Rescuing a paralyzed baby rabbit

Question
I am on my way to rescue a rabbit from a girl that said it was born paralyzed and is now 4 weeks old. Do you have any idea what could have caused this and what I should do until I can get it to a vet? Thanks

Answer
Dear Holly,

The most common reason for paralysis in a baby rabbit is physical trauma, such as a broken back or other structure that will affect the spinal cord.  If it's just the back end, then please see:

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

And find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Good luck with the baby.  I hope you can help him.  But note that he is *too young to be weaned* and should be nursed by his mother for another four weeks. In his already weakened condition, he will be even more susceptible to fatal intestinal problems without his mother's milk.  Please read:

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

I hope this helps.

Dana