Rabbits are perfectly
fine pets with blindness, deafness, paralysis,
amputation, etc. Euthanasia should be a last resort
when someone can give good care and attention. Even
when rabbits have a piece missing from an ear, they are
sometimes considered less than perfect and passed over
in a shop or shelter.
A three legged rabbit
gets around fine and even paralyzed bunnies have good
lives with their people and other rabbit friends. The
internet is full of wonderful stories and I have several
links to them from people who have cared to share their
experiences at the bottom of this page.
What
you need to know:
-
It's a
commitment
of time and energy to care for a rabbit. If you can't,
then perhaps you know someone who can help or who would
be willing to take on a disabled rabbit.
-
Bring the bunny in the
house if it is a hutch rabbit!
-
Bedding: Get a couple of faux lamb's wool
baby size blankets and cheap soft towels.
-
Litter Box: Be sure the litter box is
accessible or cut down one side of a cat box.
-
Forget the Cage, if you can. Get a good
size cat or dog pillow bed (instead of a cage) that's
washable.
-
Food & Water: Make sure
food, hay and water are close enough to reach.
-
Buy rabbit shampoo
(specifically for rabbits!) in case you need to
clean up the rabbit's rear. Make sure there are no
flies in the rabbit's area
-
Sore Hocks: Get bag balm ointment (in the
green tin at a drug store) to use for sore hocks, raw
skin, etc. Be alert for signs of sores on the bottom of
the rabbit's feet.
-
Get
"Critical Care"
prescribed from
www.oxbowhay.com
through your vet so you have it on hand in case the
rabbit looses its appetite or isn't getting enough
nutrition. Also, baby food like Gerber's carrots, etc.
can help.
-
Take the Temperature and keep a bag of
peas in the freezer in case the rabbit gets a
temperature and needs to be cooled down. Lay the rabbit
over the bag on its stomach for a few minutes.
-
Syringe Feed: Keep syringes handy for
feeding if necessary.
-
Monitor Everything: Monitor intake of food
and water and switch to alfalfa pellets and hay to keep
weight on. Be sure the bunny doesn't get dehydrated.
-
Grooming: Help the
rabbit with other grooming such as brushing with a soft
brush. Trim fur around the rabbit's bottom to help keep
clean if needed.
-
Activity: Put the rabbit where there is
activity, but not where there is a lot of constant loud
noise. Keep the rabbit out of drafts and too much heat!
They may not be able to move to a better spot
themselves.
-
Get a Companion Rabbit: Consider getting
an older rabbit companion who is calm and would be good
for companionship, affection and keeping the disabled
bunny mentally stimulated.
