What is floppy bunny syndrome?

Floppy Rabbit Syndrome (FRS) is considered an acute neurological condition characterised by a sudden inability to hop around. The muscles of the legs and sometimes the neck are flaccid. FRS remains a poorly understood diagnosis in rabbits, with research ongoing in an attempt to identify an inciting cause.

Can rabbits recover from floppy bunny syndrome?

Supportive Care

Floppy Bunny Syndrome is a horrible condition that comes on quickly; however, with the proper tests and treatment, many rabbits can survive and make a full recovery.

What does floppy bunny look like?

Rabbits suffering from floppy rabbit syndrome have an appearance of generalized weakness, which varies in severity. The rabbit is likely to be unable to move around and will lie on the ground. Some are unable to lift their heads or even move their limbs.

What is Bunny syndrome?

Abstract. Rabbit syndrome is an antipsychotic-induced rhythmic motion of the mouth/lips, resembling the chewing movements of a rabbit. The movement consists of a vertical-only motion, at about 5Hz, with no involvement of the tongue.

Why is my rabbit floppy and not moving?

Rabbit is limp, floppy or cold

These rabbits are very, very sick and may be close to death. The common end point of dehydration, shock or sepsis is a weak floppy rabbit, often with cold ears. They tend to sit hunched in a corner and 'feel funny' when you pick them up. Wrap them up warmly and get to the vet ASAP.

CLEO’S STORY | fighting floppy bunny syndrome

What causes floppy ears in rabbits?

Why Do My Rabbit's Ears Flop? The ear of wild rabbits is supported by three cartilages that lock together to keep the ear erect. Lop-eared rabbits have been born with a gap between two of these cartilages, meaning that there is a weaker area where the ear often droops.

Why is my bunny limp but breathing?

If you have observed your rabbit is breathing, but not moving, it could be stress-related. We need to look at other symptoms of stress in rabbits, such as compulsive movements, overgrooming, scratching themselves raw or even self-mutilation.

How is rabbit syndrome treated?

Rabbit syndrome can be treated with anticholinergic drugs. It generally disappears within a few days of treatment but may re-emerge after anticholinergic treatment is stopped. Another treatment strategy is to switch the patient to an atypical antipsychotic with high anti-cholinergic properties.

What causes bunny stasis?

There are many causes of GI stasis including stress, dehydration and anorexia from other underlying medical conditions or gastrointestinal blockage. A common cause is a lack of crude fiber in the diet, specifically, hay.

How do you deal with a hormonal rabbit?

What are signs of an unhappy bunny?

What bunny breed has floppy ears?

Lop-eared rabbits are easily recognizable due to their large, floppy ears. The American Rabbit Breeders Association accepts five varieties, and new lop-eared rabbit breeds are constantly being bred.

How do you tell if a bunny is happy or sad?

How long does stasis last in rabbits?

If treated appropriately then most rabbits recover and start to respond to treatment within 3-5 days. The earlier you seek medical treatment, the better the outcome!

How long can a bunny last with GI stasis?

Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a life-threatening condition for rabbits of all types. It can kill a rabbit in less than 48 hours if it isn't diagnosed and treated promptly. Below are some things that all rabbit owners should know about GI stasis in their buns.

How long do floppy rabbits live?

It has an average lifespan of 9 to 10 years but can live longer with proper care and mental stimulation. Dwarf or miniature rabbit breeds live longer than bigger or giant breeds. Therefore, Dwarf Lops are much likely to live beyond 10 years, unlike French lops with a lifespan of only 5 years.

How do you treat stasis at home?

How do you fix rabbit stasis?

Is GI stasis painful?

Pain can cause gut stasis and gut stasis itself is a painful condition, so pain relief is very important. Relieving pain reduces stress and helps appetite. Commonly used medications are: buprenorphine (an opioid medication)

Why do vets not treat rabbits?

Most dog and cat vets just do not have the experience needed to safely and effectively treat your rabbit. The veterinarian you choose should be someone who is dedicated to and understands herbivores and their unique digestive systems.

How long does it take for rabbit hormones to settle?

It can take weeks or even months for the hormones to reduce so behaviour such as growling or nipping may take a while to disappear. If you are introducing a spayed female to a neutered male, wait until this behaviour has significantly reduced before attempting an introduction (approx 4-6 weeks after neutering).

What causes rabbit anorexia?

In pet rabbits, the most usual causes are stress or inappropriate antibiotic therapy. Chronic renal disease is a cause of anorexia and can be caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi, neoplasia, interstitial nephritis or nephrotoxicity. Nephrolithiasis is common.

Why is my rabbit struggling to walk?

Any disease that causes a rabbit to feel weak can cause hind limb weakness and can be confused with a true neurological disease. Bunnies who are anemic or have heart disease, for instance, will not be able to get enough oxygen to their brain or muscle tissue and may appear weak and wobbly, particularly after exercise.

How do I know my bunny is in pain?

Often a rabbit in pain will sit hunched up, unwilling to move. A rabbit that sits hunched up, with eyes half closed, and firm teeth grinding is likely in pain and needs a vet check form filled out and supervisor notified.

Can a paralyzed bunny survive?

Is my rabbit likely to recover? Generally, injuries lower down on the spinal column hold the best changes for survival but if paralysis is present, ongoing medical issues will persist and could decrease the chances of the rabbit having a good quality of life. In these cases, euthanasia may be the only option.