Hurt wild bunny, paralyzed?

Question
Mr.Meyer,

My neighbors dog just brought a baby bunny (wild) in my yard, once we got
him to drop it, the poor thing tried to drag itself away using only it's front
legs.  I am a paramedic and could not stand for the little guy to scamper off
and die alone.  I inspected him and found 1 small laceration to the back right
leg that bled only a little.  He did squeal a little when I picked him up but I
think it was more fear than anything.  I put him in a shoe box with a bunch of
hay, sliced carrots, and fresh water. He has lived about an hour now since I
found him but still appears paralyzed from the hips down. I do not know how
old it is or what to do next.  Please don't say "See a vet", there is not one
within 40 miles of me.  Please tell me how to make this thing comfortable
until it dies or till I can release it.  Thank you!!!!

Answer
Hi,

you will need to get a couple things.  You need to get Arnica Montana pills to reduce pain for him.  They are little sugar pills infused with arnica.  Otherwise crush up a baby aspirin (it can't be a substitute of something else) and mix it in with the carrots or lettuce (wet the lettuce).  I would rather you give him green lettuce than carrots.  If you can get some rabbit food pellets you can put it in with these.  

If you can put a soft towel down for him to rest on that may help.

He needs to have a heavy crock of water around.  He will get thirsty eating hay. You can also put some outdoor grass in there too as he is more used to that.

If you have Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy you can try to spritz his water or a couple spritzes on his nose - Rescue Remedy is five flower essences that relax animals and people.

You really can't do much on your own.  What you need to find is a wildlife rehab center around you or an animal shelter.  Most likely he is paralyzed (because he probably struggled and kicked to get away from the dog and broke his back).  He may not have broken it, but you can't know for sure without xrays.  Domestic rabbits can survive being disabled when the owner will take care of them (they are special needs rabbits).  wild rabbits are another matter, but that's why you need a wildlife rehab person to help you out.

I would strongly recommend that you call the House Rabbit Society - either find a local chapter around where you are (I don't know where you are) or the national office number, and they may be able to help you out.  Their web site is www.rabbit.org, and their national # is (510)970-7575.  

Thank you for caring about this little guy. He'll remember you for helping him and caring about him.  Keep giving him hay, grass, and water.  

Lee