Bruce jumped off the porch!

Question
Hi Dana,
I have a Holland Lop that jumped off my porch. I am shocked that he is alive to be honest. It happened late last night and I've noticed he is a little scared since then. He isn't as outgoing and is laying low (Rightfully so!) He is however hopping and has even taken the stairs a few times- he doesn't flinch when I pat him or touch his back/legs. I will probably take him to the vet anyway but I wanted to ask your opinion. Since he is hopping and doesn't appear to limp do you think he is just a little freaked out? Can they hop with broken legs? What else might I need to worry about? Thanks for your help.

Answer
Dear Meg,

You don't say how high the porch was, but rabbits can actually jump pretty far, and as long as they land on a relatively soft surface they can get lucky.  If Bruce is hopping and acting normal, and eating, he got lucky.

A rabbit can't hop on broken legs, but if he didn't land on his feet, then he might rupture an internal organ.  You'd probably know that within 12-24 hours, but if he's moving around and acting pretty normal, it's not likely that he really hurt himself badly.

Chalk this one up to experience, and make sure that porch is well screened so the little goofball doesn't try that again!

Holland Lops. Sheesh.  They're nuts.  But we love them.

Dana