Dwarf Rabbit Hind Legs

Question
Hello and thanks for the reply

Sebastian went to the vet who thinks it is a soft tissue injury.  He has an anti inflammatory drug and cage rest for a week.  We are back to the vets next Wednesday.

Sebastian is happily eating and continues stretching the leg while trying not to use it.  This evening he lay down with both back legs out.

Poor little thing must be fed up in the cage.  Is there anything I can do to speed up his recovery?  (without aggravating the leg)

Although I've only had him just over 2 weeks he seems to like having a cuddle and a nose rub.  He's quite amenable to being handled.

Thanks again
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello

I have a 12 week old Netherland Dwarf rabbit who has been with me for 2 weeks.  He has always been a little unsteady on his feet which I took to be due to him previously living in a small 1 dimensional cage.  He's in training to be a houserabbit and is only in a cage when I'm out.

Yesterday he was more unsteady on his feet and today his back legs don't seem to be working properly.  He walks around on tip toes (like he does when he's exploring new places, all legs moving independently) and can stretch the legs out but he does not hop.  Seems worse on his back left leg.  He also has a problem standing upright on back legs.  I'm fairly certain he has WANTED to do this but just can't. I don't know him well enough yet but he doesn't seem to be bothered and is currently tucking into some hay.

He had a VHD vaccination a week ago (we are in the UK) and he is eating normally.

I'm planning on going to the vet tomorrow but any information would be most welcome.

Thanks
-----Answer-----
Dear Cath,

It would be unusual for such a young bunny to show signs of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection, but not impossible, especially soon after the immunological stress of a vaccination.  I have to wonder if the condition is related to the vaccination.

There are various causes of hind limb paresis, and the treatment depends on the cause:

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

I would get him to the vet for a full evaluation and good advice from your trusted rabbit vet.  It may be wise to treat him for E. cuniculi if the vet suspects this may be contributing to the bunny's mobility problems.

I  hope this helps.

Dana

Answer
Dear Cath,

I'm glad he's feeling better!  Nothing you can do will actually speed his recovery. Just rest and healing will do that.

But the cuddling and noserubs are certain to make his convalescence happier for both of you.

Hope he feels well soon!

Dana