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Rabbit falling over on to his back

22 9:53:46

Question
Hello,

I have a lop eared rabbit called dave (I believe he is a french lop). He's about 4 years old.
He used to just flop over onto his side and back and then spring back up after a minute or 2, I read up on the internet and found that this was just his way of having a power nap and there is nothing to be concerned about, so left him to it, I noticed he hadn't been doing it for a while and just thought maybe he's not tired anymore to have a power nap; until recently.
Now he seems to do it quite often again but is down for longer and appears to struggle to get up again after. He just did it a minute ago and when he was lying on his back his feet started to shake (not majorly I guess more quivering) he also let me get right over him, to stroke his belly and give him a kiss on his nose when he was on his back which he would not have let me done before in his power naps. He didn't seem like he wanted to get up, but I helped him roll over and he got up from there.

I wouldn't say he has a tilt in his head.

He is usually a very happy bunny, cheeky but adorable full of personality and love. However I have also noticed his ears are becoming more pushed back and resting on his back like as if he wasn't a lop eared rabbit, I thought they use their ears to show moods though? I have been spending a bit more time at work and thought he may be picking up on this, but getting worried in case I've gotten it all wrong now and there is something wrong with him.

If you have any information or advice that would be brilliant!

Thank you in advance

C

Answer
Dear Chrissy,

Large bunnies like French Lops and others can be prone to back problems such as arthritis and other maladies.  It is possible that your bunny is getting stiff now that he's older (he's not *old*, but once a BIG bunny is 4-5 years old, the musculoskeletal system can start acting up).

This is also the age when *some* rabbits harboring a parasite known as Encephalitozoon cuniculi start to show clinical signs of infection, such as weakness in the legs and other neurological signs.  

You need to find a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who can take radiographs and blood and do some diagnostic detective work.  It's good that you've got a keen eye out for problems before they become serious.  If this all turns out to be a false alarm, then no harm done.  But if he has arthritis, then the sooner he's on appropriate medication, the better.  And if it's E. cuniculi, prompt treatment as soon as signs occur can ensure recovery.

I hope this helps.

Dana