Juno, Splay Leg & Physiotherapy in Rabbits

I had Juno to the vets on Friday because her little leg had become very sore and swollen, so we went to see Aunty Anita. It appears that the diagnosis of broken legs was well off (which makes sense because I was puzzled by how, given her young age, they had already healed up) and that Juno actually has a form of splay leg which is affecting both of her front legs. The one which is worst and appears to have a radial paralysis has been splinted and the callous is being treated with corticosteroid cream whilst infection is kept at bay with oral abx (0.05ml ). However when she saw a previous vet Juno had no feeling at all in this leg yet now at a certain point you can elicit a conscious reaction (as opposed to reflex) which suggests she may be getting some feeling back in the leg.

This is a good sign as it means we may be able to save the leg so she is also having physio which involves gentle rotation of the leg joints and posture correction. However I am having two problems....one is developing a splint which supports the leg in it's correct position and two is knowing how often I should be repeating the physio exercises.

Is there anyone with splay leg/physio experience who could offer some guidance and tips?

I have used wooden lollysticks as a splint !! Obviously well covered so as not to cause abrasions.

When I have Buns needing Physio I have found the more often its done the better. Every couple of hours in some cases. I also use massage to try to promote optimum blood circulation to the damaged nerves.

Janex

I forget the correct name but I have been given this material for the splint which is foam on the inside (which come into contact with the leg) and metal on the outide, it's malleable and can be shaped into pretty much anything but e have covered it with a bandage to prevent it rubbing.

I'm still trying to find an ideal shape for this but we are removing it tonight to shave her leg so we can see the callous properly and will try a new format afterwards.

Oh Sooz you are doing so well with the precious bundle. x x x x x x x

Just found this leg brace idea....looks to be worth a try one her leg has healed better: http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/splayleg.html

Good luck - hope it all works out.

I had to take the brace off because a nasty infection set into Juno's callous causing excessive swelling last week.

However today her leg was a healthy pink colour and she came of her abx so once we have some fur growth we can go back to trying the brace and physio.