Rabbits are pretty delicate creatures with fragile bones, so unfortunately, a broken leg is a pretty common problem in rabbits. A broken rabbit leg should be treated as an emergency, so we’ve put some top tips together for you in the unlucky event your bunny has a broken bone.

What Should I Do if My Rabbit Breaks a Leg?

Importantly, don’t panic! If you stay calm, so will your bunny.

Rabbits are prone to a broken leg if they’re dropped or if they fall from somewhere high up. Hind leg fractures are more common in rabbits, probably because they carry most of their bodyweight on their back legs. The most obvious signs of a broken rabbit leg will be your rabbit limping or an open wound if the bone breaks through the skin. If your rabbit is suddenly lame, struggling to move around like usual or has an open fracture wound, call your vet straight away.

Your vet will need to examine your rabbit, but in the meantime, they may suggest some basic first aid before you attempt to take them to the veterinary practice. In these situations, it’s really useful to have a bunny first aid kit to hand that contains all the basic things you may need.

If your rabbit has an open fracture wound, apply gentle constant pressure on the wound with a sterile dressing so the wound doesn’t get contaminated. If you haven’t got a sterile dressing, any clean, absorbable cloth placed over the wound will be a good alternative. Pop your rabbit into a pet carrier with plenty of blankets to keep them comfortable and calm. Then, get your furry friend transported to your vet as soon as you can.

How Will My Vet Treat a Rabbit With a Broken Leg?

Your vet will quickly examine your rabbit to confirm if the leg is broken. If it is, they will sedate your rabbit so they can take an x-ray of the leg. An x-ray will show where and how it is broken. Once your vet knows this, they’ll be able to work out the best treatment for your rabbit.

Possible treatments for a broken rabbit leg include:

• Some non-displaced fractures, i.e., bones that are broken but still aligned correctly, can often be managed without surgery. Your rabbit will need pain medication and cage rest until it has healed completely.
• Simple fractures of the lower limb are often treated using a split bandage. Your vet will make sure the bones in the leg are aligned properly before applying a lightweight splint bandage.
• Multiple fractures will probably be repaired using internal fixation. Pins and plates are used to stabilise the fracture. Internal fixation may be used in combination with a splint. In more complicated cases external fixation may be needed too.
• External fixation is the most commonly used technique for most rabbit fractures, especially fractures of the lower leg. The bones are stabilised internally with pins that then exit the skin creating an external frame. The frame is then covered in a protective bandage.
• Open fractures will need to be carefully examined before treatment can begin. Your rabbit will need antibiotics as the risk of infection with an open fracture is high. The wound will need to be thoroughly cleaned before repair of the bones can begin. Open wounds are common in the front leg because the skin in very thin.
• In very severe cases, it may be necessary to amputate the affected leg. Rabbits cope well on 3 legs if they’re otherwise fit and healthy. If your rabbit has other underlying health problems, it may not be an option and euthanasia may be in your rabbit’s best interest.

Rabbit bones heal quickly. Healing time for most fractures is around 6 to 8 weeks.

Every method has its advantages and disadvantages. The veterinary surgeon looking after your rabbit will discuss the options with you and will suggest the best one depending on the type of fracture.

Do Rabbit Fractures Heal Well?

The answer is generally yes!

If broken bones are examined and treated by your vet quickly after injury, most can be repaired. Rabbits heal quickly because their bones are very small. Prognosis is also good if an appropriate surgical procedure is used. Make sure your vet is rabbit-savvy to get the best treatment possible.

Complications following treatment of a broken leg are a possibility. Here are some problems you could potentially face:

• Longer than normal healing time due to the rabbit not being confined after surgery. Infection and disruption to the blood supply in the leg can also delay healing.
• Failure of the bone to heal is rare but can happen. In these cases, amputation may be the only option. Euthanasia would be the last resort.
• Healing of the bone in an abnormal position (malunion) can lead to deformity and pain when using the leg. Repeat surgeries in rabbits is difficult, so if a rabbit can’t live with the deformity, the limb may need to be amputated.
• Inflammation of the bone (osteomyelitis) can be treated with antibiotics but isn’t always successful. Again, amputation may be the only option in these cases.
• Abscesses are also common in rabbits. These can usually be successfully treated surgically.

Limb fractures are common in rabbits. Knowing what to do in this situation is vital. Get kitted out with a first aid kit for your rabbit so you can administer first aid quickly if needed. And call your vet straight away if you think your bunny has broken a leg.

Rabbits heal quickly, so the quicker they’re treated, the quicker they’ll be back on all fours!

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Lapis – www.vetlexicon.com/treat/lapis

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