injured young rabbit

Question
I am trying to save a small bunny my cat attacked, yesterday, the only injury I can see is that it has had alot of the skin torn from his back, I put triple antibiotic ointment on it and wrapped it in gauze, but he wont leave the bandage on, what else if anything can I do? I don't have any type of rescue close and I can't afford a vet bill.

Answer
Dear Kerri,

If the baby has suffered a major de-gloving injury (i.e., the skin has been torn away from the underlying body), then he needs immediate veterinary attention.  The best way to get this done is to take him to a wildlife rehabitator, whom you can locate here:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm

If the wound is extensive, the bunny will need long-term critical care to survive.  He'll need to be treated as if he were a burn victim, and this will require specialized medication and wrapping that you simply cannot do at home.

Please use the list here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

to find a vet to help, if you can.  If you cannot provide adequate care, and the injury is very large, then euthanasia might be the only humane option.  It is better than suffering from a huge loss of skin, which is excruciating and will take a long time (and, as I mentioned, special care) to heal.

I hope this helps.

Dana