Rabbit splayed leg problems : Diagnosis & Preventive care Management
Splay leg, also known as hip dysplasia, is a musculoskeletal condition that affects rabbits. Splayed leg means that at least one leg that cannot be retracted into their body.
Splay leg is a descriptive term for a clinical condition in which a rabbit lacks the ability to bring one or multiple legs underneath their body, instead their leg or legs splay outwards. Many reasons have postulated as to what might cause splay leg, including slippery flooring during the initial few weeks of life and genetic inheritance. However, the exact cause of splay leg is often difficult to determine and it is likely most cases are multifactorial. Similar signs can be seen in:
• Spinal trauma • Structural abnormalities • Encephalitzoon cuniculi – a parasite that lives in the brain and spinal cord of rabbits. • Low blood glucose
Splay leg can be confirmed with radiographs (x-rays) which allow us to determine the severity as well as to look at if there are any suitable treatment options. Treatment options depend on the severity and cause of the splay leg but in general often include either surgical options or palliative management with anti-inflammatories and other pain relief if needed. In some very young rabbits strapping or bandaging in certain ways can also help.
It most commonly affects one or both or a rabbit’s hind legs. It can also impact the front legs, though. Some unfortunate bunnies experience the issue in all four limbs.
A rabbit with a single splayed leg can live a normal life. They will need a treatment plan to accommodate their condition, though. Certain lifestyle adjustments will be necessary.
Multiple splayed legs can seriously compromise a bunny’s quality of life. If a rabbit is unable to move, euthanasia is the most humane option.
Splayed legs is the most common of all rabbit deformities. Bunnies born with this condition cannot retract an impacted leg into their body. This leaves a rabbit vulnerable to health concerns. Their functional limbs must carry their full body weight, causing wear and tear on the joints.
This is an inherited congenital disorder. If a rabbit with splayed leg mates, their offspring will likely be born with the condition. Splay leg is often visible from birth. Rabbits rarely develop splayed leg later in life. Injury due to walking on slippery surfaces can cause this, though.
There is no medical or surgical cure for splayed legs. Despite this, it does not need to ruin a bunny’s life. With appropriate lifestyle considerations, the rabbit will live a long, full life.
What Causes Splayed Leg in Rabbits?
It is considered to be an inherited congenital disorder. This means that a parent with the ailment will pass it on to their young. Most rabbits are born with the condition.
It is usually evident from birth. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before it becomes apparent. A baby bunny usually starts hopping before they reach two weeks of age. If they cannot do so, then splayed leg is likely.
Splayed legs in older rabbits are also possible, although this is rare. It requires a great deal of wear and tear to the joints. The condition can be caused by slippery surfaces, though. Wooden or laminated floors are the likeliest culprits.
If a rabbit is unsteady on their feet, their legs will spread as they hop and land. This can take its toll. If the joints are weak, they eventually holding the legs in place.
Also possible, but even less common, is splayed leg as a result of trauma or injury. A severe leg break that is not set correctly may become splayed. The joint will already need to have been severely compromised for this to happen.
What Causes Splay Leg In Rabbits?
Most likely, splayed legs are inherited genetically from the parents of your rabbit. You may not notice it right away, but a few weeks after birth, it becomes evident that there are one to four legs extending outwards at 45-90 degree angles.
The weakened joints can break down further, causing splayed legs to get worse. In other cases splayed legs could occur from:
- Accident
- Injury
- Trauma
More often than not, it is genetic and inherited. A rabbit with weak joints needs to walk on surfaces that are not slippery or slick. Rugs will help with grip compared to slick laminate flooring which could make splayed legs worse.
What are the Signs of Splayed Leg in Rabbits?
Splayed leg is the most visible of all rabbit deformities. The limb will sit at an unnatural angle, at all times. The angle could be anywhere from 45 to 90 degrees.
The other visible sign of splayed leg is that your rabbit will be unable to hop. Their leg will be unable to hold their weight. Instead, they will flop to the ground. The rabbit will wiggle to move around.
Depending on which limbs are impacted, the rabbit may also be unable to stand. Rabbits stand on their hind to get a better look at potential danger. They also stand when begging.
Splayed front legs in rabbits may or may not inhibit this, depending on their severity. Your bunny could topple over, as they find it challenging to balance. Strong functional hind legs are required to stand, though.
Beyond this, a rabbit will appear perfectly content. They will eat and drink as normal – provided the food and water is within reach. Rabbits with splayed legs cannot climb to reach an elevated water bottle.
Caring for a Rabbit with Splayed Legs
A rabbit that lives with splayed legs requires special care and attention. This is not a condition that you can ignore and hope it goes away.
When you learn that your bunny has splayed leg, consider the following:
- The layout of your bunny’s hutch.
- How your rabbit will exercise.
- How your rabbit will stay clean.
Splay leg is not debilitating if you make the appropriate lifestyle accommodations for your bunny. You have to remember, though, that your pet will have some limitations.
How Do You Treat Splay Leg In Rabbits?
Your rabbit’s vet will help to determine the treatment options for splayed leg depending on the severity of the condition. There are many treatment options such as:
- Surgery
- Splinting
- DIY brace
- Palliative management
- Anti inflammatory medication
- Bandaging
Speak with your trusted vet and take the necessary steps to, at the very least, keep your rabbit comfortable and pain free. A rabbit could survive and live with splayed legs without the urgent need for surgery.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the
Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
