worried owner

Question
Hi Dana

I hope you can help me, i picked up my rabbit yeasterday to put her away in her hutch and she really struggled, when i put her down she wouldnt put weight on her front leg, so i let her out to have a look but it got no better, and its still the same today she also seems to be off her food. what should i do?
im really worried about it.

Answer
Dear Carly,

She might have injured her leg in the struggle, and I really think that if the pain is enough to put her off her food, you need to get her to the vet ASAP.  Pain/stress/illness can elicit ileus in a rabbit, and this condition can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately and aggressively.  Please read:

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

and

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

If you don't already have a good *rabbit* vet, please use the list linked here to find one:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps. Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana