Spinal injury

Question
Hi,
I have a Flemish Giant Buck and this morning I found him lying on his side not moving. He is still eating and drinking a lot. He's a very vigorous eater. He also seems to have some feeling in his back legs still.  My mom told me he has a spinal injury. I was wondering if you think he might have any possibility of recovering with semi use of his backlegs and go onto live a happy life or should we put him down. Also do we need to feed him any pain relievers or did the injury cause a pressure to the nerves causing the loss of use. We don't want him to suffer, but if there is a possibility that he can recover please let me know...

Thankyou Much, Kristin and Mr. Pickles (the bunny)

Answer
Dear Kristin,

It might be a spinal injury, or it might not.  Only a veterinarian can tell you that, and you can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

To read about all the possible causes and treatments of hind limb paresis (which is what your bunny is experiencing), please read:

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

Even if he cannot move, he may be able to live a completely happy life with extra care from you.  We have had many different rabbits who could not use their hind legs, but with a special bed of artificial fleece, indoor care (no outdoor housing!  That would be deadly for many reasons!), and special nursing and love, they can live to be very happy, indeed.

But please get him to a good vet for full diagnosis and prognosis.  Be sure it's a good *rabbit* vet who knows this condition is very survivable!

I hope this helps.

Dana