What Causes Splayed Legs in Rabbits?

Have you ever seen a rabbit with legs splayed outwards like a frog? This painful condition called “splay leg” sadly afflicts thousands of pet bunnies each year. Splay leg robs rabbits of their natural hopping ability, leaving them disabled and depressed. You’ll learn the warning signs to watch for, like awkward sitting postures and fur loss. We’ll explore whether splay leg leads to other health issues over time and what caregivers can do to improve life quality for affected rabbits. You’ll discover the prognosis for recovery and why amputation is a last resort. Get the facts on this common rabbit health problem!

What is Splay Leg in Rabbits?

Splay leg, also known as spraddle leg, is a condition in rabbits where their legs are splayed outwards instead of being held under the body in the normal position. It is caused by a problem with the nerves and muscles in the legs and hips that prevents the rabbit from pulling its legs inwards under itself. Splay leg causes the rabbit's legs to stick out to the side which prevents them from hopping and moving properly. It is a relatively common condition in newborn rabbits under 3 weeks old. However, it can occasionally affect older rabbits too. Splay leg ranges in severity with some rabbits only mildly affected while others can have their legs splayed out at 180 degrees angle. The more severe the splay leg is, the more disabled the rabbit becomes in terms of mobility.

What Causes Splayed Leg in Rabbits?

There are several potential causes of splay leg in rabbits:

• Genetics – Some rabbit breeds are genetically prone to splay leg, including the Netherland Dwarf, Britannia Petite and Jersey Wooly breeds. The genetic cause relates to weakened hip and leg muscles.

• Injury – Direct trauma to the hips or legs can damage the muscles, nerves or growth plates leading to splay leg developing.

• Nutritional Deficiencies – Lack of sufficient vitamin E, calcium or phosphorus in the doe's diet can contribute to splay leg in the kits. These nutrients are vital for muscle, nerve and bone development in bunnies.

• Obesity – An overweight doe has increased risk of birthing kits with splay leg as excess fat can physically interfere with normal positioning of the kits in the womb.

• Breeding Age – Very young does who are still growing themselves often birth litters with higher rates of splay leg. Their pelvic muscles may not be fully developed.

• Large Litter Size – The more kits in a litter, the higher risk of splay leg occurring as the kits have restricted room in utero.

• Birth Difficulties – Kits can develop splay leg if they are awkwardly positioned in the birth canal too long during kindling.

• Slippery Surfaces – Newborn rabbits can splay their legs if the nest box has a slippery plastic or metal floor rather than bedding.

• Cold Temperatures – Chilled kits lose muscle control more easily leading to legs splaying outward.

So in summary, splay leg arises from genetic, nutritional, birthing and environmental factors that place mechanical or developmental stress on the kits' legs.

What are the Signs of Splayed Leg in Rabbits?

There are some clear signs and symptoms that indicate a rabbit is suffering from splay leg:

• Legs Splayed Outward – The most obvious sign is that the rabbit's legs are sticking out sideways rather than tucked under the body. The degree of splaying can vary.

• Lack of Leg Control – Affected rabbits appear unable to pull their legs back inwards to a normal position. The legs resist manipulation.

• Sitting Posture – As they cannot retract the legs, they sit with a "frog-like" posture and often lean to one side.

• Lack of Hopping – With splayed legs, rabbits cannot hop or walk properly. They will drag themselves along using their front legs.

• Fur Loss – The points on the rabbit's body where the splayed legs make contact can suffer fur loss from the constant contact and friction.

• Reluctance to Nurse – Young kits with splay leg struggle to suckle in a normal hunched posture so may nurse less.

• URI Risk – As they cannot move away, soiled bedding around splayed legs raises risk of flystrike and urine scald.

• Pressure Sores – Prolonged pressure on bony protrusions like hips and knees can cause ulcerated sores.

If you notice a rabbit with any legs sticking out to the side abnormally, it requires immediate veterinary diagnosis and treatment for the best outcome. Don't delay.

Are Splayed Legs Painful for Rabbits to Live With?

The question of whether splayed legs actually cause pain for rabbits has not been conclusively answered. However, veterinarians suspect there are both painful and non-painful elements to the condition:

• Joint Discomfort – Having hips and knees continually splayed outward puts unnatural stress on the joints that likely leads to soreness and pain, especially in severe splay leg.

• Muscle Spasms – The abnormal positioning of the legs commonly causes painful muscle spasms and cramps as the body attempts to correct the leg positioning.

• Leg Paralysis – In some cases, nerves damaged by splay leg cause partial paralysis and loss of sensation in the limbs, so pain is reduced.

• Pressure Sores – Open sores that develop from friction at leg contact points would be very painful for the rabbit until they heal.

• Fear & Anxiety – Being unable to flee from perceived dangers is stressful for prey animals like rabbits so may induce psychosomatic pains.

• GI Stasis – The discomfort and stress of splay leg can trigger digestive upset and gut stasis which is extremely painful.

• Well Tolerated – Rabbits born with severe splay leg often seem to tolerate the abnormal positioning quite well, perhaps having adapted to it in utero already.

So while the degree of pain will depend on factors like the severity, cause and age at onset, it seems likely most rabbits with splayed legs endure at least some discomfort, if not severe pain. Aggressive supportive care helps minimize their suffering.

Does Splay Leg Lead to Health Problems for Rabbits?

Splay leg itself is a health problem but it also leads to secondary health issues if left untreated:

• Pressure Sores – Open sores can form over bony areas like hips, knees and heels from friction and prolonged pressure against the ground. These are vulnerable to infection.

• Limb Paralysis – The nerve damage of splay leg can progress to partial or full paralysis of the affected limbs. The limbs may become useless.

• Urinary Issues – The soiled fur and skin around splayed legs is prone to urine scalding, leading to potential UTIs. Incontinent rabbits may develop flystrike.

• Muscle Atrophy – Disuse of the splayed legs causes the muscles to waste away over time, worsening weakness and mobility.

• Obesity – Lack of exercise when a rabbit loses hopping ability often leads to excessive weight gain and fat deposits.

• GI Stasis – The pain and stress of splay leg can suppress appetite and gut motility, bringing potentially fatal stasis episodes.

• Bone Deformities – Abnormal forces on the leg bones may cause progressive malformations of the joints or angular limb deformities over time.

• Decubital Abscesses – Where pressure sores penetrate deep, internal abscesses with secondary systemic infection can develop.

• Depression – The inability to move normally plus chronic pain often leads to sadness and behavioral despair.

So splay leg allows exposure to numerous other health issues. Prompt treatment and scrupulous nursing care is required to avoid these secondary conditions when possible.

How is Splay Leg in Rabbits Treated?

While the outlook for severe splay leg is guarded, there are various treatment approaches veterinarians may use:

• Limb Manipulation – Gentle full range-of-motion exercises on the legs to maintain joint mobility. Care must be taken not to tear muscles.

• Splinting – Custom splints may be constructed to stabilize leg positions and prevent further splaying. These require diligent monitoring.

• Physical Therapy – Passive movements, massage and hydrotherapy can improve strength and nerve function.

• Vitamin Supplements – Vitamin E, calcium and phosphorus supplements support muscle, nerve and bone development.

• Antibiotics – Used both topically and systemically to treat and prevent secondary skin infections or abscesses.

• Anti-inflammatories – Reduce joint inflammation and pain levels to encourage mobility.

• Surgery – Severe splay leg may require specialist surgeries to realign growth plates or fuse joints.

• Hobbles – Loops connecting legs may hold them in a more natural position under the body. Care is needed not to overly restrict movement.

• Cart – Custom wheeled carts allow disabled rabbits to move around when there is permanent leg paralysis or deformity.

• Euthanasia – For the minority of very severe untreatable cases with a grave prognosis, humane euthanasia may be considered on veterinary advice to end suffering.

The best outcomes occur when splay leg treatment begins as early as possible, ideally in the first week of life before contractures set in. Physical therapy and splinting have the best success.

Caring for a Rabbit with Splayed Legs

Caring for a rabbit with splayed legs requires diligent nursing care along with any veterinary treatments:

• Keep Clean – Gently wash soiled fur and blot dry. Avoid soaking bandages. Apply antibiotic and anti-inflammatory creams to sores. Keep nails trimmed.

• Soft Bedding – Provide thick padding in resting areas to prevent pressure sores. Change bedding frequently.

• Skin Protection – Use medical wraps or?booties?on feet and legs to minimize chafing. Wrap bandages lightly to avoid restricting circulation. Apply cornstarch powder to dry irritations.

• Monitor Urine – Check fur and skin for urine scalding twice daily. Clean affected areas immediately. Watch for fly eggs.

• Encourage Movement – With supervision, allow gentle roaming to stimulate and exercise leg muscles. Massage and passively flex limbs.

• Supportive Slings – Use rolled towels under the belly to provide stability for standing, eating and grooming.

• Pain Control – Administer pediatric ibuprofen or other analgesics as vet prescribed for pain relief.

• Appetite Stimulation – Tempt the anorexic rabbit with sweet hay and fresh greens. Assist feeding if needed. Give gut motility drugs.

• Mobility Aids – Provide ramps, mats and pens with low borders for easier maneuvering on splayed legs.

With attentive patient care at home and physician treatments, you give your rabbit the best chance of adapting to disability from splay leg deformities.

The Home Environment of a Rabbit with Splayed Leg

There are some important considerations when setting up the home environment for a pet rabbit with splayed legs:

• Enclosure Size – Allow more floor space for a disabled rabbit to move around. Remove upper levels they can no longer access.

• Non-Slip Surfaces – Cover slick floors with anti-slip rugs and mats. Ensure good traction for any mobility aids.

• Limited Barriers – Lower the sides on exercise pens and block access to stairs. Disable baby gates they could get trapped behind.

• Wide Doors – Widen cage doors and entrances so the rabbit can drag themselves through without snagging splayed legs.

• Raised Items – Use steps, platforms and cushions to raise food, water and litter boxes up off the floor closer to the rabbit.

• Hideaways – Provide a box or overturned basket as a dark hideaway when the rabbit needs to feel safe and secure.

• Protected Cables – Split plastic tubing lengthwise to thread over and insulate any exposed electrical cords.

• Textured Walkways – Arrange strips of different textured rugs and runners to create a?path?between key areas.

• Location – Select a quiet location away from household chaos and other pets. Block access to potential hazards.

• Climate Control – Maintain a comfortable temperature range. Provide cooling tiles andair conditioning in hot weather.

With some simpleadjustments, you can create a safe,enriching space for a rabbit living with splayed legs. The easier you make their environment to navigate, the happier your pet will be.

The Exercise Regime of a Rabbit with Splayed Leg

Exercise for a rabbit with splayed legs helps maintain muscle tone and joint mobility. But it requires an adapted regime:

• Passive Movements – Gently flex and extend all limbs through full range of motion. Provide light resistance during flexion exercises.

• Massage – Knead leg muscles and joints lightly. Improves circulation. Use soothing oils like lavender oil.

• Assisted Walking – Support the rabbit's back end as they move forward. Encourage as much voluntary stepping as able.

• Swimming – Water buoyancy allowseasy leg movements. Ensure supervised sessions in shallow, tepid water.

• Cart – Use a dog-style wheeled cart secured around the torso to enable mobile rabbits to get exercise via their front legs.

• Floor Play – Allow short supervised play times on padded floor mats. Limit activity before exhaustion sets in.

• Mental Stimulation – Work the mind with trick training, hide treats in paper balls, provide household objects to manipulate.

• Leash Walks – For outdoor time, use a figure-8 leash and harness to prevent bolting on splayed legs. Go at their pace.

• Yard Time – Fence a small grassy yard area for fresh air and grazing on mild days. Add ramps to access.

• Socialization – Interact frequently. Allow visiting bonded rabbit friends. Stay vigilant for any aggression.

Creative exercise keeps muscles activated and the mind engaged. Combine physical, mental and social activities for a well-rounded regime suited to their abilities.

Grooming and Cleaning a Rabbit with Splayed Leg

Rabbits with splayed legs need close attention to grooming and hygiene:

• Spot Cleaning – Check fur and skin for urine scalding twice daily. Gently wash soiled areas and blot dry. Apply antibiotic creams to irritated spots.

• Fur Brushing – Thoroughly but gently groom the coat daily. Avoid excessive pressure over bony prominences.

• Nail Trimming – Keep nails nicely trimmed to prevent scratches if feet drag. Take care not to cut quick.

• Sanitizing – Use pet-safe sanitizing wipes or disinfectants labelled safe for animal use to wipe down mobility aids or other equipment.

• Bath Time – Give the occasional shallow lukewarm bath with mild pet shampoo to clean the coat, feet and undercarriage. Dry immediately.

• Massage – While drying the fur, provide some gentle therapeutic massage around the hips and legs.

• Skin Protection – Use medical foam wraps or?booties? on the feet to minimize irritation. Apply cornstarch powder to dry areas prone to chafing.

• Pressure Sores – Check skin closely for reddened areas or sores. Treat promptly to resolve infection and discomfort.

• Hygiene Aids – Slings, absorbent pads and urinary diapers can help maintain cleanliness around impaired rear legs.

• Eye Wash – Clear any eye discharge daily with sterile saline solution on cotton balls to prevent infections.

With some reasonable accommodations, good hygiene is quite achievable for rabbits despite restricted mobility from splay leg.

What is the Prognosis for a Rabbit with Splayed Leg?

The prognosis for a rabbit with splay leg depends greatly on the severity of the condition and how soon treatment is initiated:

• Mild Cases – Rabbits with only slightly splayed hind legs may fully recover normal limb function if splinted early before 3 weeks old.

• Moderate Cases – Splinting and physical therapy can improve function but some lifelong disability is likely with moderately splayed legs.

• Severe Cases – Permanent splaying approaching 180? often causes lasting disability and arthritis despite treatment attempted later in life.

• Paralysis – If splay leg injures the sciatic nerves leading to leg paralysis, recovery is very poor and euthanasia may be considered.

• Young Rabbits – Babies splinted in first week of life have better prognosis as bones and joints are still pliable.

• Older Rabbits – The outlook declines as contracture of connective tissues and osteoarthritis develops over time. Still, function can often be improved.

• Obese Rabbits – Carrying excess weight stresses the malformed joints, slowing rehabilitation progress.

• Owner Commitment – Dedicated owners who diligently follow exercise, therapy and medical recommendations achieve the best results.

While the long term effects of splay leg cannot always be fully reversed, most rabbits have an improved quality of life with committed care and adaptations.

Will My Rabbit Need to Have Their Splayed Leg Amputated?

• Amputation of a splayed rabbit leg is a very rare last resort. Veterinarians will make every effort to salvage the limb first via other treatments. There are several reasons amputation is avoided:

• Pain – Amputating a rabbit's leg is a very invasive, painful procedure requiring weeks for surgical recovery. Pain management needs to be robust post-op.

• Impaired Hopping – Removing one hind leg severely impacts a rabbit's natural hopping gait and ability to run at speed. Their mobility will be seriously compromised.

• Spinal Compensation – With a missing limb, more asymmetric pressure on the spine can lead to spinal joint degeneration and vertebral instability.

• Pressure Sores – Rabbits rely heavily on all four limbs to distribute body weight evenly. Amputation places more pressure on the remaining limbs, increasing risks of pododermatitis and pressure necrosis.

• Organ Strain – Hopping on three legs instead of four increases demands on the cardiovascular system and lungs. Rabbits with underlying conditions may decompensate.

• Fall Risk – Balance is impaired with three legs, making the rabbit prone to slips and falls that could further injure the spine or remaining legs.

• Obesity – Reduced exercise capability frequently leads to unhealthy weight gain post-amputation.

• Remaining Splay Leg – Amputating one splayed leg does not fix splay leg affecting the other legs.

So amputation creates significant new challenges for rabbits. Therefore it will only be advised as an absolute last resort for a non-functional leg that cannot be salvaged by other medical or surgical treatments.

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