rabbit not standing up

Question
Hi Dana,

I have a 6 months old Netherland dwarf cross that seems to have lost strength in its hind legs and seems like she is unable to stand up. She lays there and when I give her a slight push she looks like she wants to get up but can't? When she does stand up and walks, it seems like she can only walk using her two front legs while her hind legs appear to be quite weak.
She eats fine, fur is intact, eyes are shiny and free of discharge, her stools appear to be normal and the funny thing is sometimes she seems like she's back to normal again but then it switches back.   
Lately she also seems to be digging deep into the hay and wood shavings and just lays there.
This has been happening for the last 3 days.

Thanks for your attention. Your insight would be much appreciated.

Answer
Dear Lucie,

There are many possible reasons for this, but in a 6 month baby, the first that comes to mind is trauma.  Please read:

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

and especially the linked article by Dr. Susan Brown on the same subject.  These give some of the causes and treatments for hind limb paresis.  It is not a death sentence, but special help must be given a bunny who is permanently disabled this way.  You can read more about this here:

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=00062824-sp00000000&sp-q=disabled

I hope this helps.

Dana