House bunny -rear leg lameness

Question
He began limping a few months ago, then didn't use that leg. Vet examined, felt no skeletal prob. tumors, etc. only muscle atrophy.  Metcam 2x daily for a week & he was fine until I stopped it.  Any idea what it is? What can I give him to relieve pain without causing other problems? (He is 2 yrs. old, nutered, English Lop, tendency to be a bleeder)(eats alfalfa pellets, apple branches, carrots, parsley & other greens, put some 'Durvet' vit & electrolytes in his water which cured the heel bleeding).
Thank you.

Answer
Dear Cindy,

There can be many possible reasons for hind limb paresis and atrophy.  Please see:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/paresis.html

and read the linked article by Dr. Susan Brown.

You might want to ask your vet about treating for E. cuniculi (Panacur and/or ponazuril), in case this parasite is contributing to the problem.

You can find a rabbit-savvy vet here:

http://www.rabbit.org/vets

which is important to have with a rabbit-specific problem like this.

Hope this helps.

Dana