Bracing a Baby Bunny with "Splay-leg"

by Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
University of Miami Biology Department

Some rabbits are born with a condition known as "splay-leg," in which the front legs, hind legs or all four legs splay out to the side like little seal flippers. Although most experts believe that the condition is congenital (possibly due to genetics resulting in weak connective tissue), it can be exacerbated by environmental conditions, such as being raised on a slippery floor that gives no traction. A 100% cotton, textured bathmat surface for playing and exercising as soon as babies come out of the nest may help reduce the incidence of splay-leg.

Splay-leg bunnies can usually move about with a flopping motion, and we do know of completely happy adult "splay-leg" bunnies who can race about the house very quickly. However, because these bunnies tend to develop other health problems, it isn't a bad idea to try to correct the problem when it is first detected, in very young babies about 3-5 weeks of age. Whatever the cause of the problem (nature or nurture), in some cases it can be corrected if the babies are fitted with simple, home-made leg braces, as illustrated below.

The brace itself consists of nothing more than

  • a natural cork from a standard wine bottle, cut to about 1" long
  • two 100% cotton pads, slightly larger in diameter than the cork, and about 1/4 inch thick
  • breathable, adhesive sports tape Here's an exploded diagram of the positions of these components as they will be assembled between the bunny's legs:

    Diagrams below show how to brace a bunny's front legs.

  • Very gently pull them to normal position, and place the cork, with cotton pads on each end, against the bunny's wrists, or slightly higher.

  • While you're holding the brace and bunny, have another person carefully wrap a loop of the sports tape completely around the legs and brace.

  • Successfully assembled, the brace should allow the bunny to stand, though he will (at least temporarily) not be able to move the front legs independently.

  • Although the bunnies tend to be very upset at first, and may struggle, they get used to the contraption anywhere from a few hours to a day or two after you've strapped it on, and begin to learn to hop in "tripod" fashion.

    Here's what a front-leg brace looks like, from top view and from a somewhat oblique view:

  • Back legs are more tricky. You'll use the same set-up and procedure as for the front legs, but position the brace just above the hocks (ankles).

    Bunnies are not fond of having their back legs braced, and they will struggle. But again, they do tend to get used to it within a few hours, and start to learn to hop.

  • For back leg braces, be sure you don't obstruct the urethral opening or anus with tape or padding! Also check frequently to be sure the padding and/or tape do not become soiled with urine or feces. If this happens, a mild rinse, thorough drying and re-bandaging will be necessary to prevent burn to the delicate skin.

    Here are a couple of drawings showing how the back leg braces should be attached:

    Caveat lector: I have never tried to use these braces on a rabbit with all four legs splayed, so I am not certain how well this would work. Still, It might be worth a try. If the bunny seems very stressed, it would probably be best to do one set of legs at a time, perhaps starting with either the front or the back, and waiting to brace the other set until the bunny becomes accustomed to the first brace. The cure should not be worse than the disorder!

    GOOD LUCK!

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