Posterior Paralysis – Rabbit

Posterior paralysis is distressingly common and is nearly always due to a weakness in the caudal lumbar vertebrae and their articulations. Many authors and clinicians consider that rabbits have an inherent weakness in this area. Others claim a high incidence of osteoporosis in caged animals.

Harrenstien et al (1995) cite Harkness (1989) and state that the L6-7 vertebral space is the fulcrum between the major cranial and caudal muscle groups of the rabbit. Lumbar weakness is doubtless a factor contributing to the relatively dispensable nature of the rabbit as a species (see tibial fractures) but it is nevertheless very distressing to the owner, especially if it occurs after a simple veterinary procedure like nail-clipping, and has already proved its "worth" in medico-legal circles in the UK. If there is still "deep pain" response in the hind feet, if there is no faecal or urinary incontinence and if there is no evidence of malalignment of vertebrae on radiography, it is worth attempting treatment with corticosteroids (dexamethasone intravenously followed by intramuscular injection daily and cage rest for two or three weeks, reducing the dose of dexamethasone by 50% every three days or sooner, depending on the response) and oxytetracycline (Engemycin 5%®; Intervet) sc q72hr. Corticosteroids must always be used with extreme caution in rabbits as they may reduce premune responses to organisms like Encephalitozoon cuniculi and allow the manifestation of other conditions such as hepatic lipidosis. Euthanasia must always be considered as a suitable option for this distressing condition.

References

• Harrenstien L. et al (1995): How to handle respiratory, ophthalmic, neurologic and dermatologic problems in rabbits: Veterinary Medicine 90 (4) 373-380