Seabert

or the story of a special newborn

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(Lose translation, with the permission of bunnybunch.nl)

She is born on July 16, 2008, her mother is Pip and her father is Kerel 2.

Seabert, this name recalls a seal character from an animated television series from the 1980s.

The reasons for this will become clear soon enough...

The litter was found to consist of a single newborn. This may have consequences for the doe. In this case, the doe fed and cared for her newborn in an overly protective manner. The latter grew rapidly, eventually reaching a size where its legs could no longer support her body weight. She was unable to move around properly.

This issue is not uncommon. I have raised this breed of rabbits for 23 years, and this is the first time I've observed this behavior. I once saw a six-month-old rabbit with the same problem, and I cannot imagine Seabert's life with this splay-leg handicap without trying to treat it.

Consequently, her limbs shift from being held firmly under her body to being positioned laterally along her body.

When Seabert found herself on her back, she was unable to regain an upright position. Neighbors would regularly check the condition of this little rabbit while I was at work, and turn her over if she was on her back. Many people have been involved with Seabert in this way.

When Seabert attempted to hop, she crawled on the side of her paws with her belly on the floor. I then consulted with my veterinarian to determine a course of action to straighten her limbs under her body. He stated that this would be challenging, as it is not feasible to cast the limbs of such a young animal. I subsequently discussed the matter with my friend Mireille, who also raises rabbits. What potential courses of action could be taken? During our research, we discovered the splay-leg or legs spread in hens, and how this condition could be treated. What could be done ?

Here, Seaburt at the worst time, with her anterior and posterior limbs are spread on the side of the body.

Here, I have successfully aligned her hind legs beneath her body. However, the anterior limbs are still oriented outward.

At the age of 20 days, Seabert weighed 200 grams (0.441 pound) !!! Here we can see that these legs splayed outwards, leading to the development of an eschar.

We must now act quickly, in the interest of Seabert, to provide her with the best possible future despite her disability. At the age of three weeks, the patient's anterior and posterior limbs were tied to reposition them under the body. The young rabbit accepted this without problems. On a three-day cycle, the distance between the limbs was gradually reduced.

See the photo:

The posterior limbs are now properly aligned. It is now necessary to treat the front paws, which continue to splay on the sides.

A unique bond was forged between us. She maintained a positive outlook, exuding a sense of joie de vivre, and did not appear to be affected by the treatment. She is a highly amiable character, readily licking my hand upon meeting, and adeptly manages her disability. This motivated me to advocate on her behalf and attempt to reposition her legs as optimally as possible.

Seabert now, at the age of 5 weeks.

Despite the rope straps that hold the front limbs, their distance has become larger.

Despite her handicap, Seabert remained content and joyful. She has a real positive attitude towards life.

Meanwhile, she uses her hind legs and can even stand up !!!

Her front paws showed signs of concern. A rope passes around her back, connecting the ties attached to her limbs to ensure they remain in place and do not impede her movement. The distance between the limbs gradually decreased.

This is a photograph of Seabert at seven weeks of age. This is the final attempt to improve the situation. A bandage is used to bring the limbs together under her body and gradually decrease their distance. Despite this, she was able to move around with ease.

The relation with her mother is excellent.

At the age of 8 weeks, Seabert remains a very happy rabbit and there is hope for improvement and a good future...

Pictures showing Seabert speak by themselves.

Seabert can now live with her disability and be a happy pet rabbit. She has become a special rabbit for me. She is now 12 weeks old.

Together with her mother Pip.

It was difficult to separate them, but at one point, the mother began to pull herself over her little one. However, Seabert's limbs could not support her weight. I'm very proud of Seabert and want what's best for her. When she was 12 weeks old, I decided to find her a good home because I have little to offer her in my rabbit herd due to her disability. I cannot bear the idea of leaving her alone in a cage.

Last week, a nice person came to visit and adopt a rabbit. She came for another rabbit, but when she saw Seabert, she fell under her spell. Seabert came to her, tried to make contact, and turned her around. It was all happiness.

Adaptations to the cage and living environment will be required to allow Seabert to move easily, e.g., non-slippery ground. She will have a wonderful future, perhaps with a castrated male companion. She currently lives nearby, and I visit her occasionally.

I wanted to share this wonderful story with you !!!

Cindy, bunny ranch chanty

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