# Rabbit Not Using Back Legs: Causes and What to Do A rabbit not using back legs is a sign of a serious problem, most often a spinal injury, a fracture, or a neurologic disease. Rabbits have powerful hind legs and delicate spines, so the lower back is easily damaged when a rabbit struggles or is handled incorrectly [1]. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Stop all handling except to move your rabbit into a small, padded carrier or pen. Immobilize the spine and keep the rabbit still. - Call an exotic-animal or rabbit-savvy veterinarian right away. Sudden hind-limb loss is an emergency, not a wait-and-see problem. - Do not try to splint, massage, or "pop" anything back into place. You can cause permanent damage. - Keep your rabbit warm, quiet, and off slippery floors while you arrange transport. - Loss of bladder or bowel control, dragging the legs, or a leg that sticks out at an odd angle all point to spinal or nerve damage [1]. ## What Hind-Limb Loss Looks Like and What Is Normal A healthy rabbit hops with both hind legs pushing together. The back legs are strong and springy, and the rabbit lands squarely. When something goes wrong, you may see one or more of these changes: - The rabbit drags one or both back legs behind it. - One leg sticks out to the side at an abnormal angle, which is called splay leg [1]. - The rabbit cannot bear weight, or it wobbles and falls to one side. - The rabbit stops hopping and pulls itself along with the front legs. - Urine or feces leak because the rabbit cannot control when it goes [1]. Some owners describe this as a rabbit not moving back legs, or they notice the rabbit kicking his back legs in a strange, uncoordinated way. A weak kick that does not push the body forward is different from a normal happy kick or a "binky." If the kick looks jerky, one-sided, or happens while the rabbit is lying down and cannot stand, treat it as a neurologic sign. Front legs can be affected too. A rabbit not using front legs or a rabbit not moving front legs may have a problem higher up the spine, in the neck or upper back. The same rules apply. Immobilize and get veterinary help fast. ## Main Causes of a Rabbit Not Using Back Legs The table below lists the most common reasons a rabbit loses the use of its hind legs, along with clues and how quickly you need to act. | Cause | Typical clues | How urgent | |---|---|---| | Spinal fracture or dislocation | Sudden onset after a struggle, fall, or improper handling. Weakness, paralysis, loss of bladder and bowel control [1]. | Emergency now | | Spinal cord injury (swelling, bruising) | Sudden weakness or paralysis after trauma. Some rabbits recover as swelling goes down [1]. | Emergency now | | Intervertebral disc extrusion | Acute paraplegia, meaning sudden paralysis of both hind legs. Pain along the spine [2]. | Emergency now | | Splay leg | One or more legs stick out to the side at an abnormal angle. Trouble walking. Can be inherited or develop in young rabbits raised on slippery floors [1]. | Same-day vet visit | | Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection | Neurologic signs are the most commonly reported problem with this parasite. Head tilt, weakness, urinary dysfunction, and cataracts can occur [3][4]. | Same-day vet visit | | Fracture of the leg bone itself | A leg that is bent wrong, swelling, refusal to bear weight. | Emergency now | | Nerve damage from a bad injection or injury | Weakness in one leg, sometimes after a procedure. | Same-day vet visit | ### Spinal Injury and Fracture This is the most feared cause, and it is common. Rabbits have strong back legs and delicate spines, so fractures and dislocations of the lower back happen often after a rabbit struggles or is improperly handled [1]. A rabbit that kicks hard while being held can break its own back. Signs of spinal cord injury include weakness, paralysis, or loss of control over urination and the passage of feces [1]. Some rabbits regain normal function as swelling around the spinal cord decreases, but a severe injury might require euthanasia [1]. That is why speed matters. The sooner your rabbit is examined and stabilized, the better the chance of a good outcome. ### Intervertebral Disc Disease Rabbits can also suffer a slipped or extruded disc that presses on the spinal cord. One reported case involved a 6-year-old rabbit that developed acute paraplegia from a disc extrusion at the L2-L3 space and needed decompressive surgery [2]. This is a reminder that not every paralyzed rabbit has a broken back. Some have a compressive lesion that a specialist can address. ### Encephalitozoon cuniculi This is a microscopic parasite that can infect the rabbit's nervous system. In a study of pet rabbits, neurologic signs were the most consistently reported problem linked to this infection, and it was the most common reason these rabbits were brought to veterinarians [4]. Another study found urinary dysfunction in 10% of rabbits with clinical infection, along with cataracts in 10% [3]. A rabbit with this parasite may develop hind-limb weakness, a head tilt, or trouble urinating. Treatment exists, but it needs a veterinarian's diagnosis and prescription. ### Splay Leg Splay leg is different from a sudden injury. One or more legs stick out to the side at an abnormal angle, and affected rabbits may have trouble walking [1]. It can be inherited or can develop in young rabbits raised on slippery floors [1]. Treatment can include splints, bandaging, or surgery, though results vary depending on the rabbit's age at diagnosis and how severely it is affected [1]. If you notice this in a young rabbit, book a routine but prompt appointment. ### Other Causes Less common causes include abscesses pressing on the spine, cancer, and nutritional problems. A vitamin B12 deficiency can damage the spinal cord in people and cause weakness that progresses to paraplegia, so poor nutrition is worth discussing with your vet even though this specific deficiency is not a documented common cause in rabbits [5]. ## Red Flags That Make This an Emergency Go to an emergency clinic or call your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these: - Sudden loss of use of one or both back legs. - The rabbit is dragging its hind end. - Loss of bladder or bowel control [1]. - A leg that is bent at a strange angle or visibly broken. - The rabbit is crying, grinding its teeth, or panting from pain. - The rabbit cannot right itself after falling over. - The rabbit was dropped, struggled during handling, or had a known accident. Spinal cord damage can worsen with every minute of movement. Do not wait to see if it improves overnight. ## Safe Things You Can Do at Home While Waiting Your main job is to prevent more damage. Follow these steps: 1. Do not pick your rabbit up by the scruff or let the hind legs dangle. Support the whole body, including the hindquarters, on a flat surface. 2. Slide a towel or rigid board under your rabbit and move it as little as possible. A spinal fracture can shift with handling [1]. 3. Place your rabbit in a small carrier or a pen with low sides. Confine it so it cannot hop, twist, or drag itself around. 4. Line the bottom with soft, absorbent bedding. Change it often if the rabbit is leaking urine. 5. Keep the rabbit warm and quiet. Stress makes everything worse. 6. Offer water in a shallow dish and food within reach. Do not force-feed. 7. Check the genitals and hind end for urine scald. Soiled skin needs gentle cleaning, but do not bathe a rabbit with a suspected spinal injury. Do not give any human pain medication. Many common pain drugs are toxic to rabbits, and the dose depends on your rabbit's weight and health. Your veterinarian will calculate the correct dose. If your rabbit is showing hind-limb weakness along with other symptoms, some of the general principles of limb problems in other species can help you understand what your vet is looking for. You can read about [why a dog limps on a back leg from a CCL tear, luxating patella, or arthritis](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/why-is-my-dog-limping-on-back-leg-ccl-tear-luxating-patella-and-arthritis) and about [front-leg limping in dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/symptom-guides/dog-limping-front-leg). The species differ, but the idea of localizing the problem to a joint, bone, or nerve is the same. ## What the Veterinarian Will Check and Test Your veterinarian will start with a full neurologic exam. They will test pain sensation in the toes, check reflexes, and see whether your rabbit can feel its hind feet. Loss of deep pain is a serious finding. Next, they will likely recommend imaging. X-rays can show fractures and dislocations of the spine. Advanced imaging such as CT or MRI can show a disc extrusion or compression of the spinal cord, which is what led to surgery in the reported disc case [2]. Blood work helps look for infection and other problems. Testing for Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies is common when neurologic signs are present, since this parasite is a leading cause of neurologic disease in pet rabbits [3][4]. Treatment depends on the cause: - Strict rest and pain control for spinal swelling. Hospitalization, pain control, injections of fluids, and strict rest are standard for spinal cord injury [1]. - Surgery for a fracture, dislocation, or compressive disc lesion. One rabbit with a disc extrusion had decompressive surgery and did well [2]. - Anti-parasitic medication and supportive care for E. cuniculi. - Splints, bandaging, or surgery for splay leg, with results that vary by age and severity [1]. Pain management is a big part of care. Veterinarians use multimodal analgesia, which means combining drugs that work in different ways. A recent case report described an erector spinae plane block used during spinal surgery in a rabbit, which controlled pain and reduced the need for opioid drugs afterward [2]. This is a specialized technique, and not every clinic offers it, but it shows how far rabbit pain management has come. If your rabbit needs anesthesia for imaging or surgery, your vet will choose a protocol based on your rabbit's health. Different drug combinations are used in rabbits, and some cause temporary incoordination during recovery [6]. Your veterinarian will explain what to expect. ## Prevention and Monitoring You cannot prevent every spinal injury, but you can lower the risk a lot. - Handle your rabbit correctly. Support the chest and hindquarters together. Never lift by the ears or scruff alone, and never let the back legs dangle. - Keep the floor safe. Slippery floors contribute to splay leg in young rabbits [1]. Use rugs or mats in the rabbit's exercise area. - Use a carrier for travel. Do not carry a rabbit loose in your arms where it can kick and twist. - Supervise children and other pets around your rabbit. - Watch for early signs. A slight wobble, a change in hopping, or a reluctance to move can come before full paralysis. - Keep up routine vet visits. If your rabbit has been diagnosed with E. cuniculi, follow the monitoring plan your veterinarian gives you. If you have a rabbit with a known spinal problem, keep a log of what you see each day. Note whether your rabbit can stand, whether it is eating and drinking, and whether it is urinating and passing stool normally. Bring that log to every appointment. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article cannot tell you what is wrong with your specific rabbit. Only a veterinarian who examines your rabbit can do that. Call an emergency clinic right now if your rabbit has sudden paralysis, loss of bladder or bowel control, a visibly broken or oddly angled leg, or is in obvious pain [1]. These signs can mean a spinal fracture, and movement can make it worse. Call your veterinarian the same day if your rabbit has a new wobble, is dragging a leg occasionally, or has a leg that sticks out to the side [1]. Do not wait for a routine slot. Schedule a routine visit if you notice a mild change in hopping that has been stable for a few days, or if you have a young rabbit on slippery flooring and want to check for splay leg [1]. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can a rabbit recover from paralysis? Sometimes, yes. Some rabbits regain normal function as swelling around the spinal cord goes down, but a severe injury may not be recoverable [1]. Recovery depends on the cause, how quickly you got help, and how much damage occurred. Your veterinarian can give you a realistic outlook after examining your rabbit. ### Is it true that a rabbit can break its back from kicking? Yes. Rabbits have strong back legs and delicate spines, and fractures and dislocations of the lower back are common after a rabbit struggles or is handled improperly [1]. A hard kick while being held can cause a spinal fracture. Always support the hindquarters when you pick up your rabbit. ### What is splay leg in rabbits? Splay leg means one or more legs stick out to the side at an abnormal angle, and affected rabbits may have trouble walking [1]. It can be inherited or can develop in young rabbits raised on slippery floors [1]. Treatment may include splints, bandaging, or surgery, and results vary with age and severity [1]. ### Can a parasite cause my rabbit to lose the use of its back legs? Yes. Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a parasite that can affect the nervous system, and neurologic signs are the most commonly reported problem linked to this infection in pet rabbits [4]. Urinary dysfunction and cataracts can also occur [3]. A veterinarian can test for it and prescribe treatment if needed. ### Should I wait to see if my rabbit improves on its own? No. Sudden loss of hind-limb use is an emergency. Spinal cord damage can get worse with movement and delay [1]. Keep your rabbit still, confine it in a small padded space, and contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian right away. ## Related Articles - [Why Is My Rabbit Not Moving? Causes and When to Worry](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/small-mammal-care/rabbit-not-moving-lethargic) - [Why Is My Rabbit Lying on Its Side and Not Moving?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/small-mammal-care/rabbit-lying-side-not-moving) - [My Rabbit Stopped Eating: Causes and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/small-mammal-care/rabbit-not-eating-causes) ## References 1. [Bone and Muscle Disorders of Rabbits - All Other Pets](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rabbits/bone-and-muscle-disorders-of-rabbits). Merck Veterinary Manual. 2. [Erector Spinae Plane Block for Perioperative Analgesia in a Rabbit](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41150124/). Veterinary sciences, 2025. 3. [Association of Encephalitozoon cuniculi with Clinical Signs and Abnormal Hematologic/Biochemical Changes in Pet Rabbits in Thailand](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39409715/). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2024. 4. [Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): Data from an International Survey of Exotic and Small Animal Veterinarians](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39595346/). Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 2024. 5. [Insights Into Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Cord: 'Rabbit Ear Sign' as a Radiodiagnostic Clue in Case of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Associated With Schizophrenia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42253375/). Case reports in neurological medicine, 2026. 6. [Comparative study of three anaesthetic protocols (dexmedetomidine/ketamine, dexmedetomidine/midazolam, midazolam/ketamine) in dwarf rabbits undergoing elective orchiectomy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41344605/). Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997), 2026. ## Further Reading - [American Veterinary Medical Association: First Aid Tips for Pet Owners](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners) - [Merck Veterinary Manual: Rabbits](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rabbits)