Eight-week-old Wyatt is suffering from a broken knee.

Kim Chilson

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Wyatt is an eight-week-old rabbit who was found with a wounded right hind leg. Due to his leg problem, Wyatt could not hop around easily, and using a litter box was difficult. Consequently, his perianal region is contaminated with urine and feces. I was worried about him...

Young Wyatt suffering from his right hind limb and a soiled perianal region.

Following a thorough examination, the veterinarian decided to perform a surgical procedure on Wyatt's leg to attempt a repair. He underwent a procedure to place permanent stitches inside his right knee, remove scar tissue, and, if I'm not mistaken, cut ligaments on the outside of the knee. The decision to do so was based on the observation that these ligaments were pulling too much to the outside of his body.

Wyatt 2 days after the surgery on his right hind limb. At least I got back a rabbit with four legs; but I wish they would not have shaved off all the fur he has been trying so hard to grow back in !

The veterinarian instructed that the vet wrap be maintained around both feet, securing them together, and above the knee, so that it forced the knee to bend. However, there was a possibility that this would result in excessive skin breakdown in the fold. Therefore, I attempted to position him in the same stance, but upright, forcing the knee to bend and bear weight inside a small container, such as a round garbage can.

However, none of these approaches yielded the desired results. I am continuing physical therapy as instructed, but the knee is noticeably swollen today, four days after the operation. Despite propping the foot up, he falls asleep within a few minutes.

He is being treated with Baytril (enrofloxacin) and Metacam (meloxicam), and I am manually bending his knee towards his body every hour. The issue is that the swelling is making it challenging to bend in a straight line up to his chest. I have been applying cold packs to the affected knee, but the swelling is still present. The veterinarian indicated that I should continue to allow the knee to bend, but I am uncertain about the increased swelling.

I have vet wrap, and I recently attempted to wrap the "affected" foot to provide traction. However, the wrap is coming off the foot with ease, and it does not appear to be providing any assistance. I have serious reservations about the efficacy of this approach to help this little guy. :(

The vet decided to put vet wrap around both feet. I think pink is too girly for him, but he will just have to get over it....huh?

Wyatt, a few months later. His hind leg consistently maintained a misaligned posture, resulting in a visible crook beneath his body. His right front leg exhibited a flexion deformity, indicative of ligament weakness likely attributable to uneven loading across limbs. Despite this disability, he demonstrated remarkable mobility and found effective strategies for rest. Wyatt's lifespan was brief, but did enjoy the life of a happy spoiled bunny.

Wyatt Bunny adapted effectively to his disability, managing both his daily chores and sleep with relative ease. His front right limb bended due to ligament weakness and weight bearing (arrow).

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