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Improper handling may cause serious, life-threatening injuries.
Fractures and dislocations of the back, most often resulting in
paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common injuries. These
injuries also occur when rabbits are suddenly frightened and attempt
to escape from a small enclosure.
A rabbit's spine is relatively lightweight and fragile. When a
rabbit becomes frightened, it violently struggles by powerfully
kicking its back legs. The lightning-fast movements of the rear legs
cause over-extension of the lumbosacral (lower back) region of the
spine, which frequently results in fractures or dislocations. One
should never try to overpower a struggling rabbit. If a rabbit
violently resists physical restraint, it should be immediately
released and approached later when it has calmed down.
A soft-spoken, relaxed approach with rabbits works well.
Covering the eyes and lightly stroking a rabbit will usually result
in a hypnotic-like trance that often renders them less prone to panic
and injury.
Rabbits should never be picked up by their ears. If you are
concerned about being scratched by the claws, place a towel over the
rabbit's back and wrap it around the body to restrain all 4 feet
before picking up the rabbit. An alternative method of picking up a
rabbit involves sliding one hand under its breast bone and grasping
both front legs between the fingers of this hand. The other hand is
then gently worked under the rear quarters to fully support them as
the rabbit is lifted upwards, in the same manner as cats are held and
supported.
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