Rabbit in pain

Question
Hello Dr. Krempels,

My dwarf rabbit, Hargus, has a broken leg and a splint or surgery is not feasible.  My veterinarian has recommended "severe cage rest".  He is kept in a small travel cage and movement is limited in the hopes that the break will mend naturally.  Hargus has a good appetite and is eating well but I'm concerned he is in pain.  A broken leg has got to hurt!  Can you recommend an over the counter pain medication I can give him?  Thank you in advance!

Allen Gies

Answer
Dear Allen,

DO NOT give any over-the-counter pain medication to your bunny.  Please ask the vet for a prescription for a good analgesic.  There are several that are safe for rabbits, but in a case like this, an opiod might give the most relief (e.g., Buprenex, or the shorter-acting torbugesic).

Yes, a broken bone will be painful.  But unless the break is extremely high up, I really wonder why it can't at least be stabilized.  If the vet you saw is not an exotics vet, and sees primarily dogs and cats, then I would get a second opinion.  You can find a list of good rabbit vets here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana