Rabbit fell or was dropped
If your rabbit has fallen, been dropped, or struggled hard while held, watch closely — rabbits have powerful hind legs and a fragile spine, and a bad kick or fall can cause spinal or internal injury. Get veterinary care now if your rabbit cannot move its back legs, drags itself, seems in pain, or is quiet and unwell. Keep it still and supported on a flat surface while you arrange care.
Fast answer for owners
- Go now if: Cannot move or feel the back legs / dragging the hind end; Obvious limb deformity or inability to stand; Collapse, pale gums, or laboured breathing after a fall.
- Call today if: Mild limping but bearing weight and bright; Reluctance to move with no obvious deformity.
- Do not: Ask the vet before giving medicines, forced feeding, home remedies, or delaying care.
- Tell the vet: Record last eating, drinking, droppings, urination, behaviour change, pain signs, temperature, toxins, trauma, and medications.
Go to a vet now if
- Cannot move or feel the back legs / dragging the hind end
- Obvious limb deformity or inability to stand
- Collapse, pale gums, or laboured breathing after a fall
Call a vet today if
- Mild limping but bearing weight and bright
- Reluctance to move with no obvious deformity
What to tell the vet
- How the injury happened and the height
- Whether the back legs work
- Any pain signs or crying
- Eating, droppings, and urination since
- Breathing and gum colour
- Weight and conditions
What not to do
- Do not let your rabbit struggle or jump
- Do not manipulate or splint a limb yourself
- Do not assume no visible injury means no harm
What your vet may check
Your vet may assess the spine and limbs, check for internal injury, and may use imaging to look for fractures or spinal damage.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
Recovery is vet-led; if your rabbit eats less while resting, feeding and gut support such as RodiCare Appetit or RodiCare Dia may be advised.
Frequently asked questions
Why are rabbit spines so fragile?
Rabbits have a lightweight skeleton and very strong hind legs, so a hard kick or awkward fall can fracture the spine. Always support the hindquarters when lifting.
My rabbit fell but seems fine — do I still call a vet?
Watch closely for several hours. If there's any limping, reluctance to move, or change in eating, droppings, or breathing, see a vet, as internal injury isn't always visible.
How should I lift my rabbit to prevent injury?
Support the chest and the hindquarters together, keep the spine aligned, and never let the back legs dangle or kick freely.
Related emergency guides
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows RWAF, House Rabbit Society, and exotic small-mammal medicine standards, source-cited and pending named veterinary review.
Related pages in this emergency hub
Source-cited guidance; pending named veterinary review.