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Paralysis in Rabbits

22 10:06:45

Question
Hi, I hope all is well?  My rabbit is 6 years old and recently she has lost the use of her left leg.  She's also lost the ability of her bodily functions.  I think she has had a stroke, but I'm unable to afford a vet visit at this time.  I keep her body cleaned regularly and keep her bedding cleaned twice daily, but I was hoping you could give me some suggestions on how to care for her until I can afford to take her to the vet.  I love her very much and don't want her to suffer...Please help!  Thank you so much and have a great day!  :)

Answer
Hi Romi. I am so sorry to hear of the problems with your bunny. It does sound like she has had a stroke. With time it may be that she will regain part of her body control back and that is what we will hope for. In the mean time she will need lots of care. If you can buy a pack of puppy training pads you can cut small diapers out of them. Make them the same shape as disposable diapers for babies but very small. You may have to waste one pad trying to get it right but after that keep the one that seems to fit best and use it as a pattern for more. Use saftey pins to keep them on her. This will keep her urine soaked up so it is not keeping her wet and uncomfortable. She will need a soft place to lie down so her body won't hurt from being in one position for a long time. Hay will be good for that and for her to eat. It will keep her insides in good condition and keep her stools in good shape. You will need to remove some of the little grape like stools that you find in her diaper and give them back to her. It sounds a little gross but the bunnies eat this stool. It is only partialy digested and has lots of good bacteria and nutrients that your bunny can not do without. You can just leave it in any one place and she will find it. It is my understanding that stroke patients do not suffer with pain. Just the loss of the use of the limbs. So love her as much as you can. It sounds like you are already doing the best you can for her care. If you have faith, ask for guidence in her care. I will always be glad to help in any way I can and I will be thinking about you. I wish you luck with the recovery of your little friend and please let me know how things are going.  Pat