Rabbit With Splay Legs
Over the weekend, we received a mysterious message from a distant relative of Monet’s—a twist of fate we couldn’t ignore. It turns out Monet’s half-brother, PJ’s uncle, was in need of a special kind of care. He arrived with what’s often called “display leg,” and we could see right away that his posture was a bit flat, his hips weak, and his shoulder perhaps needing extra support. Of course, we said yes. We’ve already started gentle rehabilitation to support proper joint development, and we have a vet appointment scheduled for Wednesday. I’ll be bringing along the full care plan we’ve begun—focusing on warm bodywork, soft bracing, and eventually hydrotherapy, all tailored to help him build strength in his core, shoulders, and back.
Jack’s Splay Leg Therapeutic Care Plan
An early-intervention support protocol for neuromuscular development, postural correction, and skeletal alignment in a rabbit presenting with full-body hypotonia, visible splay leg posture, and potential shoulder trauma.
I. Clinical Overview and Hypothesis
Presenting Issues:
Visible splaying of the hind legs (and potentially front legs)
Flattened spinal posture, possibly due to lack of core engagement
Abnormal rib positioning and torso structure
Underdeveloped musculature in hips, shoulders, spine, and deep core
Suspected right shoulder dysfunction or trauma
No clear fracture or diagnostic confirmation (pending vet evaluation)
Hypothesis: Splay leg is not isolated to limb weakness in this case—it likely stems from global muscular underdevelopment, possible birth trauma, and improper joint alignment during early growth stages. If the joints, ligaments, and muscle insertions are not guided into proper alignment during development, they may stabilize in the wrong position, resulting in long-term or permanent disability.
II. Therapeutic Objectives
Create proper joint alignment through daily bracing in neutral postures
Stimulate neuromuscular growth by supporting and gently engaging underused muscle groups
Prevent overstretching of ligaments, which cannot be restored once misshapen
Use passive and active techniques to build strength in postural and stabilizing muscles
Avoid pain, panic, or fatigue, which inhibit neurodevelopment
Prepare for potential hydrotherapy, once core stabilization improves
Rule out or treat injury, especially to the shoulder
III. Procedure Plan
A. Passive Bracing – Lying Down Support
Goal: Gently align hips, knees, and spine in a supported, gravity-neutral position that allows ligaments to form properly.
Steps:
Place Jack on a soft surface with a gentle curve under the lower back to mimic natural spinal shape.
Use a small rolled towel to cup beneath the hips and inner thighs to prevent outward splaying.
Ensure hind feet rest on a soft, stable surface, not suspended.
Shoulders should rest squarely and evenly, not twisted or forward-collapsed.
Avoid attempting to rotate or “correct” the shoulder until it is assessed by a vet.
Wrap Jack in a gentle swaddle to maintain position without resistance or compression.
Ensure his body is warm and relaxed before bracing, using body heat, a warm cloth, or your own skin contact.
Duration: 5–15 minutes, 2–3x daily, increasing as tolerated.
B. Passive Bracing – Seated Curl Support
Goal: Cue core engagement and help Jack learn to support his own posture in a seated, flexed position.
Steps:
Place Jack in a shallow nest (towel donut, firm cushion) that supports his body in a forward-curled seated position, as if he were huddling or grooming.
Hind feet should rest below the body, not off to the side.
Front limbs should be allowed to curl naturally; do not stretch or reposition the affected shoulder until cleared.
Use your hands to lightly support the ribcage and hips, preventing collapse.
Observe for subtle shifting, squirming, or muscle activation—encourage these lightly by holding without pressure.
Duration: Start with 2–3 minutes, build to 10 minutes.
C. Warm Bodywork and Sensory Preparation
Goal: Reduce stiffness, increase circulation, and support nervous system regulation before positioning.
Steps:
Use slow, rhythmic strokes along the spine, shoulders, and hips—no deeper than light petting.
Apply gentle, circular massage at muscle junctions (base of spine, under shoulder blades, tops of thighs).
Warm the body using:
Your chest or lap
A heated towel wrapped loosely
A heated swaddle just before placement
This mimics the feeling of maternal contact and improves tissue flexibility before bracing or movement.
D. Hydrotherapy – Future Activation Phase (Post-Vet Clearance)
Goal: Encourage full-body muscle engagement through weightless, 360-degree movement to activate crawling and postural patterns not typically used in rabbits.
Steps:
Use a shallow warm-water bath (lined tub or sink) with secure grip on the base.
Support Jack’s torso and limbs at all times—do not allow full submersion or uncontrolled floating.
Allow him to make small postural shifts, paddle lightly, or kick in water.
Monitor for signs of stress, fatigue, or cold.
Duration: 2–5 minutes at first, increasing slowly with recovery time between sessions.
Red Flag: Do not proceed with hydrotherapy unless cleared by a vet, especially if any joint injury or spinal trauma is suspected.
IV. Monitoring and Red Flags
Watch for:
Fatigue, trembling, or shallow breathing during or after sessions
Loss of appetite, poopy butt, or refusal to move (signs of discomfort or overstimulation)
Asymmetrical breathing or visible deformity in shoulder movement
Any vocalizations or signs of pain (not normal in rabbits)
If observed:
Stop therapy immediately
Note timing, activity, and behaviors
Consult with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian
V. Additional Consideration: Kangaroo-Wrap Chest Carry
Purpose: Constant, warm support that allows for sensory input, movement monitoring, and passive regulation.
How-To:
Swaddle Jack gently and carry him in a wrap against your chest, upright or diagonally
Feel for shifting, leg movement, and shoulder engagement
Use this as a diagnostic tool—like with a baby who has hip dysplasia or neurodevelopmental delay
VI. Upcoming Vet Visit: Wednesday
Primary concern: Right shoulder
Questions:
Could this be a birth trauma (fracture, nerve impingement)?
Is there any visible skeletal deformation?
Is physical therapy or hydrotherapy safe to begin?
Are x-rays or orthopedic imaging recommended?
