scared & worried.

Question
hi, im very scared & worried about my rabbit. i've had my rabbit since feb. 12th of 2006. i gave her a snack this evening & she has'nt finished it. i gave her just one carrot for her to snack on and she did'nt at least take 5 bites out of the carrot. i'm very worried about her. she's not getting up the way she used to and it looks like her back leg wont work. i'm very very worried. i mean i love her very much. whenever she's hungry or she wants to play i give her my attention. what's wrong with her? is she sick or something? elaine.

Answer
Dear Elaine,

Yes, she might be sick, and you're wise to pay attention to such subtle signs.  It's good that she's eating a *little* bit, at least.  But please read this right away:

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

and check to see if she's producing poops or not.  If not, please read:

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

You really should get her to a good rabbit vet to see if she somehow injured her leg so that it's causing her a lot of pain.  If it's broken, it's very serious, and needs immediate attention!  If it's just a sprain, she will still benefit from pain medication, which all by itself can sometimes restore appetite.

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Please waste no time in getting her there.

Dana