My Rabbit’s Back Legs Have Stopped Working (Weak, Wobbly & Shaking)

Has your rabbit suddenly stopped hopping around with their normal energetic flair? Do their back legs seem weak, wobbly, or paralyzed? This frightening situation demands immediate veterinary attention to identify the cause and quickly implement treatment. In this extensive article, we’ll explore all the potential reasons your rabbit may lose use of their hind legs, from spinal injuries to stroke to painful infections. You’ll learn the detailed anatomy of a rabbit’s powerful back legs and how to safeguard their health. We’ll provide insights into diagnosing hind limb weakness, plus an overview of recovery tactics like surgery, medication, and therapy. With vigilance and proper care, rabbits can bounce back from many causes of hind leg paralysis or impairment. Read on to help your bunny.

How Does a Rabbit Use Their Hind Legs?

Rabbits use their powerful hind legs for locomotion. A rabbit's back legs account for the majority of the force generated when hopping and jumping. When at rest, rabbits often sit with their back legs tucked comfortably beneath them. The strong hind limbs also allow rabbits to stand up on their back feet for brief periods of time so they can reach food or look around. Overall, a rabbit's back legs play a crucial role in movement and are essential for their health and survival.

Rabbit Hind Legs Anatomy

A rabbit's hind legs contain several important structures:

Hips – The hips are ball-and-socket joints that connect the back legs to the spine. They provide flexibility and range of motion.

Thighs – The thighs contain large muscle groups that propel the rabbit's jumps and kicks.

Knees – The stifle joint connects the thigh to the lower leg and functions like a knee.

Lower legs – Contain the gastrocnemius muscle which controls foot and toe flexion.

Hocks – The tarsal joint, similar to an ankle in humans. Connects the lower leg to the foot.

Feet – Rabbits have 4 toes on each back foot. The toes help provide traction and absorb shock.

Nails – Rabbits have 4 nails on each back foot that help them grip the ground.

All these structures work together to make a rabbit's back legs strong, flexible, and perfectly designed for leaping and running.

Rabbits Feet

A rabbit's back feet contain 4 long toes. Each toe has a claw or nail on the end. The 4 nails on each foot help provide traction so rabbits can move well on most surfaces.

The toes on a rabbit's back feet are connected by webbing made of skin and tissue. This webbing allows them to spread their toes wide to gain stability. It also creates more surface area for better traction.

The soles of a rabbit's back feet are covered in thick fur to help cushion landings when hopping and jumping. There are also fat pads on the bottom of their feet for shock absorption.

A rabbit's toes and feet play a key role in their powerful hind leg function. The specialized structures of the feet provide the grip and stability needed for a rabbit's active lifestyle.

Rabbits Thighs

The thighs make up the upper hind legs of a rabbit. They contain large muscle groups that control extension and flexion of the legs.

Key thigh muscles include:

Biceps femoris – located at the back of the thigh, this thick muscle flexes the knee joint.
Quadriceps – group of 4 muscles on the front of the thighs that straighten the knee.
Adductor muscles – inner thigh muscles that pull legs inward.
Gracilis – thin superficial muscle that adducts, flexes and rotates the thigh.

Proper functioning of the thigh muscles is essential for a rabbit to be able to jump powerfully, kick strongly, and lift their body weight up on their hind legs. The thighs contain fast-twitch fibers that provide explosive strength needed for quick sprints and evading predators.

Keeping the thigh muscles strong helps protect rabbits from injury and ensures their legs function properly throughout their lifetime.

Rabbits Legs

A rabbit's hind legs are perfectly adapted for speed, agility, and powerful jumping ability. Here are some key features:

The entire leg is muscular and lean, providing strength and stamina.
Long thigh bones and calf bones give them an expanded range of motion.
Knee and ankle joints are flexible and mobile.
Toes are elongated to aid in gripping surfaces andprovide thrust.
Webbing between toes enables good traction.
Feet and lower legs are furry to help absorb impact.
Hind legs are slightly longer than forelegs, tilting the body for speed.
Legs are angled to place the feet directly under the body for optimal propulsion.
Hind leg muscles are proportionately very large and specialized for explosive power.

The anatomy of a rabbit's hind legs allows them to run up to 25-35 mph in short bursts, jump over 4 feet high, and quickly change direction with agility. Their powerful back legs are key to their survival in the wild and their energetic nature as pets.

My Rabbit Has Hurt Their Back Leg

If your rabbit has injured one of their back legs, it's important to restrict their activity and have a veterinarian examine them. Some signs of a back leg injury in rabbits include:

Not putting weight on the leg or holding it up off the ground.
Obvious limping when trying to hop or walk.
Swelling, bruising, cuts, or deformity of the hips, thighs, knees, or feet.
Squeaking or vocalizing when the leg is touched.
Licking excessively at the injured leg.
Reduced appetite due to pain.
Hunched posture instead of sitting upright.

The exact treatment will depend on the nature of the injury. For sprains or fractures, the leg may need to be splinted and the rabbit confined to a small space to restrict movement during initial healing. Pain medication is often prescribed.

If the skin is broken, antibiotics may be needed to prevent infection. For severe fractures or dislocations, surgery could be required.

With proper treatment, many back leg injuries heal well. But get veterinary care right away if your rabbit hurts their leg to avoid complications. Restrict activity and monitor them closely during recovery.

My Rabbit Has a Broken Hind Leg

If your rabbit suffers a broken back leg, it's a veterinary emergency. Fractures need to be stabilized quickly to start the healing process and prevent complications like lasting deformities.

Signs of a broken hind leg in rabbits include:

Extreme reluctance to put any weight on the leg.
Severe swelling around the break.
Obvious bending or twisting of the leg in an unnatural position.
Possible protrusion of bone through the skin.
Excessive vocalization when the leg is approached or touched.
Aggressive biting if the painful leg is contacted.
Trembling from pain and shock.

The most common rabbit leg fractures occur at the hips or femur. Treatment involves gently immobilizing the leg with a splint or cast. Pain medication is given, and cage rest is enforced. Surgery may be done for complicated or open fractures.

Strict cage rest continues for several weeks until the bone shows healing on x-rays. With patience and proper care, rabbits can recover fully from a broken back leg. But prompt veterinary treatment is vital to the recovery process.

My Rabbit is Wobbly on Their Back Legs

If your rabbit seems unsteady or wobbly on their hind legs, it indicates a problem with balance, strength, or coordination. Some potential causes include:

Arthritis – Degenerative joint changes make walking painful and unsteady.
Spinal injury – Damage to the spinal cord impacts nerve supply to the back legs.
Inner ear infection – Disrupts their sense of balance and equilibrium.
Muscle weakness – Can result from malnutrition or certain diseases.
Neurological issues – Spinal cord or brain disease affects nerve impulses to the legs.
Bone fracture or dislocation in a leg, hip, or hock.
Low blood sugar – Lack of glucose makes rabbits weak and shaky all over.

Wobbly back leg symptoms may begin subtly but gradually worsen over time. Evaluation by a rabbit-savvy vet will pinpoint the cause and appropriate treatment. Common treatments include pain medication, physical therapy, addressing underlying illness, or orthopedic surgery if needed. With proper care, many rabbits can regain their normal hind leg function.

My Rabbit’s Back Legs are Twitching and Shaking

If your rabbit's hind legs are trembling, twitching, or shaking, it's often a sign of pain or nerve problems. Causes include:

Arthritis or joint degeneration often initially causes subtle trembling of the legs.
Dental disease like tooth roots painfully impinging on nerves can cause leg twitching.
Spinal issues like a slipped disc press on nerves and cause shaking.
Injuries like bone fractures or muscle tears are very painful and cause tremors.
Abscesses or infected wounds on the feet or legs cause reflex shaking and twitching.
Urinary tract infections make the hindquarters tender and legs shaky.
Nerve damage to the lower back and legs results in uncontrollable tremors.

Any trembling or shaking of a rabbit's back legs warrants medical investigation. Anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief are often prescribed while identifying the root cause. Addressing the source issue is key to stopping the leg shaking long term.

My Rabbit’s Back Legs are Not Moving

When a rabbit stops moving their back legs, it indicates a serious medical issue requiring emergency veterinary care. Causes of sudden hind leg paralysis include:

Spinal cord injury – Fractures, disc damage, or trauma can severely injure the spinal cord.
Stroke or blood clot – Lack of blood flow damages the nerves leading to the hind legs.
Severe degenerative joint disease – End-stage arthritis locks up the leg joints.
Broken back or hips – Fractures make using the legs impossible.
Dislocated knees or ankles – Bones displaced from joints impair leg function.
Abscess or hematoma – Compresses nerves supplying the hind legs.
Tumor – Cancer pressing on spinal cord or nerves in the legs.
Poisoning – Certain toxins attack the nervous system controls to the legs.
Bacterial infection – Diseases like pasteurella can affect nerves.

Total loss of leg function is a dire sign demanding immediate veterinary assessment and treatment. Underlying causes like spinal damage may be irreversible. But some issues, like blood clots or fluid buildup, can potentially be treated effectively if addressed very rapidly at the onset of symptoms.

What Causes Sudden Hind Leg Paralysis in Rabbits?

It can be very frightening to have a rabbit suddenly lose function of their back legs and suffer paralysis. This is a veterinary emergency. Some potential causes include:

Intervertebral disc disease – Ruptured discs put pressure on the spinal cord.
Broken back – Fractures of the vertebrae cause severe spinal cord trauma.
Stroke or blood clot – Blockages cut off blood supply to the hind leg nerves.
Dislocated vertebra – Bones shift out of place and pinch nerves.
Spinal or pelvic tumors – Cancerous growths compress the spinal cord.
Abscess or hematoma – Fluid buildup on the spinal cord.
Aortic thromboembolism – Blood clot lodges at the base of the aorta.
Severe arthritis – End-stage joint degeneration limits leg movement.
Toxin exposure – Lead, zinc phosphide, or plant toxins affect nerves.
Bacterial infection – Pasteurella, listeria, or E. Cuniculi infect the CNS.
Traumatic injury – Blows or violent movements that severely damage the spinal cord.

Sudden paralysis of a rabbit's back legs is a true emergency. Prompt veterinary diagnosis is essential to determine if any treatment or surgery can restore function.

How is Sudden Hind Leg Paralysis in Rabbits Treated?

Treatment options for sudden paralysis of a rabbit's back legs depend on the underlying cause:

Broken back – Stabilize with surgery or braces. Reshape bone fragments, fuse vertebrae. Targeted rest and physical therapy may restore some function over time.
Herniated disc – Relieve pressure on spinal cord via medication, surgery, or steroids. Cage rest, laser therapy, acupuncture may aid recovery.
Stroke – Thrombolytic drugs, anti-inflammatories. Remove any blockage surgically if possible. Physical therapy helps strengthen legs.
Spinal tumor – Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy as warranted to stop tumor growth. Prednisone reduces swelling on cord.
Infection – Antibiotics or antifungals to resolve infection pressing on spinal cord or nerves.
Arthritis – Pain control, joint fluid modifiers, NSAIDs, weighted shoes on feet help use legs.
Abscess – Drain accumulated pus surgically. Medication to prevent recurrence.

Regaining leg function depends on the severity of spinal or nerve damage. But prompt treatment gives rabbits the best chance of recovery from sudden hind leg paralysis.

My Rabbit is Dragging Their Back Leg

If your rabbit is dragging one of their hind legs instead of lifting it normally, it indicates nerve damage or muscle weakness. Common causes include:

Spinal injury – Harm to the spinal cord impacts nerves that control leg motion.
Stroke or blood clot – Limits nerve signals getting through to the leg.
Nerve damage from degenerative disc disease.
Broken hips or legs – Make lifting the leg too painful.
Dislocated knee, ankle, or hip joint.
Abscess or tumor – Puts pressure on spinal nerves.
Bumblefoot – Painful infection on the foot.
Arthritis – Makes joints too stiff to flex properly.
Muscle atrophy due to inactivity or poor nutrition.
Birth defect impacting normal leg development.

If a rabbit starts dragging their leg, exam by an experienced rabbit vet is needed. X-rays help diagnose spinal issues, fractures, and bone alignment. Bloodwork screens for problems like infection or diabetes. MRI may be needed to see spinal cord or nerve damage. With proper treatment, some rabbits can regain strength, though severe spinal injuries may not resolve.

My Rabbit is Limping

A limping rabbit is favoring one hind leg due to pain or discomfort. Some common causes of limping include:

Sprains or muscle strains – Overstretching causes microtears in muscle fibers.
Arthritis – Swelling and stiffness make joints tender.
Fractures or dislocations of the hips, knees, or ankles.
Abscess on the feet – Very painful.
Sore hocks – Ulcers on the heels.
Overgrown nails – Dig into tissue causing pain.
Foreign object stuck in the paw – Like a foxtail seed.
Bumblefoot – Staphylococcal infection on the feet.
Tumor or cyst on leg bones or joints.
Gastrocnemius contracture – Shortening of the calf muscle.

Limping that persists more than a day or two warrants veterinary evaluation. Pain medication, rest, bandaging, and physical therapy help treat limping based on the cause. Underlying issues like arthritis may require lifelong management. Often a rabbit’s limp will resolve with proper treatment.

My Rabbit Can’t Stand Up

If a rabbit can't stand up on their back legs, it suggests major muscle weakness or neurological dysfunction. Causes include:

Broken hips or legs – Fractures make standing impossible.
Spinal injury – Nerve impingement impairs motor function.
Degenerative disc disease – Nerve compression in back immobilizes legs.
Stroke – Impacts brain signals that control leg muscles.
Severe arthritis – Locks up joints in the hips and knees.
Abscess or cyst – Compresses spinal cord.
Tumor – Along spine impairs nerve function.
Infection – Affecting the central nervous system.
Botulism – Paralytic illness.
Calcium deficiency – Depletes muscles.
Obesity – Makes standing difficult.

Diagnostics like radiographs, bloodwork, and MRI help determine the cause. Treatment focuses on pain relief, resolving any infection, surgery if needed, and physical therapy exercises. With a diligent recovery process, some rabbits can stand again, depending on the severity and location of the damage.

Does Arthritis Impact a Rabbit’s Back Legs?

Yes, arthritis frequently affects the back legs of rabbits, causing pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. Some signs of arthritis in a rabbit's hindquarters include:

Reluctance to hop up on things or difficulty doing so.
Lagging behind or slowing down during zoomies.
Subtle limping or gait changes.
Bit of trembling in the legs when standing.
Sitting in a hunched posture.
Sensitivity or aggression if back legs are touched.
Muscle atrophy from disuse of sore limbs.
Appetite changes due to discomfort.
Licking painful joints.
Increased periods of resting and inactivity.

As rabbit arthritis progresses, joints swell, range of motion decreases, and legs become weaker. Arthritis isn't curable but can be managed. Exercise, glucosamine supplements, pain medication, weight control, massage, and therapy aid rabbits with arthritic back legs.

What is Hip Dysplasia in Rabbits?

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative orthopedic condition where the hip sockets develop abnormally, leading to painful arthritis. Signs include:

Slight limping or bunny hopping with back legs.
Sitting in a splayed position due to hip discomfort.
Reluctance to hop up or down from levels.
Lagging behind during zooms or play.
Grating noise from hips when moving.
Muscle loss in thighs.
Enlarged hip area as joint degenerates.
Licking of the hip region.
Biting if hips are touched