Paralyzed Rabbit?

[mir116]

I had a doe die during the night. Yesterday morning she was limp and not moving. Flat on her belly with her legs extended in front and in back of her. I checked her over for wounds or marks. She had a bit of greenish staining by her mouth and a bit of poop smeared to her tail end. She is fed pellets and timothy hay and occasionally pressed blocks of hay to keep her occupied. She almost looked as if her back had been broken broken with how limp and rag-doll like she was. Her eyes were clear, her ears were clean and clear, she was lively the day before, her fur and skin were in excellent shape.

I isolated her and scrubbed the cages, but I would like to know what killed her. None of the other rabbits look sick or out of sorts. SHE didn't look sick before she went limp and died. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

 

[AZ Rabbits]

It sounds like she broke her neck. Could anything have scared her real bad? Sometimes if they get spooked enough from an animal or something, they'll hurt themselves jumping inside the cage. But that's just a guess.

 

[mir116]

Thanks for your reply. Injury was my first thought, but I dismissed it as unlikely and freakish. Maybe not though?

 

[lastfling]

After seeing several of mine go beserk in a exercise pen for no apparent reason, I can see how a neck or back could possibly be broken. I have two 10-12 week old young ones that I had removed from their shared cage to an outdoor fenced area while I cleaned their cage. After cleaning, I sat down and watched them messing around. When I stood up, I evidently startled them and they both when absolutely bonkers, dashing around, throwing theirselves into the wire, etc. It's a wonder either or both of them was n't hurt. I can see show one could break a back / neck, after witnessing that.

 

[Ms. Research]

Hardwired Flight pattern. Their escape. They practice when outside. Usually they throw their bodies against the object to change direction quickly. That's the only defense they have. And they do hurt themselves when in flight. Just like anyone else. Not thinking, just get away.

And lastfling, the reason why they went "bonkers" when stood up, is that is how a predator approaches.


So sorry Mir116 for your loss.

 

[oneacrefarm]

I had a doe die during the night. Yesterday morning she was limp and not moving. Flat on her belly with her legs extended in front and in back of her. I checked her over for wounds or marks. She had a bit of greenish staining by her mouth and a bit of poop smeared to her tail end. She is fed pellets and timothy hay and occasionally pressed blocks of hay to keep her occupied. She almost looked as if her back had been broken broken with how limp and rag-doll like she was. Her eyes were clear, her ears were clean and clear, she was lively the day before, her fur and skin were in excellent shape.

I isolated her and scrubbed the cages, but I would like to know what killed her. None of the other rabbits look sick or out of sorts. SHE didn't look sick before she went limp and died. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

I would guess that she broke her back, it happens more frequently than you might think. One of my friends had one that was running circles in the cage and ran into the cage wall, broke her neck and died with her teeth clenched around the wire... very odd.

Sorry this happened to you....

Shannon

 

[mir116]

Thank you for your replies. As all the other rabbits seem just fine and perky, I think I will chalk her death up to accident. Poor Dogwood.