Can a Rabbit’s Broken Leg Heal On Its Own?

Are you wondering what will happen if your rabbit’s broken leg is left untreated? 

If your rabbit just fractured its leg, several thoughts will come into mind, such as; will my rabbit die of an untreated broken leg, will they be able to heal on their own?

In this article, we would let you know if your rabbit’s broken leg can heal on its own.

Can A Rabbit’s Broken Leg Heal On Its Own?

Unfortunately, a rabbit’s broken leg cannot heal on its own.

Unlike some animals, rabbits cannot regenerate bone tissue, which means that a broken leg will not heal properly without veterinary intervention.

If you suspect that your rabbit has a broken leg, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

A vet will be able to examine your rabbit and determine the extent of the injury.

In some cases, a broken leg may require surgery to set the bone and stabilize it while it heals.

In other cases, a vet may be able to use a splint or cast to immobilize the leg and give it a chance to heal.

Irrespective of the specific treatment approach, it’s important to seek veterinary care for a broken leg as soon as possible.

Without proper treatment, a broken leg can cause significant pain and discomfort for your rabbit, and can even lead to more serious complications over time.

Causes Of Broken Or Fractured Legs In Rabbits

There are a couple of ways through which your rabbit’s leg can get broken.

Here are a few of them.

Your bunny can fracture its legs when you suddenly drop them while being held, or if they land wrongly/awkwardly while trying to jump down from a very high cliff.

Rabbit can also fracture their leg when their legs are caught in cage bars with wrong width spacing, when this scenario occurs, they may struggle to set themselves free, and along the process, they could break their leg.

How To Treat a Rabbit With Broken Legs

Treating a rabbit with a broken leg requires prompt veterinary attention.

Here are some of the steps that a veterinarian may take to treat a rabbit with a broken leg:

1. Examination and diagnosis: The vet will examine your rabbit to determine the extent of the injury and whether it’s a simple or complex fracture. They may also take x-rays to get a better look at the broken bone.
2. Pain management: Your rabbit may be in significant pain due to the broken leg, so the vet may prescribe pain medication to help manage their discomfort.
3. Immobilization: Depending on the severity of the fracture, the vet may need to immobilize the leg using a splint, cast, or other devices. This will help to keep the bone in place while it heals.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the broken bone. This may involve inserting pins, screws, or plates to hold the bone in place while it heals.
5. Follow-up care: After the initial treatment, your rabbit will likely need to be monitored closely to ensure that the bone is healing properly. The vet may need to adjust the splint or cast periodically, and will likely recommend a period of rest and limited activity to allow the bone to heal fully.

In addition to these steps, it’s important to provide your rabbit with plenty of love and attention during its recovery period.

Offer them a comfortable and quiet space to rest, and make sure they have access to fresh water and their normal diet.

With proper care and treatment, most rabbits with broken legs can make a full recovery and return to their normal activities.

How Long Does It Take For A Rabbit’s Broken Leg To Heal?

There is no stipulated time frame for the healing of your rabbit’s broken leg to be healed.  The time depends on the level or severity of the fracture. 

The time frame for the healing of the broken leg also depends on the overall level of treatment and care given to the rabbits.

The age of the rabbits also determines how fast the rabbits can heal.

However, generally, it will take about 4 – 8 weeks for the rabbit’s broken leg to be fully joined together or healed completely.

When proper care is not given to the rabbits, it will take a longer period for the broken leg to be healed.

Symptoms Of Broken Legs In Rabbits

If your rabbit has a broken leg, there are several symptoms that you may notice. Here are some of the most common signs that your rabbit may have a broken leg:

1. Limping or favoring one leg: A broken leg can cause your rabbit to limp or avoid putting weight on one of their legs.
2. Swelling or tenderness: The leg may be swollen or tender to the touch, and your rabbit may flinch or show signs of pain when you touch the affected area.
3. Inability to move: In severe cases, your rabbit may be unable to move the affected leg at all.
4. Decreased appetite or activity: A broken leg can be very painful for your rabbit, and it may become less active or lose interest in its normal activities. They may also stop eating or drinking as much as usual.
5. Changes in behavior: Your rabbit may become more irritable or aggressive due to the pain and discomfort of the broken leg.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your rabbit, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

A veterinarian can examine your rabbit and determine the extent of the injury and can recommend the best course of treatment to help your bunny recover.

Can A Rabbit Survive A Broken Leg?

Yes, with proper veterinary care and treatment, a rabbit can survive a broken leg.

Rabbits have a relatively high success rate when it comes to healing from broken bones, as long as the injury is treated promptly and appropriately.

Conclusion

If you notice that your rabbit’s leg is dangling or he is running improperly, this might be a sign that your rabbit has broken his leg. 

If you notice that your rabbit is breathing fast, squinting, or refusing to eat, it shows that they are going through pain, which may be from a broken leg.

We hope this article helped you know if a rabbit’s broken leg can heal on its own.

Reference

• Ou K-L, Hou P-J, Huang B-H, Chou H-H, Yang T-S, Huang C-F, Ueno T. Bone Healing and Regeneration Potential in Rabbit Cortical Defects Using an Innovative Bioceramic Bone Graft Substitute. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10(18):6239. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186239