Living With A Disabled Rabbit
What To Do
Initially, the hardest part for both the rabbit and you is the psychological pain and adjustment. House rabbits tend to be very independent, and your rabbit is now dependent on you on ways that neither you nor your rabbit has ever known. Though cute, we know that rabbits are not children and that many don't like to be picked up and "told what to do" - and most don't want you to be in their faces, prodding them, hand (syringe) feeding them, moving their poop, cleaning their private parts, etc. Most house rabbits like their spots and like you in your spot. You will find, however, that after you and your rabbit get adjusted to this new way of living, he or she will understand what you are doing and will be accepting and grateful.
Accommodations
At this point your rabbit may not be able to use his litter box, be able to clean himself, and he may be not even be able to move around. You need to quickly get used to the fact that he can't do these things for himself. You will wasted a lot of time and probably make the rabbit even more frustrated by trying to create some sort of litter box that I kept hoping they can use it. To accommodate your newly disabled bunny, you'll need to do the following immediately:
- You will need to set up accommodations according to your rabbit's needs and abilities, sometimes this is a matter of trial - and error.
- You will want and need to have constant access to your rabbit
- You also need to find a place where your rabbit is still part of the family, as keeping him engaged in life is a big part of the nursing care
- How much can your rabbit move about?
- How will he access the food and water?
Also keep in mind the access YOU will need for petting, scratching his ears, feeding, medicating, kneeling next to your rabbit to listen for possible grinding of teeth (a sign of pain), and cleaning. A rabbit who scoots or drags himself about needs a very clean, cushy place to do this and many partially paralyzed rabbits suffer from some degree of fecal or urinary incontinence. On the other hand, some rabbits lose the ability to urinate completely and must have their bladders "expressed" (manually voided) several times a day. This is something your vet or we at Zooh Corner can teach you how to do.
Flooring
- First, one layer of newspaper (may or may not be needed)
- Second, a plastic tarp (large enough to cover the entire space)
- Third, a padded under sheet that is about 4'x 3' and is made by Pampers for the bed of one who is incontinent
- Last, a synthetic wool covering that covers the entire area
Keeping Your Bunny Clean
It is important to keep your rabbit's genital area clean and dry, so it does not become raw or infected. It is important that you wash only the bottom part of your rabbit or those areas that must be washed. The easiest way to clean a rabbit is in the kitchen sink. Put a rubber pad, used for protecting glass, in the bottom of the sink, get your bunny shampoo out, put out two towels - one for your rabbit's front paws, the other for drying; have your hair dryer near by and plugged in. Get the water to a comfortable luke-warm temperature. Lower bunny into the sink on his hind end - which will most likely need to be supported by one hand, and let his from paws rest on the towel at sink-side or against your body. You will need to adapt to whichever way is the easiest and most comfy for your rabbit. Rinse the bottom part of his torso, whatever areas are dirty and lather with bunny shampoo. Keep talking to him, keep kissing his head, keep him calm. Many rabbits enjoy having their dirty bottoms and stiff muscles massaged and soaked in the warm bath. Another method is to have two plastic containers, shallow enough so your rabbit can straddle the sides - backside in the container, front paws outside the container. Fill one container with warm soapy water (bunny shampoo), add more shampoo as needed and lather well. Move over to next container, with clean water (or with white vinegar in it if your rabbit has no pressure sores). It is important that you dry your rabbit as thoroughly as he will tolerate. We generally sit the bunny on a towel, supported by one hand, and manipulate the hair under the flow of a luke-warm blow dryer set about 10 inches away. Often it is easier to set the dryer on a bunched towel, aim it at the rabbit and move him as needed. Because the rabbit's bottom can get very messy and because a rabbit's fur is quite thick, it may be wise to have your rabbit's bottom shaved. ASK YOUR RABBIT VET. Shaving also gives you a good view of any rug burns or pressure sores, and it makes the application of Desitin ointment possible. Since a rabbit's skin is so very thin, it is wise to put the ointment on the bottom after almost every bath. When you put your clean rabbit on his just washed bedding, you will have this great moment.
Diapers
If your rabbit does not have to be confined in a very small area for medical reasons or if you really cannot create a safe, accessible space where your rabbit can urinate as he will, you can do diapers. The best thing about diapers is that it permits the rabbit to venture through the house as he once had.
How To Diaper a Bunny
Unless you have a very small rabbit, you need to get diapers in size "large" (or Step Two) for newborns. The diaper comes folded, simply cut a 1" slit in the right in the middle of the center fold - this will create a 2" slit for the tail.
- Put a towel on the counter or table, put your rabbit on the towel, facing away from you.
- Find the front of the diaper (it has the Velcro), pull the paper coverings off the Velcro tabs, open the diaper and wrap the diaper through your rabbit's back legs.
- Pull the tail through the 2" slit.
- Holding the four ends of the diaper, slightly suspend the rabbit in this "hammock" and secure the diaper snugly around his chest area or upper belly, depending on how high the diaper will go on your rabbit.
- If the tail isn't sticking out of the slit, stick your finger through the slit, find the tail, and pull it out.
Exercise and Keeping Your Bunny Happy
Keeping your rabbit happy and engaged in life is very important and you will need to find new ways of doing this.
- Daily muscle massages during cuddle sessions
- Some vets will recommend home physical therapy sessions
- Small toys he can flip about or chew, but those that won't inhibit his movements in his pen
- Bring him outside to sit on the grass with you (no chemical fertilizers/pesticides)
- Frequent visits from you, lots of pats and conversation (even just in passing by!)
- Bring bunny into different rooms so he can see what is happening
- If your rabbit has a partner, this will be very helpful in keeping him occupied and happy (and can help keep those ears groomed!). If not, you may want to talk to your vet about adopting a new friend for him, to help while away all those boring hours when YOU aren't there!