bunny front leg possible amputation

Question
I need advice about my bunbun.  Her front right leg is completely lifeless.  I took her to emergency on Sat nite when she couldn't hop properly & stumbled down, holding her leg up & not evening attempting to use it.  The emergency Dtr prescribed Metacam after xrays done, no broken bones, however, other matter showing on xray.
Sunday she was no better, not running around as cant get around, leg seemed More lifeless.  She was in good spirits tho, ate & drank & peed & pood.  I kept her caged to keep her still as possible.
Monday morning first thing, I took her to my vet who is a specialty vet in exotic animals.  Took xrays again, same story.  Nothing is broken, but pre-existing injury in life (I got her when she was 6 months, now she's 4 yrs old just).  Resulting in bone production aroudn her right elbow excessively, painful, lost all feeling in her leg except when severely pressured, Dtr says that's the last nerve to go prior to "no turning back" basically that the leg will have no nerve feeling left.  Is it true at this point nerves can't repair & amputation is the only option?  This is what Dtr says.  Dtr says she will be able to function a fine life just as she is now, without having a front right leg at all.  So amputation is the recommended.  I asked about putting her down becuase wondered if she couldn't live a normal life, I wouldn't want her struggling & unable.  Dtr says amputation & she will live a normal life.  Now I have her on strong anti-inflamatories for 12 days first, to see if any improvement hoping to reduce any swelling (if any) in hopes to allow unobstructment of nerves maybe... but I feel doubtful of it working.
Help please!  I am running out of time.


Answer
Dear Tonya,

If the condition is painful, and if there is any suspicion that this could be a bone cancer due to a previous injury, then amputation is the only option.  With a period of adjustment, most rabbits do just fine on three legs.  You'll have to help her with ear cleaning and a few other things, but being a tripod is no big deal for a bunny.  We've lived with several, some of whom grew to be very old.

I hope you won't consider this prognosis a death sentence.  Give your bunny a chance at a good life, and you'll be happy you did.  She'll be in some pain at first, but short term pain with long-term life is a price worth paying, in my opinion.

I hope this helps.

Dana