal if not treated.
What are the options for treating a broken leg in rabbits?
The most common options for treating broken rabbits are as follows:
- surgical repair
- non-surgical repair
- amputation
Surgical repair
This involves a veterinary surgeon performing surgery on the rabbit’s leg to keep the broken leg in place. often including a combination of surgical pins, plates and screws in the leg to hold the pieces of broken bone together.
Pros:
- The broken leg is fixed in place
Cons:
- Rest and rehabilitation – your rabbit will need to be confined to a small space with limited movement to prevent the pieces of bone, which have been fixed in place, from moving for a prolonged period of time, often several weeks at least. Rabbits can become very stressed under these conditions which as discussed above can lead to other health complications.
- Infection in the leg is possible after surgical repair of fractures especially if the fracture is an open fracture, where the bone has come outside of the skin.
- The rabbit will need an anaesthetic for this procedure, all anaesthetics carry some level of risk.
Non-surgical repair
This involves the veterinary surgeon using bandaging materials and splints to keep the rabbit’s leg in place and keep the pieces of broken bones in line to allow them to heal.
Pros:
- Surgery not needed
- The broken leg is fixed in place
Cons:
- Not all fractures can be fixed in this way – in particular, hind limb fractures in rabbits. Your veterinary surgeon will discuss with you what type of fracture your rabbit has and whether this is a suitable solution.
- Rest and rehabilitation – your rabbit will need to be confined to a small space with limited movement to prevent the pieces of bone which have been fixed in place moving for a prolonged period of time, often several weeks at least. Rabbits can become very stressed under these conditions which as discussed above can lead to other health complications.
Amputation
This involves the veterinary surgeon performing surgery to amputate the broken limb. Not all rabbits will be candidates for this procedure. The rabbit needs to be able to adapt to living with three legs. Rabbits with underlying conditions such as arthritis and obesity are not good candidates for amputations as they are less likely to cope well without a limb.
Pros:
- less recovery time as the broken leg is removed and therefore does not need to repair, (some recovery time for the surgical wound will still be needed, however)
Cons:
- Studies have shown amputation in rabbits has been associated with a high level of long-term complications. This includes pododermatitis, due to the change in mobility and pressure on other limbs, which can negatively affect their welfare.
- The rabbit will need an anaesthetic for this procedure, all anaesthetics carry some level of risk.
Rest and Rehabilitation, why is it so important and so challenging?
One of the most difficult aspects of treating broken limbs in rabbits is the need for an extensive period of rest and rehabilitation.
This is vitally important to allow the broken limb to heal. If your rabbit moves around or uses the limb too much, they risk the pieces of bone, which have been realigned, moving apart. This can result in the leg re-breaking and not healing.
After the break has healed, a careful slow build-up in exercise will be needed to allow the muscles to rebuild. It will also prevent the limb from re-breaking as it will be a weak area in the limb for some time.
Being confined to a small area and not moving around or using limbs will not suit all rabbits. If your rabbit is particularly flighty, stamps their feet lots and becomes very stressed or agitated quickly, they may not cope well with this.
It is important to discuss with your veterinarian all of the options and take into account your
individual rabbit’s situation, behaviour and temperament when deciding which treatment option is most appropriate. In some cases some individuals may not cope with any of the treatment options, and sadly for these individuals euthanasia may be the kindest option to prevent further suffering.
What to do if you are worried your rabbit may have broken its leg?
If you are concerned your rabbit may have broken their leg, it is vitally important you take them to your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. If your rabbit is limping or not moving around as normal it is possible they have a broken leg.
Broken legs are very painful and your rabbit will need pain relief prescribed by your veterinary surgeon. This will make them comfortable and help prevent other health conditions, such as gastrointestinal stasis from developing. Your veterinary surgeon, after stabilising your rabbit and getting their pain under control, will be able to discuss options with you for treatment and investigation. This includes performing x-rays to investigate the broken leg more thoroughly. After performing these tests your veterinary surgeon will then be able to advise you how severe the damage is, and what options are available for treatment.
Summary:
- It is important to take your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect your rabbit has broken a leg
- Broken legs in rabbits are very challenging to treat and the prognosis for recovery is guarded in many cases
- There are a number of treatment options available. But these often involve a long period of rest and rehabilitation which is not tolerated well by all rabbits
- Amputation is an option but not all rabbits are suitable candidates for this procedure
- Your veterinary surgeon will be able to advise you best on which options are most suitable for your rabbit. These will depend on your rabbit’s current health status, behaviour and temperament and the severity of the broken limb
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Discussion
Hi, our 1 year old bunny fractured a metatarsal bone in his back foot 4 weeks ago, he was taken to vet immediately and x-rayed and we were referred to a specialist who advised against surgery as such a tiny bone (he also doesn’t cope well with recovery after anaesthetic and had to be hospitalised for syringe feeding following these x-rays and his past neuter op) he is due to go back in a few weeks for follow up X-rays. He is acting completely normally now, although confined in small x-pen with his bonded pals (2 older females) but seems to be coping as used to free roam. He’s putting weight on the foot and loafing/ flopping normally. He was on tramadol for 10 days, now on 1ml of loxicom twice a day. My worry is that the toe is lifted slightly as I can see the nail is above the other toenails so I am worried the bone isn’t setting properly, the vet thought his other foot bones would act as splints. But I don’t want to put him through surgery, or really another x-ray due to recovery/ anaesthesia. If he is moving normally and doesn’t seem in pain, but the bone may not have healed perfectly straight, will he be ok to continue like that. I don’t want him to be in any pain. Thanks so much.
It’s really hard to say, with metatarsals – as rabbits load them so heavily. I’d suggest another check in with the vet and even if they don’t perform an X-ray, a careful palpation of the limb might give them a good idea as to how well it’s healing.
Hello my rabbit is 4-5 months old this Saturday he broke his leg we had consulted doctor they said for an operation but there is a risk of his life we don’t want to opt for an operation please suggest what can we done as we are very much worried for him he is eating all green leaves but today he got an injection so he is not eating he is laying down and taking rest I hope for his speedy recovery
With a broken leg, the chances of a meaningful recovery without surgery are very, very slim. If he has already stopped eating, this is very serious. I think you need to consider whether the surgery is a better option; or if you want to hospitalise him for intensive care ASAP.
Hi, my pet rabbit is about 13 years old. He got his leg stuck in his cage and stopped moving much after I got him out, and limping when he does move. He isn’t eating or drinking anything and is only trying to lay down right now. I put a heater and food and water in a comfortable area for him to lay. I used a wet towel to try and sooth the pain, and there is no blood or visible wound. How should I treat his injury? Is there anything I can do for him? Thank you so much!
Keep him comfortable, as you are, until you can get him to a vet – at that age, any stress could push him into gut stasis so seek veterinary attention ASAP!
hey i think my rabbit broke his front leg he is not opening it well keeping it folded and tucked in what should I do
Seek veterinary attention immediately.
Hi, I hope you’re doing well. I have a 13-month-old Netherland dwarf rabbit who unfortunately broke his right foreleg in an accident. I immediately took him to a vet, who conducted an X-ray to confirm the fracture. The vet provided me with pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications along with the recommended dosages.
The vet suggested that a splint may not be the best option and that orthopedic surgery could be more effective, albeit expensive and is in enquiry process. I would greatly appreciate your advice on the best course of action for my rabbit’s healing process and any advice to how long this would roughly take.
I am not at all medically trained to translate the X-ray, however, I will do my best to descibe the image taken. The X-ray revealed that the foreleg bones are fructured completely without any fragments or splintering and appear to be slightly displaced. If you could offer any guidance or advice to whether the outcome will require a surgical intervention, I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you in advance for your help and looking forward to hearing from you.
I would agree that rabbits generally don’t do very well with splints; it sounds like it is a relatively simple fracture, that wound be a good candidate for orthopaedic repair: personally, in this one, I’d be guided by the vets who have seen the radiographs, as I agree that sounds like the best option, if possible. If not, then a splint is worth a try, but it can lead to abnormal healing, stress and potentially other complications (such as ulcers) that rabbits tend not to bounce back from very well.
Thank you very much for your assistance. My vet referred me to an animal hospital for my pet, and they determined that it was a simple fracture. If the fracture had been in the back legs, surgery would have been necessary. Instead, they opted for a cast splint. However, there is a possibility that the muscles may cause some pulling, resulting in a slightly deformed bone during the healing process. Ultimately, the decision was made to cast the forearm since the bones are still intact and not exposed through the skin. It has been several days since the bones began to heal naturally.
In terms of medication, I was prescribed a painkiller called Loxicom. Interestingly, all the medications provided so far are intended for dogs and cats, but it was confirmed that rabbits can safely take these medications at lower doses. In my case, I was given Loxicom 1.5mg/ml at a dosage of 0.6ml.
Once again, I truly appreciate all the assistance you have provided.
That’s great to hear! Yes, there are very few medicines licensed for rabbits, so we use “off license” products routinely, but they are generally really well tolerated. Hope he’s doing better now!
Hi I have 18 months old Netherland dwarf rabbit and today he jumped out of my hand and he started
limping I took him to the vets and they said that he has broken his back right leg and give him medicine.
He’s on cage rest at the moment as the vets don’t want him to put pressure on it. Will it heal on its own overtime and is it a full recovery? Will he be okay?
Back leg fractures in rabbits can be really tricky; however, of all rabbits, a dwarf beed is most likely to be able to retain some use of the limb without surgical intervention. Good luck!
So please kindly help me out with the dosage in other not to give the female rabbit overdose and other medicines that are needed in other to heal the leg
You need to go back to the prescriber and ask what dose they recommend – it would be illegal for me to suggest a dosage here.
My female rabbit leg was broken on the right back side which the leg was cut off and I went to me the vet and he give me dexamethasone injection to inject the female rabbit which I know how to inject but the problem about it is that I don’t know about the dosage to give the 8months female rabbit each day
We live in Houston and have a 9 month old Holland lop who has been dropped by my daughter. He broke his tibia and fibula, but it’s not a clean break. Doc can’t do anything over the weekend, but said that splinting will probably not be possible. If not, then pins and plates are most likely. How much would this type of surgery be? Are we talking $2,000? $4,000? $6,000? More? How much risk is it for anesthesia? I’d really hate to pay that kind of money if there’s a high risk of not recovering from anesthetics. Also, what are the chances like for a full recovery with pins/plates? And would it be a higher chance of recovery if we amputated? Thanks!
Let’s answer your last question first – rabbits cope REALLY badly after hindlimb amputation – in fact, it’s basically not an option.
In terms of the risk, the most up-to-date study I’m aware of is from 2018, which suggested a 4.8% chance of death due to anaesthesia in rabbits undergoing surgery at a referral centre – note that because this was a referral hospital, these were likely to be sicker rabbits needing more complicated surgery than most. So even if we assume that a complicated orthopaedic procedure is twice as dangerous as average (and it probably isn’t, with a good surgical and anaesthetic team), that’s still a 90% chance he’ll recover. However, do chat to the vets about their clinical governance data – they may be able to tell you their exact percentages, which might not be the same as the trial data.
In terms of making a full recovery – there might be some loss of mobility, but pins and plates usually heal really well, leaving good function for him to live a comfortable and happy life.
In terms of cost – I have no idea what veterinary fees are like in the US, so I’m afraid you’ll have to ask! Here in the UK, it’s illegal for a vet not to give an estimate of cost before starting, and I think it’s perfectly reasonable for you to demand that.
Good luck with him!
My bunny, Luna has broken her front leg..ive brought her to a vet they did bandaging etc but she keeps on removing the bandage. Will she heal if i only keep her in her cage please? She is very irritated with the bandage and all..
Probably not – the bandage will be supporting the bones while they heal! You might need to talk to your vets about other bandage types or even bittering agents to protect it.
This is a huge problem with bunnies who need long term bandages, so you’re not alone – but there isn’t always an easy solution!
My bunny had a small fracture and I took him to the vet and they said to keep him in a small area so he can heal but ik rabbits usually get depressed or stressed so is there any other option or some tips I can help my rabbit while he recovers
Keeping him with his bonded friend is the most important thing – so they can see and touch and smell each other through the bars or the wire. Plus, try to make sure he’s eating and drinking enough – your vets will be able to provide you with syringe foods if you need them, to help keep his guts moving and prevent gut stasis.
Hi I have a 12 week old French lop bunny and she jumped from our bed which is quite high up for a little bunny and she’s been limping. However she has been eating and drinking like normal and playing with her toys. I cannot afford a vet so I’m not sure what I can do to help her. I’ve looked at the leg and it doesn’t feel like it’s broken anywhere and looks quite normal she just can’t walk on it.
If she can’t walk on it, that does suggest quite a severe injury: rabbits are masters at hiding pain and injury, so to be limping visibly is actually quite a severe symptom. I’m afraid you are going to have to find a vet to see her – it’s actually a criminal offence not to do so, under the Animal Welfare Act. I would suggest you contact the PDSA and RSPCA first, as they may be able to help – good luck with her!
My nine week old bunny fractured her femur bone really bad. I cannot afford surgery. If I let it go will she heal in time . And what will happen to hurt. Can she aurvive
A rabbit cannot survive with a fractured femur without rapid emergency surgery. If you leave it untreated, at best it will knit abnormally and leave her in constant pain. She needs either a vet, or a humane end to her suffering – and I think it likely that a bad fracture will become untreatable within a few days.
Sadly, I think the best thing to do is to say goodbye, and have her humanely euthanased so she doesn’t suffer any more.
Sadly, rabbits do not cope well with hindlimb amputation – the weight distribution is very different to that of a dog or a cat, and I’m not aware of any hindlimb amputation surgeries that have led to an acceptable welfare outcome.
My rabbit has broken its left foot. I live far away from the city and there’s no available veterinarian clinic in our municipality. It isn’t bleeding but my rabbit cannot use it. What should I do?
The rabbit does need some veterinary attention; failing that, a charity (or neighbour) who can humanely end its suffering: non-weight bearing lameness in a rabbit is usually a disaster, it very rarely heals well and usually leaves them crippled and in agony.
Hello my bunnies paw snapped and is wiggling we went to the vet and they took x-rays and they said the surgery would cost 3000 dollars is it so expensive ?
Because orthopaedic surgery in rabbits is really complex – their bones are much smaller and more fragile than a dog or even a cat, and so it is a far more involved surgery.
Hi, My cottontail bunny is just a few weeks old. She has an open foot fracture (bone sticking out). I discovered it today and the vet might be a little far off. What can I do immediately to reduce damage?
Protect the site as much as possible with a clean (ideally sterile gauze) dressing and then get her to a vet ASAP. Sadly, most rabbits suffering this sort of injury do not survive; however, rapid treatment can make all the difference.
Hi, I have a little bunny called Snowy. She jumped from my hand today and started limping. I’m worried about her. She is still active but she breathes fast, stays still and dosen’t run much. What can I do about it? Will she survive?
Time to get her seen by a vet – she may have suffered a fracture or other injury; or she may just be bruised. Either way – your vet will be able to help!
I have 5 month old cotton tail bunny that has broken her left back foot. I can not find a vet that will look at her. She was in her cage and I guess got foot caught. She has broken it just above the leg and foot joint. The leg bone is sticking out and the foot is just hanging it is not bleeding anymore.but the ligaments are still attached that when she trys to move it still moves her foot. She did this Saturday night Sunday morning.
OK, she needs URGENT veterinary attention and, sadly, probably she will not survive. Open fractures are almost always fatal in rabbits. Humane euthanasia is probably the best option at this point, and no vets can reasonably or ethically refuse that or provision of first aid.