Specialist vets save rabbit’s shattered leg
Brumpy's miniature size posed additional challenge for the surgeons.
A team of veterinary specialists has performed advanced surgery to save a miniature rabbit’s shattered leg.
The specialists, from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, collaborated from between the hospital’s Rabbit and Exotic Practice, Orthopaedic Surgery and Anaesthesia Service.
Brumpy, a five-year-old dwarf breed rabbit, came to the hospital after having an accident at home. An X-ray revealed that his front leg had been fractured in multiple places.
With Brumpy weighing less than 2kg, the miniature rabbit’s size posed an additional challenge for the surgeons. There was a high risk his bones would shatter further during the procedure, which could have resulted in an amputation.
To stabilise Brumpy’s leg during the healing process, orthopaedic surgeons fitted a stainless steel, lightweight frame. The frame was 4.5cm in length and anchored with 0.8mm wide pins placed into the bones.
Brumpy was then discharged from the hospital with a recovery plan, including restricted exercise.
His external fixator was kept in place for eight weeks, before being removed while he was under general anaesthetic. Over the next six to eight weeks, Brumpy went through a gradual return to normal activity as he rebuilt his strength and confidence.
Before long, Brumpy was showing his joy with binkies and jumps.
His owner said: “I can’t thank everyone involved in Brumpy’s care enough, from reception, to the student vets, the incredibly skilled orthopaedic team and the phenomenal exotics vets.
“I felt that Brumpy’s wellbeing was at the heart of every decision that was made, and during his recovery, the team were on hand to answer any questions or concerns I had.”
Prof Dylan Clements, an RCVS specialist in small animal surgery, said: “We’re delighted with how well Brumpy has recovered. Thanks to the specialist multidisciplinary care and expertise we can provide through the Dick Vet Rabbit and Exotic Practice at the Hospital for Small Animals, we can confidently treat complex fractures in small animals such as Brumpy.”
Images © The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
