📚 What Are Paresis and Paralysis?

Paresis refers to partial weakness in a limb, while paralysis means complete loss of movement. In rabbits, this most commonly affects the hind limbs, causing mobility issues, difficulty hopping, or inability to stand.

These neurological signs often indicate serious underlying conditions and should never be ignored. Proper veterinary workup is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

⚠️ Common Causes

• Spinal trauma: falls, collisions, or improper handling causing vertebral fractures or cord damage.
• Spondylosis & osteophytes: age-related spinal bony changes that can impinge nerves.
• Intervertebral disc disease: slipped or herniated discs compressing the spinal cord.
• Neoplasia: spinal tumors or vertebral abscesses.
• Infections/inflammation: spinal abscess, osteomyelitis, or meningitis.
• Vertebral luxation: dislocation from trauma.
• Neurological disease: E. cuniculi causing vestibular and hind-limb paralysis.
• C1–C5 injury: high neck injury leading to front- and hind-limb paresis and neck pain.

🚨 Recognizing Signs

• Hopping difficulty or inability to support hind legs.
• Dragging legs, bunny “scooting,” or crawling instead of hopping.
• Inability to groom rear, leading to grooming neglect or flystrike.
• Hunched posture, vocalizing, or teeth grinding indicating pain.
• Urinary or fecal incontinence.
• Loss of reflexes (withdrawal, patellar) and diminished response to stimuli.

🔍 Diagnostic Approach

• Comprehensive history—onset, progression, possible trauma.
• Full physical and neurological assessment—reflexes, gait, pain response.
• X-rays of spine—assess fractures, spondylosis, luxation.
• Advanced imaging (CT/MRI)—for soft-tissue, cord compression or tumors.
• Blood testing including CBC, biochemistry, and E. cuniculi titer/PCR.
• CSF analysis or culture if suspecting meningitis or spinal infection.

💊 Treatment Options

1. Surgical Management

Urgent fractures, luxations, or compressive lesions may require surgical stabilization or decompression. Neurological signs don’t always reverse post-op—prognosis depends on cause and timing.

2. Medical Care

• Corticosteroids: high-dose dexamethasone or prednisolone to reduce spinal inflammation.
• Pain relief: buprenorphine, meloxicam, tramadol.
• Antimicrobials: appropriate antibiotics for bacterial infection or abscess.
• Anti-parasitics: fenbendazole or albendazole for E. cuniculi infection.

3. Rehabilitation Therapies

• Physiotherapy: passive range-of-motion exercises prevent muscle loss.
• Hydrotherapy: water-assisted movement stimulation.
• Acupuncture & laser therapy: for nerve regeneration and pain control.

4. Supportive Home Care

• Comfortable padded bedding—avoid pressure sores.
• Urine and feces management to prevent soiling and infection.
• Manual bladder expression if needed.
• Syringe meals and hydration support.
• Safe daily supervised assisted mobility sessions.

🔄 Recovery & Prognosis

• Improvement often seen within 7–14 days, though functional recovery may continue months.
• Severe spinal cord injuries or degenerative disease often result in permanent impairment.
• Regular reassessment guides rehabilitation adjustments.
• Some rabbits adapt well to paralysis with supportive care, but quality-of-life evaluation is essential.

📋 Quick Reference Table

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Offer early neuro screening at first sign of weakness—don’t wait until paralysis occurs.
• Encourage diagnostic imaging—surgery may be lifesaving.
• Teach owners assisted mobility techniques to maintain joint health.
• Ensure analgesia and bladder care instruction post-visit.
• Partner with rehab specialists to optimize recovery potential.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Paresis and paralysis in rabbits are urgent health issues that require prompt veterinary attention. Diagnosing and addressing the underlying cause—whether traumatic, infectious, parasitic, or degenerative—is vital. With timely treatment, rehabilitation, and tailored home care, many rabbits can recover partially or adapt well. Quality-of-life assessments guide long-term decisions. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 access to neurological and exotics-vet support for early signs, diagnostics guidance, and rehab planning.
• Woopf: Accessible bedding, bladder care kits, and rehab tool recommendations for home use.
• Purrz: Pain management packs, parasite preventatives, and supplements supportive of neural and joint recovery.