I have a question, if this has happened to you please let me know. My daughter's dwarf rabbit was in its cage and I picked her up and was petting her. I had one arm under her and one hand holding her neck area. Then I moved my hand by her neck and she took flight and jumped off of my other arm. She fell, I was sitting on the dining room chair, she fell onto the chair next to me and then on the floor. She at first ran along the side of the wall, then back towards me quite hastly. Then she fell to one side and froze. Her eyes were closed at first and then she opened them but did not move. I scooted her into her little carrying box. I'm just looking for advice, both how to care for her in the next few hours, also if she went into shock or is that something typically rabbits do if they fall? Has it happened to you? Thanks for any help given.
2006-12-29 08:14:41 · 11 answers · asked by Rebecca R 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Oh ya and now it is in its cage, not frozen anymore, but just sitting there. Looking around, moving a little, just watching. Just wanted to clarify that it isnt still frozen like.
2006-12-29 08:23:09 · update #1
Take care to hold your bunny carefully and not too high from the ground because they often will leap from your arms like what happened to you. Because it wasnt a high fall she most likely just got a little dazed, and as long as she seems to be acting fine now I wouldnt worry.
Rabbits have an innate ability thats often called "bunny trancing" where they go into a semi asleep-awake state. This can happen when bunnies are held on their back with their head back (works like a charm to trim bunny nails) and also if they go through some trauma. It is a built in defense mechanism kind of like "playing dead" also, so this is likely what happened to your bunny. She was most likely afraid, and so she didnt want to be further hurt.
I wouldnt worry about it, but do be careful when you hold your bunny, and here is a website about bunny trancing if you are interested: http://www.mnhouserabbit.org/care/trancing.html
Hope this helps.
2006-12-29 08:27:18 · answer #1 · answered by vampira53 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the fall wasn't too high, your rabbit will probably be ok. However, I would recommend that you call your vet (or a local vet hospital) and ask them. Almost all vet hospitals would be happy to give you advice about whether or not your rabbit will need medical attention. A phone call is free, and if it turns out that he should go in to be looked at, I'm sure you'll be happy that you called.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
2006-12-29 13:44:02 · answer #2 · answered by horsegirl22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since she's sitting up on her own, her back isn't broken, which is the major concern with rabbits that have panicked or fallen. She sounds rattled, but she should be fine.
When she starts moving around on her own, check her legs for swelling or pain, and if there's anything severe, like holding her foot at the wrong angle, she'll need a vet.
2006-12-29 08:41:46 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We've lost two rabbits to this same scenario. Both broke different parts of their spine. Check it's feet to see if they're warm or cold (sometimes it's hard to tell if there is damage to the spine). If they're warm and she's able to hobble about, she may just be in shock or have a sprain/strain. If they feel cold and have no reaction to stimuli (try tickling them or lightly running a tweezers over the bottoms of the feet), I'd definitely bring her to the vet...may be spinal damage. Keep track of whether or not she's eating and drinking ...urinating and having stools.
2006-12-29 18:01:01 · answer #4 · answered by BossMare 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, I think you need to either have a look at him yourself or get him to the vet. I know it's murder to pick up a fussy rabbit, especially if he's in the huff like yours probably is. I re-home all my rabbits and most of them are really jumpy to begin with. I take it he has a run if he keeps running away from you?? Do you lock him in his hutch at night or does he go in and out as he pleases?? You could just not let him out one morning until you have time to check him or pick him up. Wait until he backs into a corner of his hutch, then grab him by the scruff of the neck. Don't lift him off the ground. Just hold him for a second, let him see you don't want to hurt him, then pick him up. You can also try to tempt him with treats to come and speak to you, but if he's in the huff this isn't likely to work! You could put some in a rabbit carrier, and wait until he hops in. Or find some way to block him into a corner of the run/hutch and grab him. I have a crate in my run that has a hole on both sides, so the bunnies can run out both ends. Block one end with your foot, but let some light into the box. Wait until he runs into one end, then block the other end. Put a hand in to grab his scruff, then lift the box. I know this all seems a bit cruel but you do need to get a hold of him to check him. It's pretty unlikely that he's broken any teeth if he's still eating hard food, but they can eat without front teeth. He may have chipped one and need them filed. To check his teeth - Wrap him in a towel and leave only his head poking out. Sit him on your lap and tuck him under your arm. Make sure there's plenty of light. Pull back the upper lip - put one finger on either side of the top of his mouth and pull back towards the body. You should be able to see his front teeth. Pull down the bottom lip and have a look there too, please check him gums. If you can get someone to help you, you can pull his mouth open and have a look at the back too, but if he's not used to it it may be a better idea to have the vet do that, if you think anything's up. Also the way he jumped seems a bit funny, I have never heard of a rabbit landing on his face. Mine have landed on their feet, sides, and once flat on her stomach, (legs splayed out) but never on the face. You might want to mention that to the vet if you go. Anyway, best of luck, he will be a huffy bunny for a while but if you can pick him up to have a look it will put your mind at ease.
2016-03-29 00:02:38 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your rabbit is fine, just a little freaked out. If you see any limping or anything really abnormal, you might want to bring her to the vet. Right now just give her some treats and some love.
2006-12-29 09:22:12 · answer #6 · answered by L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should probably get to a vet. Athough she may seem fine now, making sure would be very smart...she could have broken something. Yeah. I would at least call the vet and tell them what had happened.
2006-12-30 06:34:31 · answer #7 · answered by Oh noes! 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
call/visit a vet ASAP
2006-12-29 08:20:19 · answer #8 · answered by lil chicky 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
call your vet, they scare very easily could have been that or could be more serious.
2006-12-29 08:23:53 · answer #9 · answered by jodi s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
aww that poor thing!!! give it a carrot!
2006-12-29 08:19:26 · answer #10 · answered by quizysk8erchick 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋