Bye bye Metacam.....

Bottle is empty, and vet refuses to prescribe me any more as she insists it would cause damage to keep him on it long term :evil:

He's had a 10 day course for inflammation caused by snuffles and it really has helped I don't understand. I trusted this vet and never thought she'd let me down like this. She has literally told me that she can't do anything more for Boris and that I ought to seek help elsewhere if I wish to keep fighting for him But there's no one else to turn to. Not here. I hate this place so much, wish I could just pack my bags and leave for good Sorry rant over, I'm just upset and angry right now. I don't understand why she refuses to let him have Metacam when it's helped him so much. It's not going to poison him

I think my Bridge bun Dylan's long term use of metacam may have significantly contribued to his liver problem - apparently that can be a side effect. I couldn't leave Dylan in pain but now I wonder if I should have researched other pain relief for him.

Is there anything else your vet would be willing to use for Boris?

You have my sympathy, my vet is reluctant to give Metacam aswell, and I too have nowhere else to turn where I live :evil:

When my bun Mimi had head tilt I had to really fight the Metacam cause. In the end we came to a compromise of 3 days on 3 days off. Perhaps you and your vet could work out something similar?

It seems insane to me that she'd rather just give up than give long term Metacam a shot :evil:

I can understand where the vets are coming from because they have to pledge to "do no harm" as part of their profession. Meloxicam is known to cause stomach and liver problems. However, sometimes, you have to weigh up quality of life over length of life and if long term Metacam gives a good or reasonable quality of life and there is nothing similar that would work, then I'd rather use it. Professionally though, I suspect the vet is right, although morally I'm not sure I can accept it. Fortunately for me, Flora's use of Metacam is indefinite but my bunny-savvy vet is of the opinion that at her age (9), her life may not be much longer so any secondary problems may not have sufficient time to present themselves.

I've read about liver problems being a potential side effect, but as far as I've understood it isn't at all common? :? I had to really push for a short course just to see if it had any effect, she seems to think that even 10 days could do serious damage :?

She's made it clear that she won't do anything else to help him now I'm trying to convince her but I honestly don't think she even listens to me anymore :evil: And here I was thinking I'd found a rabbit savvy vet at last I have no clue what to do now. He gets by ok without the Metacam, but I really did see a big improvement with his sneezing etc. while he was on it, so it only makes sense that he should keep having it perhaps not daily, but when he needs it. It's not like he needs huge amounts either, we're talking 0.3 ML a day here. It upsets me that no one seems to give a about making his life easier :evil: If he'd been a dog or a cat there's no way he would be treated this way. But because he's a rabbit no one cares. That's the feeling I get when talking to these people.

Maybe it would be worth trying to email someone like FBH, I know that it might be difficult for her to diagnose/treat without being able to see Boris...but she might have some suggestions.

My Oscar has been on Metacam for 3 years - he wouldn't function without it.

What other meds are you using for snuffles? We find that engemycin injections keep the symptoms under control quite well, often alongside daily Septrin and Bisolvin when needed. Guess you've tried different combos already though?

Well during the winter one long course of Septrin was enough to keep it at bay, but now since it got warmer (and rainier :roll he's been having Echinacea extract as well and now Metacam. He's never had any injections or Bisolvon (he doesn't have much discharge really so I'm not sure how much good the latter would do if we tried it). Echinacea seems to help reduce the sneezing and boost his immune system, but he has swollen nasal passages and I'm not sure what else I could possibly try to reduce that other than Metacam :?

Oompa-Loompa said:

Well during the winter one long course of Septrin was enough to keep it at bay, but now since it got warmer (and rainier :roll he's been having Echinacea extract as well and now Metacam. He's never had any injections or Bisolvon (he doesn't have much discharge really so I'm not sure how much good the latter would do if we tried it). Echinacea seems to help reduce the sneezing and boost his immune system, but he has swollen nasal passages and I'm not sure what else I could possibly try to reduce that other than Metacam :?

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Would the vet let you try continuous Septrin? We have many snuffly buns that rely on Septrin, but also many that need the Engemycin injections every 3 days too.

Bisolvin is a powder that you give orally - just a pinch in a few mls of water - it really helps thin the mucus making it easier to keep the passages clear - worth a shot!

I recently read that metacam can kill cats and cause serious liver and kidney problems, so I can understand the vet's caution for a rabbit, but I'm sorry she won't give you more to help him

It'll be worth it then to try something else.

She didn't exactly allow it no...the last course he was on was only supposed to be 16 days long, but she prescribed me a whole bottle of the stuff and when the 16 days were up, he was still displaying symptoms. I prolonged it by 2 weeks or so and that cleared it up. I still have about half the bottle left which comes in handy as she won't let me have any more...in fact she won't do anything at all to help us now. She insists that he needs specialist care....which I agree with, I was just under the impression that SHE was a specialist :roll:

Snuffly bun is an incredibly common condition, and should only require a competent vet that can be bothered to do a bit of research rather than one who prefers to pass the buck by saying a specialist is required:roll:

It must be incredibly frustrating for you knowing that there are options to try, but having an unsupportive vet who won't give things a go.

I know that this isn't exactly what you were hoping for but may be of some use?

The willow tree is one of natures best anti inflammatories and just so happens to be a very popular treat with most bunnies :thumb:

BB Mommy said:

Snuffly bun is an incredibly common condition, and should only require a competent vet that can be bothered to do a bit of research rather than one who prefers to pass the buck by saying a specialist is required:roll:

It must be incredibly frustrating for you knowing that there are options to try, but having an unsupportive vet who won't give things a go.

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Exactly. It's not like he's the only bun who has it :roll: What makes it worse is that I left my local vet for this very reason, and as soon as I got recommended this one I thought everything would be ok. I expected her to be everything the other vet wasn't; supportive, rabbit savvy......and now she has turned out to lack both competence and compassion It's official: finding a rabbit savvy vet here is impossible. it literally can't be done. (not where I'm at anyway, I know there are good ones further south and unfortunately out of my reach for the time being!)

It's very frustrating indeed. Really, you shouldn't have to push as much as I did for a mere 10 days worth of Metacam. It's ridiculous.

Geoff's people said:

I know that this isn't exactly what you were hoping for but may be of some use?

The willow tree is one of natures best anti inflammatories and just so happens to be a very popular treat with most bunnies :thumb:

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Really? I didn't know that! I often get them willow toys off Hay Experts, I see Boris nibble them from time to time but generally he doesn't seem too keen. I'll research it though :wave:

Oompa-Loompa said:

Really? I didn't know that! I often get them willow toys off Hay Experts, I see Boris nibble them from time to time but generally he doesn't seem too keen. I'll research it though :wave:

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Get some FRESH and I bet you will see more enthusiasm from him:lol::lol::thumb:
If you find some pick loads and hang it up to dry as home dried stuff is far more nommy than shop bought willow.
Start with a little at a time though as they will stuff themselves to the point of tummy troubles if you let them eat as much as they want straight away.:roll::lol:

Can I suggest you try and get in touch with a rabbit vet in the UK and explain the situation. Someone like FHB or Jason Burgess (I can vouch for the loveliness of JB, he's a decent sort of chap) may be able to advise your vet on the right course of action on this matter.