Rabbits can become paralysed at any time in their lives. It is commonly a painful and arduous life, and they require special care, but if cared for, these can live a long fulfilling life.

Paralysis can occur due to various factors:
Arthritis and osteoarthritis causes paralysis when bones merge together in legs and the spine;

Trauma, specifically to the spine or damage to the vertebral disks can easily leave a rabbit paralysed, especially because their bones are extremely frail.
There are stories of rabbits that have become paralysed after a syringe was wrongly injected.
They can also be hurt in the womb, making them paralysed since birth.
Congenital diseases could also make a rabbit paralysed;

Disease whether bacterial or parasitic, like e.cuniculi;

Stroke and brain damage, or;

Weakness due to age, amongst other factors.

It is easy to recognise rear-end paralysis, as the rabbit will no longer be able to run, stand, hop or walk normally, thus rabbits with paralysis are seen dragging their back legs.
These rabbits normally have poor balance and end up falling to their sides.
Due to the trauma and the paralysis, the rabbits can lose control of their bodily needs, and commonly get dirty with urine and faeces.

Some of these signs can be seen before the rabbit loses complete control.
Some preventive care can be given, which extends the quality of life and slows down the symptoms. Regardless, it will eventually come the time where they are completely paralysed.

Their environment will have to be adapted to ensure they can interact with it.
Things like an accessible litter box, adding special padding for the rabbit to have more traction, ensure the bowls are accessible, and of course, cleaning them will eventually become common tasks.

Rabbits with rear-end paralysis tend to live shorter lives than usual, especially if they have the paralysis due to trauma, because things in their bodies have shifted and are now wrong.
It is thus not uncommon for carers to take care of them until their quality of life is not as good any more.
If they are to live for longer than usual, you will find yourself taking them to the vet often to check for their ears, legs, and rear-ends, and they may need a shave of their bottoms to stay cleaner.

Regardless, butt baths will become mandatory.

Another thing I want to greatly advocate for is to still try and bond the rabbit with someone else, as having a friend is a deep need and greatly expands life expectancy and quality of life.

If you want to learn further about paralysis, what things we have not mentioned, and how to properly care about paralysed rabbits The Educated Rabbit contains more detailed information. You can find it here:
In their page about Rear End Paralysis.
In their page about Pen set-up and Socialisation for paralysed rabbits.
In their page about Cleanliness.
In their site you can also find more information regarding diet.
You can also visit Disabled Rabbits’ page on Paralysis in Rabbits.

Alternatively, Heather from The Bunnyjackpot Foundation has spoken with us about Splay Legs, a very similar condition to rear-end paralysis in regards of care, and a video interview is available in our Video Lounge or in Youtube.