Why is my rabbit not standing up?

Floppy Bunny Syndrome is a condition that usually presents with acute onset of generalised weakness or flaccid paralysis of the body, resulting in the rabbit’s inability to hop around or, in severe cases, not do anything but lie on their sides.

Paresis is defined as slight or partial paralysis. Unfortunately, companion rabbits sometimes suffer paresis of the hind limbs that makes them unable to stand with those legs, and to locomote normally. For a complete overview of this condition, read Hind Limb Weakness in the Rabbit by Susan Brown, D.V.M.

Signs that a rabbit is near death include Refusing to eat, an unusual level of lethargy, difficulty breathing, or a sudden change in vital signs. A rabbit should have a body temperature between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a heart rate between 180 and 250 beats per minute.

A rare condition sometimes associated with rabbits diagnosed with Floppy Bunny Syndrome caused by Low potassium in the blood. This may be due to malabsorption or low dietary level of potassium. A decrease in body temperature, often a secondary complication to many conditions, from gut stasis to spinal trauma.

At first, you may need to lure your bunny into the standing position. You can do this by Holding the treat above them, so they have to stand up to reach it. Mark the correct behavior in some way, such as by saying “yes!” and give your bunny the treat.

The prognosis for FRS is guarded to good. Many cases recover within a week with intensive nursing care, regardless of treatments administered. Unfortunately Some cases can die from respiratory failure.

Nursing care can consist of hydration (fluids either via an IV drip, orally or by injection), feeding (syringe feeding with critical care every 2-6 hours – 60ml of the made-up solution per kg of body weight per 24hours), hygiene (changing of bedding every 2 hours or as needed), movement (changing of position and …

Subtle signs of illness in a rabbit vary and can include:

• Slow movement, staying still or hiding away.
• Breathing faster than usual or noisy breathing.
• Eating less and/or refusing certain foods.
• A change in thirst levels.
• Producing less stool or producing stool that looks different to normal.

Subtle signs of illness in a rabbit vary and can include:

• Slow movement, staying still or hiding away.
• Breathing faster than usual or noisy breathing.
• Eating less and/or refusing certain foods.
• A change in thirst levels.
• Producing less stool or producing stool that looks different to normal.

A scared rabbit Will display fear through hiding, vocalizing, thumping, and breathing heavily. This may be accompanied by freezing behavior or shaking. Rabbits show fear when they feel in danger for their life or general well-being.

Rabbits will lay down on their side or stomach, with their back feet and tail stretched out behind them. The rabbit will either keep their head upright or rest it down in front of them by their front paws. Their eyes can be either open or closed.

The hutch should be raised off the ground on legs to repel predators and prevent the base becoming sodden wet. The roof should be sloping to allow rain run off and covered with roofing felt to keep the hutch watertight.

Fortunately, if you notice a baby out of the nest box, or an entire litter that is cold, Sometimes you can resuscitate baby bunnies, even if they look cold and lifeless.

One side of his face will droop, he may drool, and one eye may not function properly. He may not move normally or may move in circles. Function usually will slowly return over a period of months. Almost three years after a stroke, one of my rabbits has only a slight tilt to his head, unnoticeable, unless pointed out.