Can rabbits survive after a broken back?

Answer 1

Sadly, probably not. A friend of mine's rabbit jumped out of his arms and hurt its leg real bad that the rabbit had to be put down. So, no, probably not.

It really doesn't have to be a "long height": falling even a short distance can permanently disable (even kill) a rabbit. Rabbits just aren't built for that kind of activity (unlike cats, who naturally climb tall heights, like trees, so then need to be able to land safely when they jump down; wild rabbits, on the other hand, spend their whole lives on the ground).

Rabbit bones are weak, in comparison to other animals: they break easily! It's not always possible to heal them, either: sometimes it means the rabbit has to be put down.

This is one reason why you shouldn't pick up your bunny: they don't usually like it, so they struggle, and then it's very easy to drop them. And never throw your rabbit as a game! This can be fun with cats (if the cat enjoys it), but never a rabbit. If you do have to pick up your rabbit, be very careful. You have to learn the right way to do it, because the wrong ways all result in injury. Do research online and talk to your vet for advice.

Old-age rabbits (older than 6) can suffer serious injury even just by jumping down from the sofa. This is why it isn't always safe to let your rabbit roam free in your home. "Bunny-proofing" is an ongoing activity that might change as your bunny ages, so don't become complacent! Always be on the lookout for potential dangers.

Always be extra careful if you have your rabbit on a platform (for example, the exam table at the vet's): be sure to minimize stress (so your rabbit doesn't panic or startle), and keep your hand on the bunny's body so he can't jump or fall off.

See the related questions and links below for details.

Answer 2

Short answer - No, they will drag themselves around by their front feet until they get too weak to do it. They will lose control of their bowels and bladder and they will be unable to drag themselves to feed and water. Flies will get into the mess left by lack of bowel control and lay eggs. Not a pretty picture and not a good way to go. Best if you put rabbit out of it's misery. Long answer - I did know of one person (rich) who took their prize stud buck to an animal chiropractor and had the rabbits back put back in place (because they are actually dislocated not broken) He did this 3 times before he finally put the buck down.

Answer 3

A bunny can die from a fall. But it depends on the height of the fall. Check with a vet, or go to a book shop look for rabbit books.

Answer 4

Yes. Today my bunny fell from 12feet and he did not for off have any brown legs or spines.