Paresis and paralysis

Floppy rabbit syndrome
Floppy rabbit syndrome (FRS), also known as floppy bunny syndrome or flop bunny syndrome, is an acute neurological condition that affects rabbits and has been reported in the UK and USA. It is characterized by a sudden inability to hop around. The muscles of the legs and, in some cases, the neck are flaccid.

The cause is not known, although there are many theories about the cause, including hypokalaemia and plant toxicity.

Rabbits are able to eat and drink if food is placed within reach.

Many cases will recover with supportive care, often within 3 days, though re-occurrence is possible.


 * Dr. Frances Harcourt-Brown, An appeal for information about and samples from rabbits affected by neurological symptoms that may or may not be 'Floppy Rabbit Syndrome'
 * MediRabbit, “Floppy rabbit syndrome”- General muscle weakness [PDF].
 * Vetstream, Floppy rabbit syndrome page.
 * Twycross Zoo, Floppy Rabbit Syndrome.
 * Nikki White, Flop Bunny Syndrome
 * Happy Hoppers Rabbit Forum, Jenny Buckingham, Floppy Rabbit Syndrome

Twilight syndrome
Twilight syndrome is sometimes also referred to as head down syndrome, floppy head syndrome, or head droop syndrome.


 * House Rabbit Network, Suzanne Trayhan, Twilight's Syndrome, A Mysterious Toxin
 * MediRabbit, House Rabbit Network, Suzanne Trayhan, “Head-down syndrome” or “Twilight's syndrome" Was it hepatic encephalothy ?
 * MediRabbit, “Head-down syndrome” in a rabbit
 * The Riel House Rabbits of Hampshire County, Bumper & Bubsie story.

Milkweed poisoning
In the south-western US, the ingestion of the woolly pod milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa) can cause a condition called head down disease. Affected animals develop paralysis of the neck muscles and loss of coordination. Drooling, rough hair coat, subnormal temperature and tar-like feces occur.

Consumption of about 0.25% of an animal's body weight is lethal.

Recovery has been reported if the rabbit has not consumed too much of the weed and food and water are placed within reach and the rabbit held so that it can eat and drink.